As the number of patients suffering from chronic pain rises in Louisiana, it can be increasingly difficult to secure an appointment with a specialist, according to a WWL Radio report.
Harry Gould, MD, head of the pain management program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, estimates that 85 percent of people who consult physicians are trying to reduce pain in some capacity, but there are only about 4,000 pain management specialists in the country to treat them. Dr. Gould's clinic often includes patient scheduling delays of more than two years.
"We need to have more education for the primary care physicians so that they can provide adequate care and feel comfortable with it," said Mr. Gould.
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Harry Gould, MD, head of the pain management program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, estimates that 85 percent of people who consult physicians are trying to reduce pain in some capacity, but there are only about 4,000 pain management specialists in the country to treat them. Dr. Gould's clinic often includes patient scheduling delays of more than two years.
"We need to have more education for the primary care physicians so that they can provide adequate care and feel comfortable with it," said Mr. Gould.
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