Patient Information

Services

Services available at the UCSF Pain Management Center include: evaluation of complex pain problems; regional anesthesia (nerve block); transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); spinal cord stimulator evaluation and placement; intrathecal pump evaluation and placement; physical therapy; home exercise and activity guidance; medication tailoring; short term individual and couples psychotherapy and psychoeducation; stress management and relaxation training.

Evaluation Process

During your first several visits, a comprehensive evaluation of your pain problem will be made. This evaluation is extensive because if your problem were a simple one, it would have already been resolved. It is important for us to thoroughly understand your pain in order to determine whether our program will benefit you and which types of treatment will be most effective. Patients, referred for a specific treatment only, such as a nerve block, may not receive a comprehensive evaluation.

It is important to note that UCSF is a teaching institution.  While all services are performed under the supervision of an attending physician, patients are also seen by a physician in training. This is usually a fellow, but may possibly be a resident or a medical student. These physicians in training rotate through the UCSF Pain Management Center for periods from 4 weeks to one year in length.

Some helpful definitions:

Residents: Physicians who have graduated from medical school, have completed a year of internship, and are almost always licensed. During residency, they are undergoing specialty training. Most residents at the UCSF Pain Management Center are anesthesia residents.  Residents rotate on a monthly basis.

Fellows: Licensed physicians who have completed medical school, internship, and residency, and are electing to do additional subspecialty training. At the UCSF Pain Management Center, fellowships last for 1 year.

Attending Physicians: Licensed physicians who have completed all medical training. The attending physician holds ultimate responsibility for overseeing patient care.

General questions should be directed first to the fellow. Phone calls are answered by a fellow. If necessary, additional guidance or input will come from the treating attending physician assigned to the patient.