Satisfying both payers and providers requires a commitment from both parties. The initiative rarely comes from the payers, so providers should take the lead in establishing a dialogue and avoiding confrontation. There is nothing wrong with that. However, it is up to the pain professionals to provide information about real quality versus what might be called an aura of quality care, as espoused by managed care organizations. Unless pain specialists take the lead in demanding that quality care be the standard, payers will continue to manage costs while providers attempt to manage care.
Information is necessary to make proper decisions.
Interestingly, pain centers do have outcome data, but these data are published in pain journals for the benefit of other physicians. In today's competitive climate, market share has become part of the medical lexicon. If it is not in yours, start closing your shop, because you won't be around long. It should be clear by now that if you wish to succeed financially as well as professionally, communication with your payers is essential. If you haven't yet developed an outcomes studies program, then get started and get the information to the payers.