IV ketamine may be an option for selected adults with persistent chronic pain. At Regenerative Medicine at UPC, Dr. Rainier Guiang, MD starts with a focused cash-pay consult to review your diagnosis, previous care, medications, and goals before recommending whether an infusion-based plan is appropriate in Riverside or Menifee.
Cash-pay note: Regenerative care is separate from insurance-based pain care. We explain the plan and expected costs before you decide; a superbill is available on request.
Who IV ketamine may be for
- Adults with persistent pain that has not responded adequately to reasonable conventional care
- People whose pain is affecting sleep, movement, work, or daily activities
- Patients interested in a supervised, non-opioid option after a careful medical review
- People able to discuss realistic goals rather than expecting a guaranteed result
Who may not be a good fit
- People with an active medical or psychiatric issue that makes ketamine unsafe
- Uncontrolled blood pressure, certain heart conditions, or medication interactions that require another plan
- Anyone seeking an unsupervised or at-home treatment without monitoring
- Someone expecting one infusion to permanently eliminate pain
We will be direct if the potential risks outweigh the possible benefits or if another evaluation makes more sense.
What IV ketamine is
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that can also influence pain-processing pathways. In a clinic setting, a carefully selected patient may receive it by IV with appropriate monitoring. The goal is to see whether a supervised treatment can support pain relief or function; response varies by diagnosis, health history, and protocol.
Our broader service information is available on the ketamine infusions page.
Does an IV ketamine infusion hurt?
A small needle is used for the IV, and some people notice brief discomfort with placement. The infusion itself is monitored, but temporary sensations such as lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, or changes in perception can occur. We discuss safety and what to report before treatment.
Can IV ketamine help chronic pain?
Some patients report improvement in pain intensity or function, while others do not. Evidence and response are different for different pain conditions, so the consultation is important. We use a measured plan and do not promise a particular outcome.
What to expect
- Consult ($95, cash-pay) — history, exam, medication review, and discussion of your goals and alternatives
- Safety planning — if appropriate, we review monitoring, transportation, medication instructions, and what the visit involves
- Supervised treatment — an IV infusion with clinical observation according to the plan discussed with you
- Follow-up — we assess your response and decide whether any next step is reasonable
Locations
Regenerative Medicine at UPC serves patients in Riverside and Menifee, CA. Call the regen line at 951-900-3253 or email regeneration@unipain.com.
FAQ
Is IV ketamine covered by insurance?
Regenerative Medicine at UPC is a cash-pay service and these treatments are generally not billed as insurance care. We explain costs before you proceed.
Will I be able to drive afterward?
Often, patients need a responsible adult to drive them home after a monitored infusion. We give visit-specific instructions.
Is this the same as University Pain Consultants?
It is a separate cash-pay regenerative service. For traditional insurance-based pain care, contact University Pain Consultants at 951-784-7111.
How do I know if ketamine is appropriate for my pain?
A consult is the right starting point. Dr. Guiang will review your history and tell you if the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives fit your situation.
Want a candid review of whether IV ketamine belongs in your chronic pain plan?
Book your $95 consult · Call 951-900-3253 · regeneration@unipain.com
