I can only speak to my experience, and don't know how universal this type of testing is. But this is it.

My Thoracic/Cardiovascular Surgeon, performed:

1. vascular testing, supervised my PT, sent me for X-rays and MRI.. and referred me to:

2. A Rheumatologist (blood tests) and soft-tissue evaluation.

3. A Pain physician who performed EMG, SSEP and any other neurological testing. Also began anti-depressants as he could see that freight train coming at me. (Thank God)

4. An Anesthesiologist for nerve blocks.

It is true that even physicians who specialize in TOS, are often hesitant to catogorically diagnose TOS until the appropriate test results are completed, in each area. The exception might be in the case of cervical ribs, for example.

Each physician concluded I was a strong 'surgical candidate'. However, I cannot stress strongly enough, EACH ONE of them made clear to me that in my case, being a surgical candidate does not mean surgery will be helpful and it could possibly result in many more, less controllable, serious issues. Also, if scar tissue is a problem, surgery could set you up for a lifetime of repeated risky proceedures.

Be certain to have multiple opinions, usually insurance requires this anyway.

I was sent to a team of Neurologists at Johns-Hopkins by an attorney. They performed repeat and additional 'controversial' testing on me..NOT fun and potentially dangerous. But they have their studies to publish you know..got to make names for themselves.

They, in their innate arrogance, were the ONLY 'specialists' who recommended multiple major surgeries, but of course could not predict if any of that would help me in the least.

Every single other specialist strongly advised me against surgery.

The pain physician should be able to refer you to others based on their examination and testing. Either way, you will eventually want to be seen by vascular specialists to rule in/out that potential aspect of TOS.

It sounds as though you will be fine waiting such a short time to be seen by the Pain Doc first.

Warmly,
Anne