Types of pain treatment facilities and referral selection criteria. A review
D. A. Fisbain, H. L. Rosomoff, R. Steele-Rosomoff and B. R. Cutler
Department of Psychiatry, South Shore Hospital, University of Miami (Fla) School of Medicine.
Family physicians often come in contact with patients who suffer from
chronic pain. These patients present a treatment challenge and may require
referral to a pain treatment facility. The purpose of this review is to
define and clarify the current concept of a pain treatment facility and
delineate the different types of treatment facilities available. Possible
selection criteria for referral to such facilities are suggested, with the
rationale for the selection of these criteria. The role of the family
physician in the treatment by a by a special facility of a patient with
chronic pain is discussed. By definition, pain treatment facilities differ.
The family physician should be aware of these differences and selection
criteria for referral to such facilities.
