Functionality vs Elimination of Pain

Dr. Jennifer Hah on pain as the fifth vital sign, and the pluses of interdisciplinary care.

The Fifth Vital Sign and Other Pain Scores

Kathryn A. Schopmeyer, a Physical Therapy Program Coordinator in Pain Management at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System, gives her view on pain as the fifth vital sign.

Waiting for New Molecules; Health Insurance; and Pain Scores

Dr. Cuevas-Trisan, Chief of the Physical Medicine, Rehabilitiation & Pain Management Service of the West Palm Beach VA in Florida, discusses nonopioid pain treatment options, concerns over healthcare costs, and whether pain scores are helpful.

Pain Scores and Pain as the 5th Vital Sign: PRO or CON

On a scale of 1 to 10, how crucial are pain scores for the benefit of the patient? What do these numbers impart to the practitioner? What do they mean to the patient? Pharmacists Abigail Brooks and Courtney Kominek weigh the PROs and CONs.

The Evolving World of Pain Scores and HCAHPS

Practitioners use pain scores, and the labeling of pain as the 5th vital sign, to access their patient's status. But is that how it should be? Is there a better way? Do HCAHPS scores help the patient? Dr. Jeffrey Fudin offers his take on why pain scores were important, and where they stand now.

The 5th Vital Sign and Pain Scores

Dr. Gowda is a pain management physician at the San Mateo Medical Center in California, gives his opinion of pain scores and calling pain the 5th vital sign.

Health Insurance, Pain Scores, and the 5th Vital Sign

Health insurance companies shouldn't be averse to spending now when it may save money—and lives—later. Drs. McPherson and McPherson remind that the cliché may be true: stitch in time saves nine.

PROs and CONs of Pain Scores

On a scale of 1 to 10, how crucial are pain scores for the benefit of the patient? What do these numbers impart to the practitioner? Jeremy A. Adler, MS, PA-C, of Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, talks HCAHPS and fifth vital sign.

Communication and Pain Management: What's Missing?

In judging the outcome of a pain treatment plan, the patient has an important say. Good communication between patient and practitioner is thus an essential element of successful chronic pain management. Dr. Zacharoff discusses the barriers to effective communication, its contribution to patient...

Emergency Department: Pain as the Fifth Vital Sign

Pain is important. It’s called the fifth vital sign. That partially led to patient satisfaction scores, the HCAHPS scores, and two or three of those are based on pain. And even though they are hospital-based scores, your experience starts in the emergency department. So there’s talk about taking...