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Dr. Irene Wu, MD

Dr. Irene Wu, MD

Santa Monica, CA

Accepting patients

Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital

    Who is Dr. Wu, Pain Medicine Specialist in Santa Monica, CA?

    Dr. Irene Wu, MD is a Pain Medicine Specialist, who primarily practices in Santa Monica, CA with 1 additional practice location. She is board certified. Dr. Wu graduated from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science. Dr. Wu is fluent in English and Chinese, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Wu’s practice accepts Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Medicaid, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Wu’s office at (310) 319-2253.

    Where did Dr. Wu go to medical school and complete their residency?

    • Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

    Is Dr. Wu board certified as a Pain Medicine Specialist?

    Yes, Dr. Irene Wu, MD is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology

    What languages does Dr. Wu speak?

    Dr. Wu and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:

    • Chinese

    • English

    What conditions does Dr. Wu treat?

    As a Pain Medicine Specialist, Dr. Wu diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Wu. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.

    Also known as:

    • Pinched Nerve in Lower Back
    • Pinched Nerve in Neck
    • Back Pain
    • Peripheral Nerve Disorder
    • Neck Injuries and Disorder
    • Lumbar Radiculopathy
    • Lower Back Nerve Compression
    • Compressed Nerve in Lower Back
    • Cervical Radiculopathy
    • Neck Nerve Compression
    • Compressed Nerve in Neck

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M5416: Radiculopathy, lumbar region
    • M5412: Radiculopathy, cervical region

    Also known as:

    • Lower Back and Tailbone Spinal Degeneration
    • Spine Injuries and Disorder
    • Lumbosacral Spondylosis
    • Lower Back Arthritis
    • Degenerative Disc Disease in Lower Back

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M47817: Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbosacral region

    Also known as:

    • Single Nerve Damage
    • Peripheral Nerve Disorder
    • Mononeuropathy
    • Localized Nerve Damage
    • Focal Neuropathy

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • G589: Mononeuropathy, unspecified

    Also known as:

    • Neck Spondylosis
    • Neck Injuries and Disorder
    • Cervical Spondylosis
    • Neck Arthritis
    • Degenerative Neck Disease

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M47812: Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, cervical region

    Also known as:

    • Muscle Pain
    • Muscle Disorder
    • Myalgia
    • Muscle Ache
    • Muscle Soreness

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M7918: Myalgia, other site

    Also known as:

    • Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation
    • Back Pain
    • SI Joint Inflammation
    • Sacroiliac Dysfunction
    • Inflamed SI Joint

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M461: Sacroiliitis, not elsewhere classified

    Also known as:

    • Pain in Right Knee
    • Knee Injuries and Disorder
    • Pain
    • Right Knee Ache
    • Right Knee Discomfort
    • Sore Right Knee

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M25561: Pain in right knee

    Also known as:

    • Right Hip Pain
    • Hip Injuries and Disorder
    • Pain
    • Sore Right Hip
    • Right Hip Ache
    • Right Hip Discomfort

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M25551: Pain in right hip

    What procedures does Dr. Wu perform?

    As a Pain Medicine Specialist, Dr. Wu performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Wu. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.

    Also known as:

    • Lumbar or Sacral Epidural Injection with Imaging
    • Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Injection
    • Epidural Steroid Injection
    • Facet Joint Injection (Lower Back/Sacrum)
    • Caudal Epidural Injection
    • Spinal Nerve Block
    • Pain Management Injection
    • TFESI (Lumbar)
    • Nerve Root Block (Lumbar)
    • Lower Back Nerve Injection with Imaging
    • Cervical Epidural Injection
    • Thoracic Epidural Injection
    • Pain Relief Spinal Injection
    • Lumbar Facet Joint Injection
    • Sacral Facet Joint Injection
    • Paravertebral Facet Injection
    • Lower Back Pain Injection (Guided)

    CPT Codes:

    • 62323: Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, lumbar or sacral (caudal); with imaging guidance (ie, fluoroscopy or CT)
    • 64483: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral, single level
    • 62321: Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, cervical or thoracic; with imaging guidance (ie, fluoroscopy or CT)
    • 64493: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral; single level

    Also known as:

    • Lumbar or Sacral Epidural Injection (Guided)
    • Sacroiliac Joint Injection
    • Guided Facet Joint Injection (Neck/Upper Back)
    • Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block (Additional Site)
    • Abdominal Nerve Block Injection
    • Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block
    • Transforaminal Epidural Injection
    • Spinal Nerve Block
    • Lower Back Pain Injection with Guidance
    • SI joint injection
    • Sacroiliac steroid injection
    • Image-guided SI joint injection
    • Sacroiliac joint block
    • Paravertebral Facet Joint Injection
    • Cervical Facet Injection
    • Thoracic Facet Injection
    • Zygapophyseal Joint Injection
    • Thoracic PVB
    • Paraspinous Block (Thoracic)
    • Upper Back Nerve Block
    • Thoracic Nerve Pain Injection
    • TAP Block
    • Rectus Sheath Block
    • Abdominal Plane Block
    • Cervical Sympathetic Block
    • Stellate Ganglion Injection
    • Nerve Block for Pain
    • Sympathetic Nerve Block

    CPT Codes:

    • 64484: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
    • 27096: Injection procedure for sacroiliac joint, anesthetic/steroid, with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT) including arthrography when performed
    • 64490: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), cervical or thoracic; single level
    • 64462: Paravertebral block (PVB) (paraspinous block), thoracic; second and any additional injection site(s) (includes imaging guidance, when performed) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
    • 64486: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (abdominal plane block, rectus sheath block) unilateral; by injection(s) (includes imaging guidance, when performed)
    • 64510: Injection, anesthetic agent; stellate ganglion (cervical sympathetic)

    Also known as:

    • Lumbar or Sacral Facet Joint Injection
    • Lumbar/Sacral Facet Joint Nerve Destruction (Additional)
    • Facet joint block
    • Zygapophyseal joint injection
    • Lower back facet injection
    • Sacral facet injection
    • Facet Joint Nerve Ablation
    • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Spine
    • Lumbar Facet Denervation

    CPT Codes:

    • 64494: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral; second level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
    • 64636: Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, each additional facet joint (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Implanted Pain Pump Management
    • Intrathecal Pump Reprogramming
    • Epidural Pump Refill
    • Pain Pump Evaluation
    • Drug Infusion Pump Management

    CPT Codes:

    • 62370: Electronic analysis of programmable, implanted pump for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion (includes evaluation of reservoir status, alarm status, drug prescription status); with reprogramming and refill (requiring skill of a physician or other qualified health care professional)

    Also known as:

    • Peripheral Nerve Block
    • Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Pain
    • Nerve Destruction for Pain
    • Suprascapular Nerve Block
    • Nerve injection
    • Pain relief injection
    • Steroid injection for nerve pain
    • Knee Nerve Ablation
    • Genicular Nerve Neurolysis
    • Nerve Destruction for Knee Pain
    • Neurolytic nerve block
    • Peripheral nerve ablation
    • Nerve destruction procedure
    • Shoulder Nerve Injection
    • Suprascapular Nerve Injection
    • Pain Relief Injection for Shoulder Nerve
    • Shoulder Pain Nerve Block

    CPT Codes:

    • 64450: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; other peripheral nerve or branch
    • 64624: Destruction by neurolytic agent, genicular nerve branches including imaging guidance, when performed
    • 64640: Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch
    • 64418: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; suprascapular nerve

    Also known as:

    • Facet Joint Nerve Ablation (Lumbar/Sacral)
    • Implantable Pain Pump Placement
    • Lumbar Facet Joint Denervation
    • Sacral Facet Nerve Block
    • Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain
    • Intrathecal Drug Pump Implantation
    • Epidural Drug Pump Placement
    • Programmable Pain Pump Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 64635: Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, single facet joint
    • 62362: Implantation or replacement of device for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion; programmable pump, including preparation of pump, with or without programming

    Also known as:

    • Facet Joint Injection (Neck/Upper Back)
    • Cervical Facet Injection
    • Thoracic Facet Injection
    • Zygapophyseal Joint Injection
    • Spinal Joint Injection

    CPT Codes:

    • 64491: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), cervical or thoracic; second level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Implantation
    • Percutaneous Nerve Stimulator Placement
    • Electrode Array Implantation (Peripheral Nerve)
    • Nerve Pain Stimulator

    CPT Codes:

    • 64555: Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; peripheral nerve (excludes sacral nerve)

    Also known as:

    • Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
    • Epidural neurostimulator placement
    • Percutaneous spinal stimulator
    • SCS implant

    CPT Codes:

    • 63650: Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array, epidural

    Also known as:

    • Nerve Ablation for Neck or Upper Back Pain
    • Facet Joint Nerve Ablation
    • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Neck
    • Cervical Facet Denervation
    • Thoracic Facet Nerve Block

    CPT Codes:

    • 64633: Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); cervical or thoracic, single facet joint

    Also known as:

    • Facet Joint Nerve Ablation (Neck/Mid-Back)
    • Radiofrequency Ablation Facet Joint
    • Cervical Facet Nerve Destruction
    • Thoracic Facet Nerve Block
    • Spine Nerve Ablation

    CPT Codes:

    • 64634: Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); cervical or thoracic, each additional facet joint (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Knee Nerve Pain Injection
    • Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block
    • Lumbar or Thoracic Sympathetic Nerve Block
    • Greater Occipital Nerve Block
    • Genicular Nerve Block
    • Knee Pain Steroid Injection
    • Knee Nerve Anesthetic Injection
    • Mid-Back Nerve Block
    • Thoracic Spinal Nerve Injection
    • Paravertebral Pain Block
    • Sympathetic Nerve Block (Back)
    • Paravertebral Sympathetic Injection
    • Lower Back Nerve Block for Pain
    • Occipital Nerve Injection
    • Headache Nerve Block
    • Steroid Injection for Occipital Neuralgia

    CPT Codes:

    • 64454: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; genicular nerve branches, including imaging guidance, when performed
    • 64461: Paravertebral block (PVB) (paraspinous block), thoracic; single injection site (includes imaging guidance, when performed)
    • 64520: Injection, anesthetic agent; lumbar or thoracic (paravertebral sympathetic)
    • 64405: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; greater occipital nerve

    Also known as:

    • Spinal Cord Stimulator Insertion
    • Spinal Neurostimulator Placement
    • SCS Implantation
    • Back Pain Stimulator Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 63685: Insertion or replacement of spinal neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver

    Also known as:

    • Neurostimulator Device Implantation (Peripheral, Sacral, or Gastric)
    • Nerve Stimulator Implant
    • Sacral Neuromodulation Device
    • Gastric Stimulator Placement
    • Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

    CPT Codes:

    • 64590: Insertion or replacement of peripheral, sacral, or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver

    Also known as:

    • Joint or Bursa Injection/Fluid Removal
    • Major Joint Injection or Fluid Removal with Ultrasound
    • Arthrocentesis
    • Major Joint Aspiration
    • Bursa Injection
    • Joint Fluid Removal
    • Ultrasound-Guided Arthrocentesis
    • Shoulder Injection with Ultrasound
    • Hip Aspiration with Ultrasound
    • Knee Injection with Ultrasound

    CPT Codes:

    • 20610: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); without ultrasound guidance
    • 20611: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting

    Also known as:

    • Trigger Point Injection
    • Muscle Pain Injection
    • Myofascial Trigger Point Injection
    • Trigger Point Release Injection

    CPT Codes:

    • 20552: Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), 1 or 2 muscle(s)

    Also known as:

    • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Decompression
    • Percutaneous Laminotomy
    • Lumbar Laminectomy
    • Spinal Decompression Surgery
    • Image-Guided Spine Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 0275T: Percutaneous laminotomy/laminectomy (interlaminar approach) for decompression of neural elements, (with or without ligamentous resection, discectomy, facetectomy and/or foraminotomy), any method, under indirect image guidance (eg, fluoroscopic, CT), single or multiple levels, unilateral or bilateral; lumbar

    Does Dr. Wu accept my insurance?

    Dr. Wu accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (310) 319-2253 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.

    What insurance plans does Dr. Wu accept in Santa Monica, CA?

    Dr. Wu in Santa Monica, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.

    Top Insurances

    • All Other Third Party

    • Blue Shield of California

    • Centene

    • City of Los Angeles

    • Crown Cork and Seal Company

    • Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem)

    • Medicaid

    • Medicare

    • Other Health Care Provider

    • UnitedHealthcare

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    Where is Dr. Wu's office located?

    Dr. Irene Wu's Primary Practice

    1245 16th St Ste 225

    Santa Monica, CA 90404

    (310) 319-2253

    Get Directions

    Dr. Irene Wu's Practice 2

    757 Westwood Plz

    Los Angeles, CA 90095

    Get Directions

    What is Dr. Wu's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.

    Dr. Wu's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1699964122.

    What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Wu?

    Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Wu

    What is Dr. Irene Wu's specialty?

    Dr. Wu is a Pain Medicine Specialist near Santa Monica, CA. Pain medicine is a primary medical specialty centered on a distinct body of knowledge and a defined clinical scope, grounded in science, research, and education. This type of medicine focuses on the study, prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals experiencing pain. A comprehensive evaluation considers physical, psychological, cognitive, and socio-cultural factors contributing to pain. Treatment options include pharmacological, invasive, behavioral, cognitive, rehabilitative and complementary strategies, based on the patient's specific needs. Pain medicine physicians serves as primary care providers for the management of pain or can also act as consultants to other physicians, direct an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary treatment team, conduct research, or advocate for the patient's pain care with public and private agencies. These physicians work in various settings, including offices, clinics, hospitals, universities, and governmental or public institutions. Contact Dr. Wu to book an appointment today.

    Is this Dr. Irene Wu affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?

    Yes, Dr. Wu is affiliated with UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Los Robles Regional Medical Center which are a Castle Connolly Top Hospitals. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals

    Where can I learn more about Pain Medicine Specialist?

    Explore Pain Medicine Specialist with insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.

    Is Irene Wu accepting new patients in Santa Monica, CA?

    Yes, Dr. Irene Wu is accepting new patients at this time.

    Does Dr. Irene Wu offer online booking?

    Please contact Dr. Wu's office at (310) 319-2253 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.

    How can I make an appointment with Irene Wu?

    Please contact Dr. Wu's office at (310) 319-2253 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.

    Which board certifications does Dr. Irene Wu have?

    Dr. Irene Wu is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

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