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Exciting News: Launch of Texas Pain Pulse - Your Exclusive TPS Members Only Newsletter

Dear Texas Pain Society (TPS) Members,

Happy 2024!  I hope your year is off to a good start so far. It is my pleasure as President to introduce a valuable addition to the TPS communication channels - the Texas Pain Pulse, our exclusive members-only newsletter produced in partnership with ARP. Ensure [email protected] is a trusted email address so you receive it.

Texas Pain Pulse is a curated source of insights, updates, and news designed specifically for TPS members. This monthly newsletter aims to keep you informed about the latest developments in the field of pain management, share best practices, keep you posted on upcoming events and foster a sense of community among our esteemed members.

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Feature Friday: President-Elect Ralph G. Menard, MD

Dr. Menard of Hill Country Memorial will step into the role of president as the Texas Pain Society (TPS) on October 29, 2022. Recently, he discussed how he started working in the pain medicine industry, as well as his goals for the organization. 

texas pain feature friday

I have always been interested in pain, even during medical school and residency and before pain fellowships were a thing. I did a rotation at Fort Gordon, the US Army hospital in Georgia, with an anesthesiologist who treated pain, which helped me pursue that path. After my residency, I went back on active duty in the US Navy, as they paid for my medical school. I was primarily stationed in Orlando and opened a small pain clinic in the hospital with the help of a couple other physicians, including one of our own Texas Pain Society physicians, Dr. Ashley Classen. 

I moved to Lubbock, Texas, after leaving the Navy, specifically because they had an opportunity open for a combined anesthesia and pain doctor. For most of my time in Lubbock, I was a solo practitioner and was affiliated with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Fortunately, my association with TTUHSC was during a time when Dr. Prithvi Raj was still there. Both he and Dr. Gabor Racz provided indispensable professional and personal guidance. In fact, I was there when they brought up the idea of the Texas Pain Society and was one of the founding members, donating $1,000 to help get it started. There were probably only 20-30 or so of us attending those early pain conferences at TTU back then, and many of them were residents and fellows.

As to my goals as the new president of TPS, I would like to expand on what my predecessor, Dr. Maxim Eckmann, started by expanding our use of social media (Be sure to follow TPS on Twitter and LinkedIn!). I would like to see an expanded use of the TPS forum to include articles of best practices for members. I would also like to see more use of the TPS educational offerings, such as IPOC and the online modules that offer CME courses. Another thing I want to emphasize to members is how important it is to attend First Tuesdays, in order to get to know your legislators and talk to them on a personal basis. Pain medicine has some big problems looming this next year during the legislative session, and we need to start working on them now. As Dr. CM Schade, our leading expert on legislative affairs, says, "If you aren’t at the table, then you are on the menu.”

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Where are they now? See Previous Winners!

 Where are they now? Read what previous Case Study and Scholarship winners have been up to...

Previous Winner of the 2020 Hassenbusch Continued Learning Case Study Presentation and 2021 Hassenbusch Continued Learning Scholarship

George Polson MD Case Study and Scholarship WinnerGeorge Polson MD
Case Study (2020) – PM&R Residency at Baylor College of Medicine
Scholarship (2021) – PM&R Residency at Baylor College of Medicine (Accepted to MD Anderson Pain Medicine Fellowship)

In what ways have you used what you presented in your recent practice?
While the case study I presented involved the use of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain, during my fellowship training we have found a multitude of other clinical uses for this new technology, all of which ultimately has led to better patient outcomes. It is exciting to be a part of all the innovation and treatment options that neuromodulation has to offer!

What professional development have you gone through since your award? 
              As of July 2022, I have begun my Pain Fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Where are you working now? 
              The Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a Fellow going into PM? 
Take advantage of opportunities such as Texas Pain Society’s Annual Conference! The ability to meet various individuals within the practice of pain management, all gathered in a familiar setting here in the great state of Texas (Hook em Horns!), has definitely served as the foundation of many relationships that I will continue to hold on to as I begin my own career within this field.
 

Previous Winner of the 2021 Hassenbusch Continued Learning Case Study Presentation

Grayson Koval MD Case Study and Scholarship WinnerGrayson Koval, MD

Pain fellow at Texas Tech when award was received. 

In what ways have you used what you presented in your recent practice?
I have used my case study to remind myself of the importance of being a clinician who thoroughly evaluates his patients. 

What professional development have you gone through since your award? 
Since last year, I have finished my fellowship, been board certified in anesthesia, and started a private practice job in Midland, TX. 

Where are you working now? Midland Spine Institute in Midland, TX.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a Fellow going into PM? Take advantage of every learning opportunity in fellowship
 


Previous Winner of the 2021 Hassenbusch Continued Learning Case Study Presentation


Adedeji Olusanya DO, MPH Case Study WinnerAdedeji Olusanya DO, MPH
  • At University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio when award was received. 

  • In what ways have you used what you presented in your recent practice? 
    I was able to talk about spinal stenosis and different treatment approaches on rotations 

  • What professional development have you gone through since your award?  Since the last conference, I have been able to attend more national pain conferences where I was able to net work with other fellows, and pain physicians. I also have and the opportunity to join numerous of webinars where I was able to expand my knowledge in pain medicine, patient management, and new innovative procedure to help shape the future of pain medicine.

    Where are you working now? Right now I am PGY-3  at university of Texas Health science Center at San Antonio. This year, I will be applying for the next pain fellowship cycle.

    What's one piece of advice you'd give to a Fellow going into PM? 
    I wouldn’t imagine that I could give a Fellow much advice. But what I would say to a resident or medical student that is interested in pain, is to get into research early! Also networking while attending pain conferences is vital. Interventional pain is a small field, it is important to know your colleagues!

 Previous Winner of the  2021 Hassenbusch Continued Learning Scholarship

Vishal Bansal, MD Scholarship WinnerVishal Bansal, MD 

When award was received, Dr. Bansal was 
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 

What professional development have you gone through since your award? 

I've been fortunate to attend the TPS for the past 3 years due to the assistance of the scholarship award. It has been a rewarding experience for me as a resident due to its educational sessions and the ability to network with pain physicians specific to Texas where I plan on practicing in the future. I am applying for pain fellowships this year, and plan to attend this year's TPS again to further network and keep myself up to date. I've been able to follow up with some of the attendees to get mentorship and additional clinical experience and prepare me for my future transition into pain medicine. It has also given me exposure to the broad scope of pain medicine that I have not seen in my residency training and sparking my interest into neuromodulation. 

Where are you working now? 
Resident Physician (PGY-3) and will be applying for Pain Medicine fellowship

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a Fellow going into PM?
One piece of advice I would have for residents considering pain medicine fellowship would be to get involved with research and attend regional and national conferences in Pain Medicine. Research or publications is often a great way for yourself to get familiar with a particular topic and to also form connections with other pain physicians. Conferences are a great way to meet future colleagues and learn about the current practices and latest advances in pain medicine, making you well equipped to start your journey into pain medicine fellowship. 


 Previous Winner of the 2019, 2020 & 2021 Hassenbusch Continued Learning Case Study Presentation

Joseph Liao MD Case Study and Scholarship WinnerJoseph Liao, M.D.

When award was received, Dr. Liao was at the University of Texas - Houston, Department of Anesthesiology

In what ways have you used what you presented in your recent practice? The majority of my studies involved interventional procedures in the treatment of refractory pain conditions. Presenting complex scenarios and receiving feedback from the physician leaders in Texas have shaped how I approach patient care, especially when it comes to patient selection and determining what next steps may possibly be offered to patients. The moderators and seasoned pain physicians at Texas Pain Society have a wealth of knowledge and invaluable experience.

What professional development have you gone through since your award? 
I am an anesthesiologist and pain management fellow at Stanford University. My goal is to offer my patients quality, best-in-class treatments. I am also working towards being more involved in industry and physician leadership. 
























































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TPS Board Member Dhanalakshmi Koyyalagunta, MD

From what drew her to the pain management industry to her favorite part of being a pain doctor, Dhanalakshmi Koyyalagunta opens up in our latest profile feature!

Dhanalakshmi Koyyalagunta, MD is a Texas Pain Society Board Member and professor for the Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Area of Specialty & Special Interest: Cancer pain, opioid addiction

What got you into pain medicine? The blend of pharmacology and interventions! 

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First Ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day

r National Fentanyl Awareness Day

The first-ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day launches Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Download Social Media Assets   #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay #FentanylAwareness Download Flyers for your Office 

Visit the National Fentanyl Awareness Day website for more information.You can find additional social media, draft emails to share with partners, key messages, and more using the official toolkit.

Founded by parents who have lost loved ones to the drug overdose epidemic, National Fentanyl Awareness Day is supported by a group of subject matter experts, corporations, nonprofits, schools, families, and elected officials who are coming together to amplify the issue via social media.

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We've gone social!

    LinkedIn     
         
    Twitter    

Be sure to use #TexasPain!

 

TDI DWC Lunchtime Webinars

 

 Upcoming Health Care Provider Lunchtime Webinars

DWC has free, lunchtime health care provider webinars. These webinars are for health care providers and medical office staff who provide health care to Texas workers’ compensation injured employees.

Upcoming live webinars begin at noon Central time:

TPS Scientific Conference Hotel Cut Off is TODAY

 Do Not Miss Your Chance!

 

 

Notable Pain Medicine-Specific CME Presentations will focus on the most current research and findings in pain medicine. Earn up to 17 AMA PRA Category 1tm and 2.75 hours of ethics/ professional responsibility in one weekend from distinguished state and national speakers.

 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENT

Get the latest information for your practice!

REGISTER NOW

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Virtual Session Opioid and Diversion Awareness: The Current State of the Opioid Epidemic

Virtual Session Opioid and Diversion Awareness: The Current State of the Opioid Epidemic is closed but watch for new sessions in September

This virtual Event in July has sold out. However,  the same conference will be offered again on September 7 & 16, 2021. The sign up for the September event will be sent out in the coming weeks before September. Please check the DEA Diversion website for any additional conferences.

Any questions regarding this conference may be directed to DEA Liaison Section at [email protected].

Mark White Academic Excellence Award

The Texas Pain Foundation is excited to announce a new award in honor of Mark White, DO, the 
Mark White Academic Excellence Award in Pain Medicine. 
Find out how you can submit your winning publication. 
Read about all the awards given at the Conference. 

We're back in person!

Meeting Registration is OPEN!

The Texas Pain Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier educational conference for pain management physicians in Texas. Each year over 200 physicians attend this one of a kind event.

Notable Pain Medicine-Specific CME Presentations will focus on the most current research and findings in pain medicine. Earn up to 17 AMA PRA Category 1tm and 2.75 hours of ethics/ professional responsibility in one weekend from distinguished state and national speakers.

1. Learn about the latest state law and rule changes from the Texas Medical Board and Texas State Board of Pharmacy and Drug Trafficking at the border

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Novitas Solutions and First Coast recently posted the following proposed Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for public comment.

Under the proposed LCDs, the specialties listed may have a particular interest in the policy. We encourage you to share the proposed LCDs and comment before July 24, 2021.

Novitas:

 Epidural Procedures for Pain Management (DL36920)

 

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AAPM Covid Vaccination and Steroids

AAPM Covid Vaccination and Steroids 

DSHS Health Advisory - Candida auris

Health Advisory: Pan-Resistant Candida auris Identified in Texas

March 16, 2021

In January 2021, Candida auris became a Texas notifiable condition with required isolate submission to the DSHS Laboratory in Austin. Since it became reportable, seven cases of C. auris have been reported in Texas residents. Two of these cases were identified as resistant to all three classes of antifungal drug. These are the first cases of pan-resistant C. auris identified in Texas. This Health Advisory is intended to provide recommendations regarding laboratory identification methods, treatment options and infection control recommendations to mitigate C. auris transmission.

 

About Candida auris

Candida auris is a fungus that may cause serious illness for those it infects. C. auris can cause invasive infections, including bloodstream infections, which may result in death, particularly in hospital and long-term care patients. C. auris is a public health threat because it is often multidrug-resistant, is difficult to identify, and can persist on surfaces in healthcare environments, resulting in the spread of C. auris among patients in healthcare facilities. Patients exposed to C. auris may remain colonized for a long time, putting them at risk for a future C. auris infection and further spreading the fungus.  

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NEW DATE - Virtual CME Event hosted by Houston Chapter

 

Earn 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1tm and MOCA® credits for attending this event, hosted by TPS Houston Chapter. 

Find out more information here

3rd Annual Interdisciplinary Pain and Opioid Crisis Seminar on April 23-24, 2021

Dr. Eduardo Bruera, Chair of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, and Dr. Joseph Arthur, (Conference Chair), Associate Professor in Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, invite you and your colleagues to join us for this outstanding educational opportunity. We are happy to announce that registration for the 3rd Annual Interdisciplinary Pain and Opioid Crisis Seminar on April 23-24, 2021, is now open.

The 3rd Annual Interdisciplinary Pain and Opioid Crisis Seminar is CME credited for those attending in real-time. Registration is now open and in line with our mission to present accurate data for a global audience.  We hope you will join us for this outstanding educational opportunity.

This will be a great opportunity for all APRNs who attend the conference to earn credit towards their regulatory controlled substance CE requirement.

- REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE -

Please share the information about this virtual education day with your colleagues.  We look forward to seeing you in April. 

 



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2021 Texas Workers' Compensation Conference Going Virtual

 

New Dates: Four-Day Virtual Conference

The 2021 Texas Workers’ Compensation Conference is happening virtually June 28 - July 1. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we do business, but human connections are more important than ever.

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BREAKING NEWS!

Breaking news!

Texas Pain Society is excited to release its very own Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses, courtesy of the Texas Pain Foundation. 

 As part of a TPS membership, CME hours are now available at little or no cost, compliments of Texas Pain Foundation. This is just one of the ways we are working to support our members.

Access our new CME Resource Page HERE

Interested in more free CME and benefits from TPS – consider joining today!

NEW Informed Consent Pain Management Agreement



We are excited to announce a new Informed Consent Pain Management Agreement is now available! Take advantage of this free resource for members! 

A Spanish update will be released soon. Stay Tuned. 

It's also available for Non-Members for only $50!



Get your copy here. 

Novitas Comments re Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation (PVA) for Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) (DL35130) due 2/27/21

Novitas Comments re Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation (PVA) for Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) (DL35130) due 2/27/21

View the article here. A Synopsis of Changes is below. 

Have feedback or comments to submit? Send to us and we'll submit on behalf of TPS Membership. Let us know here

 Leave Comments

Synopsis of Changes

CHANGESFIELDS CHANGED
In the Covered Indications section - T5-L5 was changed to T1-L5 based on symptom onset, and documented by advanced imaging demonstrating bone marrow edema. Removed “confirmed by recent (within 30 days)”. These changes were made based on Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Stakeholder input.

In the Limitations section – added active surgical site infection under Absolute contraindication. Deleted “greater than three vertebral fractures” from Absolute contraindication. Added “greater than three vertebral fractures per procedure” as a Relative contraindication.

In the Summary of Evidence section – added a summary of the evidence to support changes made.

In the Analysis of Evidence section – added an analysis of the evidence.

In the Associated Information section – changed the wording from “Please refer to the Local Coverage Article: Billing and Coding: Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation (PVA) for Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) (A57752) for documentation requirements that apply to the reasonable and necessary provisions outlined in this LCD” to “Please refer to the Local Coverage Article: Billing and Coding: Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation (PVA) for Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) (A57752) for documentation and utilization requirements as applicable.
Coverage Indications Limitations and/or Medical Necessity
Associated Information