What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management is the discipline of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of pain and related disorders with the application of interventional techniques in managing subacute, chronic, persistent, and intractable pain, independently or in conjunction with other modalities of treatments.

What are interventional pain management techniques?

Interventional pain management techniques are minimally invasive procedures including, percutaneous precision needle placement, with placement of drugs in targeted areas or ablation of targeted nerves; and some surgical techniques such as laser or endoscopic diskectomy, intrathecal infusion pumps and spinal cord simulators, for the diagnosis and management of chronic, persistent or intractable pain.

Who are doctors specializing in interventional pain management?

Pain specialists come from various primary specialties with advanced training and expertise. They mainly are anesthesiologists, physical medical rehabilitation specialists and neurologists. However, they may include neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and interventional radiologists.

What is the difference between acute pain and chronic pain?

Acute pain is pain of a short, limited duration, usually the result of an injury, surgery or medical illness. Acute pain often goes away with the healing process.Chronic pain continues for longer periods of time, sometimes even long time after the healing of the original injury is expected to have occurred. Chronic pain is also associated with frustration, depression and anxiety.Treatments for acute and chronic pain are often quite different.

Can interventional pain management physicians find the cause of my pain?

Pain specialists are not only experts at treating pain but also at helping to diagnose the source of pain. They will conduct a physical examination and review your medical records in addition to analyzing the description of your pain. Sometimes supplemental diagnostic studies are helpful. More importantly, interventional pain physicians recognize the fact that precise cause of back pain is determined in only 15% of the patients based on all x-rays, CT scans, myelograms, MRI's, EMG's, Nerve conduction studies and history and physical examination.With help of modern technology, with precision diagnostic techniques with injection of small doses of local anesthetic (numbing medicine) close to the nerves (pain sources) or other structures under x-ray, we can determine cause of pain in at least 80% of the patient's (vs 15%)..

Are there psychological effects of chronic pain?

Yes, chronic pain may produce feelings of anger, sadness, hopelessness and even despair. In addition, it can alter one's personality, disrupt sleep, interfere with work and relationships and even have a profound effect on other family members.It is normal to have psychological problems with pain.

What types of pain problems can be addressed by pain management?

Problems commonly treated in pain management centers include but not limited to:

• low back pain

• neck pain

• headaches

• cancer pain

• shingles

• sympathetic dystrophy

• nerve problems

• occasionally arthritis

• Are there different types of pain treatment facilities?Some so-called "pain clinics" offer only one type of treatment, such as acupuncture or manipulation, and other treat only a special type of complaint such as headache or back pain. Comprehensive pain management centers, on the other hand, are usually directed by physicians who specialize in pain treatment with a staff of nurses, therapists and medical professionals who are experts in the management of painful disorders. These centers generally offer a variety of treatments, and they treat all types of pain. Terms such as "pain clinic", "pain service", "pain unit" or "pain center" are similar.

What are some treatments for my pain?

Is an interventional pain management specialist appropriate for me?Many painful conditions can be successfully treated by your local family physician. If your pain persists and does not improve with treatment, discuss with your family physician whether a referral to a pain management specialist or comprehensive pain management center might be appropriate for you.You may also be considered for evaluation at Pain Management Center without a referral. We will review your records prior to evaluation and judge suitability for further evaluation. If we believe, we may be able to assist you, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and inform you about your suitability for management.We accept you without a referral if you meet criteria and your insurance does not need a referral to cover our services.

Major advantages of Pain Management Center are:

• Comprehensive program

• Holistic approach

• Precision techniques for diagnosis required in 85% of patients

• What are the goals of treatment?

  • Reduce pain

  • Improve quality of life

  • Decrease dependence on the health care system

What are my responsibilities?

The care a patient receives at the Center depends partially on the patient himself/herself. Therefore, in addition to the Bill of Rights, a patient has certain responsibilities as well. These responsibilities are presented to the patient in the spirit of mutual trust and respect.

1. The patient must provide accurate and complete information concerning his/her present complaints, past medical history, and other matters about his/her health

2. The patient is responsible for making it known whether he/she clearly comprehends the course of his/her medical treatment and what is expected of him/her

3. The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan established by his/her physician, including the instructions of nurses and other health professionals as they carry out the physicians orders

4. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and for notifying the facility or physician when he/she is unable to do so

5. The patient is responsible for his/her actions should he/she refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician's orders

6. The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her care are fulfilled as promptly as possible

7. The patient is responsible for following facility policies and procedures

8. The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and facility personnel

9. The patient is responsible for being respectful of his/her personal property and that of other persons in the facility

10. The patient is responsible to report complaint(s) or grievance(s)

What are my rights?

1. The patient has a right to receive treatment in the center without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.

2. The patient has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of his/her action.

3. The patient has a right to obtain from his/her physician complete, current information concerning their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

4. That the patient will be a participant in decisions regarding the intensity and scope of treatment.

5. The patient has the right to receive from his/her physician, information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment

6. The patient has the right to obtain information from his/her medical records for use in other health care and educational institutions

7. The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to their care should be treated as confidential

8. The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care.

9. The patient has the right to examine and receive an explanation of his/her bill regardless of source of payment

10. The patient has the right to know that the facility personnel who care for the patient are qualified through education and experience to perform the services for which they are responsible.

11. The patient has the right to be informed that he/she may change primary or specialty physicians if other qualified physicians are available.

12. The patient has the right to know that he/she is responsible for providing to his/her caregivers the most accurate and complete information.

13. The patient has the right to be advised if the center proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting his/her care or treatments (and) has the right to refuse participation.

14. The patient has a right to express grievances and suggestions to the organization.

15. The patient has a right to have an Advance Directive, such as a living will or health care proxy.

16. The patient has the right to be fully informed before any transfer to another facility or organization.

17. That the patient or the patient's designated representative has the right to participate in the consideration of ethical issues that arise in the care of the patient.

18. The patient has the right to know about the center's rules and regulations that apply to his/her conduct as a patient.

19. The patient has the right to know that this organization affirms that physical, sexual, and verbal/psychological abuse is prohibited.

20. The patient has the right to be informed if a health care provider does not have liability coverage.

Do I have to sign a controlled substance contract?

YES- If you receive controlled substances from the center. You may view a sample contract.

NO- If you receive medicines from another physician or you do not need controlled substances, you don't need a contract.

How can I be referred?

1. Ask your physician

2. Improve quality of life

• Does my insurance cover your services?Most insurance companies cover interventional pain management as medical and surgical services. However, check your policy. Medicare and most Medicaid (Kentucky and Illinois - not Tennessee) cover these services

• Will you give all my medications?

• • We will give medications we recommend or prescribe under the terms of controlled substance contract.

  • Pain Management Center is not for drug distribution. Drugs are individual consideration.

  • Total management with drugs is only when all else fails - nothing else to offer - and willingness to manage your care.