Aneesh Singla, MD, MPH in Baltimore: Interventional Pain Management Focused on Spine and Joint Conditions
Aneesh Singla is an interventional pain management physician practicing in Baltimore who specializes in image-guided injection therapy for spine and joint pain, with board certification in anesthesiology and additional fellowship training in pain medicine. His practice treats patients for whom conservative approaches have not resolved pain, and he operates within Baltimore's broader physician ecosystem where pain management spans from primary-care referrals to high-volume surgical centers.
What the practice actually is
Dr. Singla offers interventional pain management, a medical specialty that uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic imaging to target pain sources directly. Unlike general pain management focused on medication, or orthopedic surgery that operates, interventional pain physicians perform minimally invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and other joint-specific treatments. His training emphasizes accuracy through image guidance rather than landmark-based technique alone. The practice is typically accessed through referral from primary-care doctors or orthopedic surgeons, though some Baltimore practices accept self-referrals; verification of direct-access policy is advisable before scheduling.
Procedures and what to expect for cost
Interventional pain procedures in Baltimore range in cost depending on complexity and whether they target single or multiple levels. Epidural steroid injections at the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) spine typically run $800 to $1,500 per injection when paid out of pocket. Facet joint injections, which target arthritis in the small joints along the spine, fall in a similar range. Sacroiliac joint injections, used for pain at the low back and buttock junction, are often in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. Many insurance plans cover these procedures when medically necessary, but coverage depends on the specific plan, the clinical indication, and prior authorization requirements. Out-of-pocket patients should confirm the exact fee with the office before the procedure date. Some practices offer package pricing for multiple injections or follow-up procedures within a defined period.
How interventional pain in Baltimore compares
Baltimore has interventional pain physicians across multiple health systems and independent practices. University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins operate large pain management divisions with multiple physicians, shorter wait times for established patients, and fuller integration with surgical options if injection therapy does not resolve symptoms. Independent physicians like Dr. Singla typically offer more personalized scheduling and extended appointment time per patient. Hospital-affiliated groups may have more robust insurance networks and faster prior authorization pathways; independent practices sometimes offer more flexibility for uninsured or out-of-pocket patients. If you need rapid escalation to surgery, a Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland referral pathway may be advantageous. If you prefer focused, non-surgical management with a single provider over time, an independent interventional pain physician often allows deeper continuity.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Ideal candidates for Dr. Singla's services are patients with documented spine or joint pain who have not improved with physical therapy, oral pain medication, or rest and want to avoid surgery, or who need a time-limited intervention to regain function for rehabilitation. Patients must be willing to undergo imaging (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) and accept that injections are not permanent cures; repeat procedures may be needed over months or years. This practice does not suit patients seeking opioid prescriptions as primary management, patients with active infections at the injection site, or those unwilling to engage in post-injection physical therapy. Patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants require careful pre-procedure evaluation; some anticoagulants must be paused before injection. Pregnant women are not candidates for fluoroscopic procedures. Clear communication about expectations and medical history at the first visit prevents mismatched care.
What the first visit involves
A new patient appointment includes a detailed history of pain onset, prior treatments (injections, physical therapy, imaging), and current medications. Dr. Singla reviews imaging (MRI or X-rays) to confirm the anatomic pain source and determine whether injection therapy is appropriate. A physical examination identifies range-of-motion loss, weakness, or nerve-related findings. If the patient is a candidate, the procedure may be scheduled for a separate date or, in some cases, performed the same day if imaging is recent and the patient has fasted. Patients are asked to bring a driver; sedation is typically light, but drive restrictions apply. After the procedure, brief soreness at the injection site is common; most patients report pain relief within 3 to 7 days, though the full effect can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Hours, location, and logistics
Dr. Singla's practice is located in Baltimore; patients should confirm office hours and parking details directly with the practice, as these details change seasonally or with staffing. Most interventional pain practices in Baltimore are based in medical office parks or hospital outpatient centers with dedicated parking. Procedures require a fasting period (typically 6 hours) and a companion for discharge. Insurance cards and a list of current medications should be brought to the first visit. Verification of insurance acceptance and pre-authorization requirements is essential; some policies require a specialist referral from your primary doctor before the first visit.
Dr. Singla's practice fills a specific role for Baltimore patients whose pain has not resolved with conventional treatment and who want to avoid surgery or delay it while restoring function.
