What to expect

To determine if you’re a candidate, an HFX doctor will look at:

• The type of pain you’re experiencing
• How long you’ve had pain
• The severity and characteristics of your pain
• Your pain location(s)
• Previous treatment options or procedures you’ve tried

Answer a few questions to see if HFX could relieve your pain.

After you take the short assessment, request a call from an HFX Coach to get help scheduling an HFX consultation with an experienced doctor near you.

Or if you don’t need help, you can simply search your ZIP code, and find an HFX doctor using the Find a Doctor search tool.

At your consultation, your doctor will provide a complete evaluation, discuss this treatment option in further detail, and answer any questions you have.

All major insurance providers cover HFX including Medicare. You and your doctor can discuss insurance coverage requirements at your consultation.

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Pain Management Doctor.

The trial is an opportunity for you to evaluate your pain relief, improvements in your quality of life, and see if HFX helps meet your pain management goals.

• With a temporary device that is worn externally, you get to “test drive” HFX for 1 week.
• The trial procedure takes about 1 hour, is very similar to an epidural injection, and doesn’t require any incisions.
• The temporary device is taped to your back and is easily covered under your clothes. You’ll go home the same day.
• There are minimal restrictions, generally, you’ll be encouraged to maintain your daily routine and even try activities your pain has prevented you from doing.

If you get at least 50% pain relief during your trial, then you’ll have the option to move forward with the implant. Learn more about the trial: Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial: What You Need to Know.

Implanting HFX requires only 2 small incisions and is performed with anesthesia or sedation to make it comfortable for you.

• HFX is placed in your lower back or buttocks area (your doctor will help decide which location is right for you).
• Recovery time varies from person to person but typically takes 4-8 weeks.
• Once you get the green light from your doctor, you can do things like swim, travel, and return to the activities you love.
• It’s also possible your doctor may recommend an alternative approach using a paddle lead, which requires a slightly different procedure.

You can see how HFX relieves your chronic pain in the How HFX Works video.

• About 1 week after getting HFX, your care team will create a personalized plan to turn on and program your device.
• HFX is controlled with a small remote control or mobile app.
• As you get used to HFX, you’ll have follow-up calls with your care team to find which settings provide you with the most pain relief.
• Once you find your best settings, you’ll have your dedicated HFX Coach who will be there for long term support whenever you need it.