Setting Up an Intrathecal Practice

Starting an intrathecal pump program is a multifaceted endeavor that demands a robust commitment and strategic planning. Seasoned experts in this field highlight that, while many physicians may find the initial pump implant exciting, the true challenge lies in navigating the steep learning curves and resource-intensive nature of this therapy. Now you know! But, foreknowledge is only half the battle. Here are some insights we've gleaned from our experiences through the years. We hope they offer some guidance to overcoming the obstacles and reaping the rewards of integrating intrathecal pump therapy into your practice.

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Start with Desire

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Intrathecal therapy comes with many learning curves, and the commitment of resources can be greater than other treatment options. Every physician may enjoy their first pump implant, but few have the will to push through the difficulties. Establishing an efficient pump program takes practice, and that requires volume, which in turn requires commitment. If you do not wish to make pumps a significant tool for your clinic, the ends may not justify the means.

Get Buy-in

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You cannot do it alone! Or at least you should not. Intrathecal therapy requires around-the-clock readiness and interdisciplinary cooperation. You will need nurses, administrators, billers, suppliers, operating rooms, and more. Working cohesively, especially in an institutional setting, is a challenge you will face. Those involved should understand and be comfortable with the nuances of intrathecal drug delivery systems and the therapy at its many touchpoints. Remember that desire? Well, your partners will need it too.

Understand the Financial Landscape

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Fluctuating reimbursement makes medicine one of the unique professions willing to accept less pay for services provided, because each day without payment means diminishing returns. Using reasonable timelines and expectations to create a business plan that accounts for reimbursement lag is crucial. Practices should engage industry partners for guidance and stay abreast of updates and changes to billing codes. What worked yesterday is not guaranteed today.

Create Systems

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Will you implant? Manage? Both? What infrastructures will you need to successfully perform each of these tasks? What infrastructures will you need to successfully perform these tasks together? Ask these questions before you engage in IT therapy. The answers are vital to the longevity of your program.

A balanced approach, combining strong buy-in and understanding, can lead to significant benefits. However, without these elements, pitfalls are inevitable. A sustained desire to push through the headaches can enable the effective use of IT therapy, positively affecting the lives of intrathecal pump patients and enhancing the overall success of the practice. By addressing these critical areas—commitment, teamwork, financial planning, and system creation—physicians can navigate the complexities of intrathecal therapy and establish a thriving intrathecal pump program within their pain management clinics.

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