inpatient vs outpatient ketamine infusion
 

Hi All,
For those of you have either the experiences and or knowledges about the inpatient and the outpatient ketamine infusion. Is one better than the other in terms of treatment outcome? Who should consider this treatment and who are the best candidates? What is the waiting period for this kind of treatment? Some insurance pay but some don't. I have blue cross blue shield of california. Do they cover ketamine infusion? Does anybody know? Do you have the procedure codes? Perhaps i can call my insurance to figure it out.
I am currently in a desperate situation as i suffer new RSD pains in my hands/arms and flares in my legs/feet after a blood drawn 2 months ago and this past Friday i was hit by the door as someone coming out from a door because i was so stupid standing by the door without realizing someone can go in and out of that door. The push was hard and unexpected and of course i screamed. I bet the whole supermarket heard my screaming. Since then, i experienced new RSD pains in right hand/arm then spread to my left hand/arm. The pain is sort of out of control. My pain is usually 2 or 3 out of 10. But now it is around 7/8 out of 10. The pain has gone up rapidly. I am scheduled for a serious of blocks. I got some temporary relief for my burning pain in my calves. I am hoping to get some relief for my hands and arms. I shall see. I can't live with this high level of pain for sure and i would appreciate your input in terms of treatment options to bring my pain down and or get rid of my new RSD pain.
Thanks everyone!

My daughter has done both inpatient and outpatient with BC FEP which has paid for all of it.
She had the most success by going off all meds and doing inpatient. The boosters have helped her ever since.
I would read Barby Ingles books on her RSD and ketamine experience, especially the newer one, ReMission Possible. She goes over protocols, billing, etc.

Liz

Liz,
Congratulation on your daughter's positive results. Did you obtain a full remission? When did she start the ketamine infusion after the onset of RSD? What is BC FEC? Where can i find the book?
Thanks

can i ask a really stupid question?
 

Is ketamine the drug that my vet uses on my cat for pain control?? I am really new here, so I'm sorry if that is a off the chart dumb question.:confused: Karen

One use of Ketamine is as an animal tranquilizer. It's not the same as what humans think of as a tranquilizer. Ketamine effects the nervous system. Not to scare you, Ketamine is a cousin to PCP or Phencyclidine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketamine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phencyclidine

Re Katamine infusions.
 

I actually did not know what was used on me until I got my medical records. I had two in office proceedures call Katamine infusion. It worked for me for periods of time, but the underlying condition had to be resolved with surgery. I have Np still in my left arm. The proceedue was done with a machine for guidance and was like a mini operating type of theater. For me the proceedure didn't hurt. I would do it again if I had to. ginnie

My daughter has had many ketamine infusions (2 inpatient and several outpatient 3 day boosters). All were covered by my Blue Cross Federal Employee Program but I know many other insurance companies cover it now that ketamine has FDA approval for breakthrough pain. There is an excellent group on FB called the Ketamine Klub that lists all the doctors whe perform it and also the billing codes for those of you having problems with either your insurance company or self pay with reimbursement later.

My dd has gotten significant relief with her treatments. What worked best for her was inpatient followed by outpatient boosters on about a 6 wk schedule. It is important to follow up and keep up the exposure to ketamine when pain levels start to rise.

We have had no problems with 'tripping' or hallucinations. The other iv meds should take care of all of that. It is important to go in there in a relaxed state with a positive mind set. My dd wears headphones and dark glasses to keep down outside stimulus.