Shared medical appointments (SMAs) that address chronic pain involve primary care and specialist doctors with expertise in different aspects of pain management. The 90-minute group visit model, used at PAMF for many years, brings together people with similar problems while doctors guide, support and educate in an organized and understandable fashion.
SMA: Chronic Pain Management
This weekly Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) series is specifically designed for people living with chronic pain. Group visits address chronic pain management involving physical, social and emotional factors, plus non-chemical ways of reducing pain and anxiety for better long-term health and outcomes. You’ll also learn about medication’s potential side effects, such as anxiety, depression, constipation, liver impact and breathing problems.
The program’s goal is to empower you to manage chronic pain and related anxiety. You’ll work with professional facilitators to determine and help achieve specific pain management goals through practical, proven techniques. You’ll also identify a team of peer coaches to help you self-manage chronic pain.
In this program:
- Participants may join the group at any time over the course of the program.
- You’ll have weekly 90-minute sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues. Sessions are led by experienced facilitators and trainers.
- You’ll receive a certificate of completion upon conclusion of the program.
- Each patient will sign a consent form and agree to preserve confidentiality.
- Participants may be invited to serve as peer coaches to support others coping with chronic pain and medication use.
Locations: Palo Alto Medical Foundation, South Bay, Santa Cruz
For further details or to schedule, please contact our Shared Medical Appointment care team at (831) 462-7174.
SMA: Ease Pain with Movement
“Ease Pain with Movement” is a four-week Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) series where you’ll learn mindful, graceful and practical day-to-day body movements to help reduce pain. This includes proper stretching techniques and motions designed to ease chronic pain and improve quality of life. Each visit includes a thorough educational presentation and practical hands-on application. People who are able to walk and perform light exercises are eligible to attend.
Locations: Palo Alto Medical Foundation South Bay, Santa Cruz
For further details or to schedule, please contact our Shared Medical Appointment care team at (831) 462-7174.
SMA: Opioid Use
This Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) is designed for people who currently use or are considering use of opioid pain medications for more than a few weeks. Up-to-date research recognizes daily opioid medication as a significant health risk. These medications cause more accidental deaths and other health problems than any other prescription medication — and even more than all illegal drugs.
This SMA isn’t intended to discourage appropriate use of potent pain medications. But it’s designed to offer the most recent information to people who take them. The decision to continue with or start these meds is solely between you and your prescribing doctor. The CDC, FDA and other health agencies recommend better informed consent and education to accompany opioid prescriptions. This SMA is one step in that direction.
PAMF asks that all patients with regular opioid use attend one group visit. Those with chronic pain may choose to take advantage of our other Healing Pain SMAs to learn more strategies to deal with chronic pain.
Locations: Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Select Bay Area locations
For further details or to schedule, please contact our Shared Medical Appointment care team at (831) 462-7174.
SMA: Weaning Opioid Use with Buprenorphine
Have you been taking pain medication for a long time and now want to reduce and or stop taking them? PAMF created the new “Weaning Opioids With Buprenorphine” Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) program to give you undivided medical attention with our expert pain management physicians.
Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid and acts as a partial agonist of the brain’s pain receptors (full opioid agonists include heroin, methadone and oxycodone). Even though buprenorphine has minor psychoactive effects, it may allow you to discontinue pain medications without severe withdrawal effects. It also blocks the effects of other opioids.
We understand the complications that surround chronic pain and opioid medications. We also know that many people prefer safer and alternative methods but struggle to successfully wean off current pain meds. Our strategic program can help you reach your goals.
Locations: Palo Alto Medical Foundation, South Bay, Santa Cruz
For further details or to schedule, please contact our Shared Medical Appointment care team at (831) 462-7174.