Out-Of-Town Patients
Advanced Peripheral Nerve Care
Diagnosis & Treatment at Neuropax Clinic
Neuropax Clinic provides specialized care for patients with chronic peripheral nerve pain from across the United States and internationally. Many of our patients travel to St. Louis after years of unresolved pain, inconclusive testing, or treatments that addressed symptoms – but not the underlying nerve source.
Our care model is intentionally designed to support out-of-town patients seeking expert diagnosis and definitive treatment for nerve pain.
Why Travel to St. Louis for Your Peripheral Nerve Care?
St. Louis is centrally located within the United States, often offering low airfare, lodging, and travel costs compared to coastal medical centers. Neuropax Clinic is located less than 30 minutes from St. Louis International Airport (STL), and hotels and our affiliated surgery center are within 10 minutes of the Clinic.
Typical flight times to STL:
Tampa – 2 hours
New York City – 2.5 hours
Houston – 2 hours
Denver – 1.5 hours
Los Angeles – 4 hours
Seattle – 4 hours
Our Out-of-Town Treatment Pathway
Step 1: Submit Your Pain Story
Your care begins with a detailed review of your pain history, including symptoms, prior imaging, procedures, medications, and surgeries. This allows our clinical team to determine whether your pain pattern may be related to peripheral nerve injury or entrapment.
Step 2: Personal Medical Review (PMR) – Introductory Video Consultation and review of your medical information
If your Pain Story suggests that Neuropax may be able to help, we will contact you in approximately one week to schedule a video introduction with one of our physicians or practitioners. During this consultation, we review your history, discuss whether an in-person diagnostic evaluation is appropriate, and explain our approach to nerve pain diagnosis and treatment.
Step 3: In-Person Diagnostic Evaluation
Most patients who travel to Neuropax arrive after years of unresolved pain, multiple providers, extensive testing, and sometimes prior surgeries—often without a clear diagnosis. This visit is designed to identify the exact nerve source of your pain.
This evaluation typically includes:
- An appointment duration of 1–3 hours
- A re-review of the prior medical document
- A focused physical examination for nerve-related pain or dysfunction
- Ultrasound-guided diagnostic nerve block(s), performed by the Neuropax Team
- A clear explanation of all findings and personalized treatment recommendations
- Most out-of-town patients stay one night in a nearby hotel.
Peripheral Nerve Surgery (When indicated)
When surgery is recommended, it is typically considered definitive treatment once a nerve source of your pain has been clearly identified.
- Outpatient procedure under general anesthesia
- Operative time of approximately 1–2.5 hours
- Arrival in St. Louis the day before surgery
- Postoperative clinic visit approximately two days later if necessary.
- Return home the same day if recovery is progressing appropriately.
Operating room schedules: Dr. Brown – Mondays; Dr. Hagan – Wednesdays
Why Patients Travel to Neuropax Clinic
Neuropax Clinic is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of chronic peripheral nerve pain from many different causes. Our approach focuses on identifying the true pain generator—rather than masking symptoms—so patients can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a realistic path toward relief.
Insurance
Although we participate with some insurance companies, many out-of-state insurance plans do not cover our surgeons’ fees. However, anesthesia and facility charges are sometimes covered by your insurance company. A transparent, detailed cost estimate is provided once a surgical plan is finalized, and a SuperBill can be provided. Due to current complexities of care, Neuropax Clinic does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Follow-Up Care for Traveling Patients
Our care does not end when you return home.
- Scheduled video visits at 1–3 weeks and 6–8 weeks after surgery
- Ongoing access to the care team via phone, video, and secure messaging
- In-person visits are available if complications or additional concerns arise
- We can also coordinate with local providers if necessary and available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a referral to be seen at Neuropax Clinic?
No. A referral is not required. Patients may self-refer by submitting their Pain Story through our website. Our clinical team reviews each submission to determine whether your symptoms may be related to peripheral nerve pain and whether an evaluation at Neuropax Clinic is appropriate.
2. How do you determine whether my pain is nerve-related?
We use a focused diagnostic approach that includes a detailed history, a physical examination designed specifically for nerve pain, and—when appropriate—ultrasound- guided diagnostic nerve blocks performed by the surgeon. This process helps identify the exact nerve source of pain and guides treatment decisions.
3. How long do out-of-town patients typically need to stay in St. Louis?
Most patients stay one night for an in-person diagnostic evaluation. If surgery is recommended, patients typically arrive the day before surgery and remain in St. Louis for a postoperative visit about two days later prior to returning home.
4. Is surgery always required for peripheral nerve pain?
No. Surgery is recommended only when a specific nerve source of pain has been clearly identified and conservative treatments are unlikely to provide lasting relief. The goal of the evaluation is to determine whether surgery is appropriate – not to push surgery. Sometimes, certain nerve injuries or nerve pain will respond to therapeutic injections and surgery is avoided. This depends on the type of nerve injury/condition that you have been diagnosed with.
5. Does insurance cover peripheral nerve surgery at Neuropax Clinic?
Most out-of-state insurance plans do not cover our surgeons’ fees, though anesthesia and facility charges are often covered. A transparent, detailed cost estimate is provided once a surgical plan is finalized. Neuropax Clinic does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
6. How is follow-up care handled for patients who travel?
Follow-up care is typically provided through scheduled video visits at 1–3 weeks and 6–8 weeks after surgery. Patients also have ongoing access to the care team via phone, video, and secure messaging, with in-person visits available if needed.