V.K. Puppala, MD, discusses advancements in pain medicine as well as the growing opioid epidemic in the nation.
Dr. Puppala is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist practicing at Atlanta-based Alliance Spine and Pain Centers. Dr. Puppala also serves as a clinical assistant professor of anesthesiology at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and on the board of directors of the Medical Association of Georgia.
Question: What are some of the latest advancements in pain medicine?
Dr. V.K. Puppala: The most critical advancements include strides in neuromodulation. Spinal cord stimulation has advanced greatly and these new developments, such as high frequency SCS and dorsal root ganglion stimulation, relieve pain and restore lives. These modalities help us treat patients who otherwise have no options for intractable neuropathic pain and help patients reduce opioid needs tremendously.
Q: What are some of the most challenging aspects of practicing pain medicine today?
VP: The biggest challenge is the proliferation of high deductible insurance plans. The strategy was implemented by third-party payers to share healthcare expenses, but for pain medicine that means patients will face financial burden to get appropriate care. Patients may not be able to undergo the treatments that they were receiving a year or two ago, so I'm afraid they will rely on opioids rather than other treatments that were available to them. I frequently see patients unable to undergo recommended treatment plans because of high deductible health plans.
Q: How can pain medicine physicians help stem the opioid crisis?
VP: Pain physicians need to educate their primary care physician colleagues about the judicial use of pain medications. Recent CDC guidelines indicate the shortcomings of an opioid-heavy strategy for pain relief. Recently, the U.S. surgeon general issued a letter to every physician in the country about the opioid epidemic. It's the responsibility of all physicians to prescribe drugs responsibility and refer patients to pain physicians in a timely manner. We can help stem the crisis sooner rather than later.
Learn more from Dr. Puppala at the 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in June 2017! Click here for more information.