Managing Chronic Low Back Pain
The improper use and overuse of opioids to manage chronic pain is a widespread issue across the United States. In our 2017 cycle of Catalyst, Community Health Center Network began piloting a three-pronged solution to better manage patients with chronic low back pain.
When Community Health Center Network (CHCN) reviewed claims data, they identified the overuse of advanced imaging, such as MRI, to diagnosis low back pain. During focus sessions with providers and patients they uncovered obstacles for patients who attempt to follow their care plans and try to find alternative forms of pain management.