Medication Management

Many Americans have turned to opioids for pain relief, sometimes with tragic consequences. At the same time, certain patients have traditionally done well on long-term opioids.

Like many pain clinics, we sometimes prescribe opioids as part of an overall patient treatment plan. While opioids sometimes play a role in managing chronic pain, we strive to find safer and more effective pain management alternatives for our patients.

Nura provides medication management to help manage and reduce pain. We take into account the intensity and duration of pain, along with other factors such as age, other medical challenges, and other medications being taken. We may prescribe one or more medications as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

For these patients, we offer two specialized therapy programs tailored to long-term opioid users. Both programs are structured to reduce dependence on narcotic pain medications and minimize healthcare visits by promoting effective self-management.

COMP – Chronic Opioid Management Program

At Nura, we will undertake a thorough medical history, perform a complete physical examination, and make recommendations for treatment.

Nura providers may or may not agree to prescribe opioids to the patient during the first visit. If we choose to continue prescribing the patient’s opioid medications, we may do so on a limited basis for a defined time period while we attempt to precisely diagnose and treat their pain with therapeutic injections, nerve ablation techniques and implantable pain control options coordinated with physical therapy and psychology treatments as appropriate.

The chronic opioid pain management program provides a set structure for long-term opioid prescribing which includes:

• Formal, signed Opioid Agreement
• Monthly medical evaluations at which time prescriptions are dispensed
• Participation in prescribed physical therapy
• Participation in prescribed psychology evaluations and treatments
• Random urine drug testing at least twice per year

COMPASS: An Ongoing Structure for Success

Nura’s Compass program is designed to support long-term patients who use opioids to manage pain, and who may have a history of abuse or difficulty adhering to expectations.

In addition to the features of COMP, this highly-structured program also involves monthly, same-day appointments with the caregiver team:

• Medical care delivered by a CNP or PA-C
• Behavioral assessment and treatment by a licensed mental health professional
• Physical assessment and treatment delivered by a licensed Physical Therapist