Anesthesia practices should only establish a chronic pain sub-group when they're ready to make critical investments in people and infrastructure, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.
Here are five key considerations:
1. Employ fellowship-trained practitioners with the appropriate skills and work ethic for a chronic pain practice.
2. Determine whether the market has an adequate number of patients who have the insurance, authorization and need for interventional care.
3. Distinguish your practice in a crowded market by offering services that no one else can.
4. Provide incentives for anesthesiologists and pain specialists who will be affected by the addition of chronic pain management services.
5. Build relationships with referring providers who know the conditions pain specialists are qualified to treat.