Managed Care - June 2008 - (Page 54)

Back and Neck Pain, continued from page 49 times associated with underlying anxiety or depression, and when these conditions are addressed, much of the pain will resolve. CHP has identified a cadre of behavioral health professionals to assist with issues of functional overlay and narcotic abuse as well as a physiatrist and tertiary orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists who support the philosophy of a conservative care program. In July 2007, CHP began a partnership with Health Dialog for disease management, a 24- hour nurse help line, and provision of educational materials and counseling for conditions described by Health Dialog as preference sensitive, i.e., the patient has optional treatment plans that should be based on the preference of a fully informed patient. The goal of this partnership is to make sure CHP patients have the ability to make fully informed decisions. Capital Health Plan now seems poised to provide rapid access to effective conservative care, and to have the ability to provide tremendous educational resources, counseling, and physical training so that the members of the health plan can achieve a fully informed treatment plan related to the management of cervical and lumbar related pain syndromes. Naturally, CHP will be gathering the proprietary information related to the achievement of its business goals in the coming year while relishing the knowledge that clinical care, outcomes, and satisfaction are already greatly improved. REFERENCES 1. Cherkin D, Sherman K, Deyo R, Shekelle P. A review of the evidence for the effectiveness, safety, and cost of acupuncture, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation for back pain. Ann Int Med. 2003; 138:898–906. 2. Hampton, T. Epidurals’ benefit for back pain questioned. JAMA. 2007; 297: 1757–1758. 3. Elliott, V. Delaying back surgery works for some. Am Med News. 6/25/07. 4. Martell B, O’Connor P, Kerns R, Becker W, et al. Systematic review: opioid treatment for chronic back pain: prevalence, efficacy, and association with addiction. Ann Int Med. 2007; 146:116–127. 5. Gatchel R. Preventing chronic disability in patients with acute low back pain. Drug Benefit Trends. March 2006: 196–198. 6. Donelson R. Rapidly Reversible Low Back Pain. 2007. Hanover, New Hampshire, SelfCare First. ADVERTISING INDEX FOREST LABORATORIES Bystolic 27–28 Lexapro 37–39 Namenda 17–18 MEDIMMUNE, INC. Synagis 31–32 RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING 52 SANOFI-AVENTIS, U.S. SOLVAY PHARMACEUTICALS Corporate 43 TEVA HEALTH SYSTEMS Epoprostenol C2 UCB Cimzia 7–12 WYETH PHARMACEUTICALS Pristiq 54,C3,C4 Managed Care 3 54 MANAGED CARE / JUNE 2008

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Managed Care - June 2008 Editor’s Memo Contents Viewpoint Letters News and Commentary Legislation & Regulation Medication Management Compensation Monitor Plans Chart Course in Rough Waters A Conversation With Barbara Starfield, MD Smoke Signals from Payers Slow Going for Clinical Decision Support Back Pain and Physical Therapy Formulary Files PlanWatch Outlook

Managed Care - June 2008

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