Case Managers are pivotal in facilitating efficient, effective outcomes for chronic pain patients. This symposium will focus on the role of the case manager in assessing chronic/persistent pain states, coordinating care, and patient referrals. It will explore recommended algorithms for managing chronic pain, the role of the pain specialist, and available treatment options, particularly the use of non-pharmacologic treatment modalities such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Case studies and data will be included to support these discussions as well as the mechanisms for identifying interventional pain management specialist in specific areas.

1. Identify chronic pain classifications, causality, current treatment algorithms, and economic impact.
2. Explain current treatment and referral patterns and how earlier, more specific treatment plans can yield faster, improved, and more economically aligned outcomes for patients with chronic pain. Defines the pivotal role Case Managers play in this process. Reviews treatment options and patient selection criteria and the impact of SCS on select patient populations.
3. Explain why Case Managers are uniquely qualified to recognize and refer chronic pain patients to Interventional Pain Specialists and how SCS can be beneficial.
4. Explain the SCS testing and treatment process and devices as well as reviewing current clinical and economic outcomes data.