Reviewing the CA Medical Board Pain Guidelines

In this episode of The Spine & Nerve Podcast, Dr. Jason Kung and Dr. Brian Joves break down the new California opioid guidelines with insights that every healthcare provider and pain management specialist should know.

Our doctors explore the latest guidelines from the California Medical Board, published in July 2023 and designed to navigate the complexities of prescribing opioids in chronic pain management. Whether you're in California or beyond, this episode is a must-listen to understand the evolving landscape of pain treatment.

1. Understanding the New Guidelines

   • Published in July 2023, these guidelines are a response to the opioid crisis and aim to balance effective pain management with reducing opioid-related risks.

2. Patient-Centered Approach

   • Discover how the new guidelines emphasize a patient-focused approach. From initial evaluations to risk assessments- the guidelines highlight the importance of treating each patient as an individual, tailoring treatments to their specific needs and conditions.

3. The Role of Documentation

   thorough documentation in pain management is critical. Proper documentation not only supports clinical decisions but also safeguards both the provider and the patient throughout the treatment process.

4. Managing High-Risk Patients

   • Explore strategies for managing patients at high risk of opioid misuse. The guidelines provide tools for assessing and mitigating risks, ensuring that opioid therapy is reserved for those who will benefit most and are least likely to experience adverse outcomes.

5. Opioid Tapering and Legacy Patients

   • The team discusses the sensitive topic of tapering long-term opioid therapy, particularly for legacy patients who have been on high-dose opioids for extended periods. Learn how to approach tapering with caution to minimize patient distress and maximize safety.

6. Telehealth and Pain Management

   • Understand the role of telehealth in pain management as outlined in the new guidelines. While a valuable tool, telehealth requires careful use to ensure that patients receive appropriate examinations and care.

• Social Media Spotlight: Dr. Kung shares his experience rejoining social media through LinkedIn, offering a glimpse into how pain management professionals stay connected and informed.

• Breaking Down the Guidelines: A detailed exploration of the California Medical Board’s opioid guidelines, including patient evaluation, risk assessment, and non-opioid treatments.

• Explore the California Opioid Guidelines: Access the document directly from the show notes to understand the specifics and apply them in your practice.
• Engage with Us: Subscribe to the Spine & Nerve podcast, share this episode with your colleagues, and join the discussion on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

"Pain relief is important, but it is difficult to measure objectively. Our goal is to maintain or improve function while managing pain effectively." - Dr. Brian Joves

Dive into this episode and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex world of pain management with confidence and compassion.

• California Opioid Guidelines: Access the full guidelines here
• Follow us on LinkedIn: Jason Kung, MD and Brian Joves, MD
• Subscribe to the Spine & Nerve Podcast everywhere podcasts are available

Keep striving to provide the best care for your patients and stay informed on the evolving practices in pain management!

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, they may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve.