UVM Integrative Pain Management Conference

Numerous public health challenges, from the ongoing opioid epidemic to high health care costs and overuse, have driven interest in advancing comprehensive musculoskeletal pain care models, such as integrated pain management (IPM) programs. However, IPM programs face numerous implementation challenges that limit their growth and sustainability. Drawing on real-world experiences of existing programs and from diverse IPM stakeholders, this talk will outline actionable strategies that health care systems, providers, and payers can use to expand implementation of these programs. Specifically, we will focus on four major themes around challenges and potential solutions for implementing IPM programs: navigating coverage, payment, and reimbursement; enacting organizational change; making a business case to stakeholders; and overcoming regulatory hurdles.