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Cost of Treatment for Postherpetic Neuralgia in Phoenix, AZ
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, and sometimes the nerves stay damaged even after the rash heals. When that pain lasts, it’s called postherpetic neuralgia, and it can feel like burning, stabbing, or sensitivity to even light touch. Postherpetic neuralgia treatments can include nerve pain medicines, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation to calm the irritated nerves. If you’re looking for the cost of postherpetic neuralgia treatments in Phoenix, join Comprehensive Pain Management to see what people usually pay.
Average Cost of Postherpetic Neuralgia Treatments in Phoenix
There is no specific cost of postherpetic neuralgia treatments in Phoenix, like a price tag. PHN can be mild for one person and very severe for another, but:
- For milder PHN (medications, a few visits, maybe one injection), the cost of PHN treatments in Phoenix often ends up around $500 to $1,500 over the first stretch of care.
- For tougher PHN (testing, several nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation), the total cost can rise to about $3,000 to $8,000+, especially if you pay cash and need multiple procedures.
Here is what the main steps may look like and how much they usually cost in Phoenix:
First visit with a pain specialist (exam, review of history)
- Roughly $150 to $500 per visit, depending on the clinic and length of the appointment.
Tests to check your nerves (EMG, sometimes MRI or CT if needed)
- EMG: about $200 to $600
- MRI or CT scan: about $400 to $3,000, depending on the scan and location.
Nerve block injections for PHN pain
- Simple nerve block: $300 to $600
- Image-guided nerve block: $500 to $1,200+
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Often $1,000 to $2,000
- Some centers charge $2,000 to $4,000 cash rate
Follow-up visits and physical therapy
- Follow-up visits: $100 to $250
- Physical therapy: $100 to $250 per session
Ongoing pain medicines
- The monthly cost is usually $50 to $300, depending on the drug and dose
Put together, this is why the cost of postherpetic neuralgia treatments in Phoenix has such a wide range. Your total is really “consults + tests + procedures + meds” over time.
Drug Costs
Even when procedures are the big ticket items, medicines often make up a steady monthly share of the treatment cost. Here are rough monthly cash-price ranges (before coupons or insurance):
| Drug Type | Common Examples | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Anticonvulsants | Gabapentin, Pregabalin | $10 – $120 |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline | $10 – $80 |
| Topical treatments | Lidocaine patches, Capsaicin | $15 – $90 |
| Other pain medicines | Short-acting opioids (when needed) | $20 – $150+ |
For many people, the medication part of the cost of postherpetic neuralgia treatments in Phoenix is manageable with generics, but it still adds up over time.
Factors that Influence Cost
Here are the main things that can change the cost of postherpetic neuralgia treatments in Phoenix, in simple terms:
- How strong your pain is. More severe pain often needs more visits and more advanced treatments.
- How long you have had PHN. Long-lasting pain may need repeated care.
- Which nerves are involved. Some areas require more careful or guided procedures.
- Type of procedure. Simple blocks cost less; ablation costs more.
- Use of imaging. Ultrasound or X-ray guidance adds to the price.
- Number of sessions. More treatments increase the total cost.
- Clinic type. Hospital-based centers usually cost more.
- Doctor’s experience. Specialists with advanced training may charge more.
- Insurance details. Your deductible, co-pays, and network matter.
- Medication plan. More drugs or brand names raise the monthly cost.
Is the Cost of Postherpetic Neuralgia Treatment Covered by Insurance?
The short answer is often yes. Many health plans cover:
- Visits with pain specialists
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation in Phoenix
- EMG and imaging when needed
- Most nerve pain medicines
Coverage often lands around 70% to 80% after deductibles and co-pays.
You’re more likely to have coverage when:
- Your doctor clearly documents medical necessity
- The treatment is standard and not experimental
- The clinic is in-network
Medicines are usually covered under pharmacy benefits, although co-pays vary widely.
The Bottom Line
Living with PHN is draining, and when you look at the cost of postherpetic neuralgia treatments in Phoenix, it helps to see these costs as steps toward getting relief.
Some people spend less because medicines and a few visits help. Others need imaging, nerve blocks, or ablation to calm the nerves. Either way, you deserve clear answers without confusion.
If you’re in Phoenix, call Comprehensive Pain Management and say, “I have nerve pain after shingles, and I want to know my treatment options and the costs.”
One simple call can turn all the confusion into a clear, step-by-step plan that fits your pain level, your needs, and your budget.
FAQ
What is the most effective treatment for postherpetic neuralgia?
Most people start with nerve pain medicines, and if that’s not enough, nerve blocks or radiofrequency treatments can help.
Is postherpetic neuralgia lifelong?
It can be, but often it isn’t. Many people improve over months, while others with severe shingles or older age may have longer-lasting pain.
How long does postherpetic neuralgia take to heal?
Pain usually lasts at least 3 months after the rash. Some people improve in 3 to 6 months, others within a year, and a few may take longer.
Dr. James KellerShabrokh
Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.
