Patient Information

Services

Services available at the Pain Management Center include: evaluation of complex pain problems; regional anesthesia (nerve block); transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); physical therapy and/or occupational therapy; home exercise and activity guidance; medication tailoring; shorter individual psychotherapy and behavior modification; stress management and relaxation.

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 if so, which types of treatment will be most effective. Certain patients, referred fro a specific treatment such as a nerve block, may not receive a full, comprehensive evaluation.

It is important to note that UCSF is a teaching institution, and although all services are done 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. Patients may also be seen by a medical student.

Patients are often confused by the hierarchy in teaching institutions. This is compounded by the dynamic and constantly changing environment in an academic facility, as various personnel rotate through the center for anywhere between 4 weeks to a year at a time.

Some helpful definitions:

Resident: A physician who has graduated from medical school and has completed their year of internship, and is almost always licensed. Currently, they are undergoing specialty training. Most residents at the PMC are anesthesia residents.

Fellow: A licensed physician who has completed medical school, internship, and residency, who is electing to do additional subspecialty training. At the PMC, fellowships last for 1 year.

Attending Physician: A licensed physician who has completed all medical training. This physician holds ultimate responsibility for overseeing patient care.

It is appropriate to direct all general questions first to the fellow before the attending physician. Usually phone calls are answered by the fellow. If necessary, additional guidance or input will come from the treating attending physician.