Frequently asked questions.
Straight answers for patients and for the attorneys who refer them.
What is a letter of protection (LOP), and why does it matter for me?
A letter of protection is a written agreement between your attorney and Sharper Medicine. It allows you to receive care now and resolve the cost later, out of your eventual settlement, rather than paying at the time of service. For you, it means you can be seen and treated without an insurance card or an out-of-pocket payment.
Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
No. Under a letter of protection, you are not billed out of pocket for your care with Sharper Medicine. The cost is addressed later under the terms your attorney arranges.
What if my case doesn't settle?
The specifics of what happens if a case does not settle are governed by the letter of protection between you and your attorney and the practice. Your attorney is the right person to explain how that arrangement applies to your situation, and we coordinate with their office directly.
What does a telehealth visit look like?
You connect with Dr. Shanar by video from anywhere in Texas. A visit typically runs 20 to 30 minutes. She asks about your accident, your pain, your history, and your medications, then discusses a plan with you. You'll need a device with a camera and a quiet, private space.
Can Dr. Shanar prescribe pain medication, including opioids?
Dr. Shanar prescribes acute pain medications as clinically appropriate, including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, neuropathic agents, and topical analgesics. Short-course opioids may be used when clinically appropriate, within Texas Medical Board and CDC guidelines. Decisions about any medication are made by the physician based on your individual presentation.
What if my pain gets worse — when should I go to the ER?
Sharper Medicine does not provide emergency care. If your pain is severe or rapidly worsening, or you have symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, new weakness or numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency.
Can Dr. Shanar order imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI?
When imaging is clinically indicated, Dr. Shanar can order it and coordinate the appropriate referral. Imaging is arranged through facilities equipped to perform it; it is not done during the telehealth visit itself.
Do you treat patients outside of Texas?
Sharper Medicine is currently serving patients in Texas only.
How is my medical information kept private?
Your clinical care and records are maintained to HIPAA standards through a secure patient platform. The contact forms on this website are not a secure clinical channel — please don't include detailed medical information in them. Our Privacy page describes what we collect and how it's handled.
How does the LOP arrangement work with Sharper Medicine?
At a high level: referral, consult, ongoing care, and resolution at settlement under the terms of the letter of protection. Specific LOP terms and rates are discussed during the partnership conversation rather than published, so they can be tailored to your practice.
What documentation will I receive for my case file?
Initial consult notes, the treatment plan, prescription records, follow-up notes, and coordination notes with chiropractic or PT where applicable. Everything is produced in formats intended to work in settlement packets and at trial.
Are records HIPAA-compliant and discovery-appropriate?
Records are maintained to HIPAA standards and prepared with the understanding that they may be discoverable. Documentation is written to stand up to scrutiny in the settlement and trial process.
What's the typical turnaround from referral to first consult?
Most consults are completed within 24 hours of referral, subject to patient availability and scheduling.
How does Sharper Medicine coordinate with chiropractic and PT providers?
Sharper Medicine is the medical-management arm of a patient's care. Dr. Shanar coordinates with chiropractic, physical therapy, and specialist providers as a patient's recovery requires, and documents that coordination in the record.
What happens if a patient needs interventional pain care?
Sharper Medicine does not perform interventional procedures such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency ablation. When that level of care is indicated, we coordinate a referral to an interventional pain specialist.
Didn't find your answer?
Reach out and we'll respond, typically within one business day.