subject: Peripheral Neuropathy Self-treatment [print this page] Patients suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy often asked if it is possible to do self-treatment. The answer is of course YES, self-treatment is possible. However, it is strongly recommended that patients undergo an initial period of supervision as vast majority of patients who do have been more successful in their treatment.
Why is there a need for an initial period of supervision? It is our opinion and experiences that peripheral neuropathy patients need to be very thoroughly evaluated and monitored by a central treating licensed healthcare professional. This is to allow patients to have someone to coordinate their care and make sure that all necessary diagnostic tests are done. The healthcare professional will also make sure that all other healthcare conditions are fully addressed during the evaluation period.
We strongly recommend that patients undergo a five-week clinical trial in the office prior to being discharged with the homecare unit because we believe in the success of having patients undergo initial supervision. The trial includes a nutritional evaluation, extensive clinical baseline and follow-up exams.
For the entire 5 weeks, your healthcare professional will be administering con-current manual therapies, prescriptive exercises, and nutritional support. He would also manage the communication lines with the patient's other doctors. But the most important part is educating and training patients in all the important factors and co-factors to best insure recovery of functions and reduction in severity of symptoms.
There are cases that patients cannot attend a clinical trial due to various reasons. If this is the case, patients are still advised to seek professional guidance and evaluations in any ways possible such are those available online. There are people, organizations and professional groups that are extending their hands to help peripheral neuropathy patients through online resources and informational guide. Telemedicine evaluations for both patients and doctors are also provided.
The cost of a clinical trial treatment is also something that peripheral neuropathy patients are concern about. Most would probably ask whether insurance company can cover the payment of a 5-week clinical trial.
Often times, there will be an out of the pocket cost. But you can use your FSA, HCSA, or simply remember to deduct medical expenditures whenever applicable. The cost is often far less that what patients are already spending on marginally effective prescription medication.
There is also the possibility that your insurance company may provide reimbursement for some or all of your care and your doctor's good records from your 5 week trial may very well assist you in recovering from your insurance.
