The Growing Role of Interventional Pain Management in Anesthesia

Patients with chronic pain who have not received sufficient relief from conventional therapy can be helped from many kinds of interventional pain management techniques. Usually, these procedures are not the first line of treatment for pain because of their intrusive nature. Instead, they are considered only if proper pharmaceutical treatments, at least six weeks of physical therapy, or both fail to provide pain relief. We've seen how interventional pain management is transforming care for patients while creating new opportunities for hospitals and surgery centers.

Why pain management matters

Chronic pain is a huge issue, with lower back pain being the second most common reason people visit their primary care doctor. These patients often need more than just temporary relief from medications or general anesthesia during procedures. They need long-term solutions that allow them to return to daily life without relying on opioids.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management is more than the typical methods like prescription medications. It's about using targeted treatments to address the root cause of pain. Clinicians with extra fellowship-level training typically carry out more than 200 interventional procedures regularly. Peripheral nerve blocks and surgical operations are some of the techniques that involve implanting devices. Some common approaches include:

• Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around nerves, alleviating back and neck pain.
• Nerve blocks that temporarily interrupt pain signals for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
• Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to disrupt pain signals from overactive nerves.
• Spinal cord stimulation sends mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord to control chronic pain.

These treatments can give relief and help patients avoid more invasive surgeries or having to use medications for a long period of time.

How anesthesia providers fit into the picture

Anesthesiologists and CRNAs have received training in pain management techniques. Their ability to do interventional procedures makes them important to healthcare facilities. By doing several of these therapies in outpatient settings, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers can better help patients.

Collaborative Anesthesia Partners assists facilities with the seamless integration of these services, guaranteeing their financial and safety benefits.

The financial advantage for healthcare facilities

Adding interventional pain management is good for patients and makes financial sense. Hospitals and surgery centers often miss out on revenue opportunities by referring to chronic pain patients elsewhere. Having these services in-house allows facilities to:

• Improve patient retention rates and satisfaction
• Increase revenue streams without many operational changes

Conclusion

The goal of interventional pain management is simple: better care for patients and smarter solutions for healthcare providers. Facilities can increase their care for patients while meeting the need for pain relief with the correct staffing and strategy.

A multidisciplinary strategy that incorporates physical therapy, psychotherapy, medication therapy and interventional procedures is often necessary for effective pain management. Clinicians need to be educated about both pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological pain management, as well as the possible risks, advantages and effectiveness of interventional techniques, to maximize patient results. Careful patient selection and continual education are essential for healthcare professionals as the field of interventional pain treatment develops.

Collaborative Anesthesia Partners is dedicated to supporting our partners during this transition. We are here to help you succeed. If you're ready to explore how interventional pain management can benefit your facility, contact us today.