Question 1

Do I need a referral to be seen?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required to schedule a consultation, unless your insurance plan specifically requires one. Our team can help you confirm.

Question 2

What should I bring to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant imaging reports or prior records. Registration and intake forms are completed securely through our patient portal before your visit.

Question 3

How long is a first appointment?

Accepted Answer

New patient consultations are typically 45 to 60 minutes. We schedule generously so that your evaluation is thorough and unhurried.

Question 4

Can I be treated on the same day as my consultation?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. If a procedure is appropriate and you are comfortable proceeding, it can often be performed the same day.

Question 5

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We participate with a number of major insurance plans for pain medicine services. Please see our Insurance page for a current list, and contact us if you do not see your plan.

Question 6

Are aesthetic treatments covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic treatments such as Botox and Dysport for aesthetic purposes are self-pay and are not covered by insurance. Botox for chronic migraine may be covered when medical criteria are met.

Question 7

Is PRP covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

PRP is generally considered an elective regenerative treatment and is not covered by most insurance plans. Pricing is discussed transparently before any treatment.

Question 8

Are the procedures painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients experience only brief, mild discomfort. We use fine needles, local anesthetic and ultrasound guidance to keep procedures as comfortable as possible.

Question 9

Do you prescribe opioids?

Accepted Answer

Our practice focuses on interventional and regenerative treatments that address the source of pain. We do not operate as a medication management or opioid prescribing practice.

Question 10

How quickly will I feel relief?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the treatment. Nerve blocks and trigger point injections often provide relief within hours to days; steroid injections within several days; and regenerative treatments such as PRP over several weeks.

Question 11

Who performs aesthetic treatments?

Accepted Answer

All aesthetic treatments at Minaret Medical are performed personally by Dr. Ahmad, a board-certified physician.

Question 12

How long do Botox and Dysport results last?

Accepted Answer

Results typically last three to four months. With consistent treatment, many patients find that lines soften over time.

Question 13

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located in Midtown Manhattan, steps from Grand Central Terminal, with convenient access to the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S trains and Metro-North.

Question 14

How do I access the patient portal?

Accepted Answer

Use the Patient Portal link in the site navigation or footer. The portal is a secure system managed by our EHR provider for registration, intake forms, messages and records.

Questions, answered.

Appointments & your first visit

Insurance & payment

Pain medicine procedures

Aesthetic treatments

The practice

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