Between 1999 and 2020, more than 263,000 people died of overdoses involving prescription painkillers in the United States. Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, so making safer treatments available is critical.
According to the CDC, about one in five American adults suffers from chronic pain. As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to help people manage their pain safely and effectively.
KindlyMD aims to stop America’s dependence on dangerous, addictive pain medications through an integrated, patient-focused approach to healthcare. We combine traditional medications, behavioral health services, and, for many patients, alternative treatments for managing pain.
As one of our patients, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a prescriber, a behavioral health clinician, and a care coordinator. During each visit, this “Integration Team” works closely with you to develop a customized pain management strategy.
The prescriber determines which drugs, whether traditional or alternative, are most appropriate for treating the patient’s pain. Prescription painkillers have legitimate uses, and we’ll continue to prescribe them for people who need them. But many of our patients find that alternative treatments, including herbal medicines, are much better at easing their pain.
The behavioral health clinician (BHC) supports the patient’s healthcare goals by listening to their needs and suggesting specific behavioral strategies. This portion of the visit is not a replacement for behavioral or mental health therapy. But the BHC may refer the patient to a therapist, if desired.
The care coordinator assists the patient with tasks like billing and scheduling.
Although many people with chronic pain share common symptoms, we believe each patient deserves personalized care. Our providers and staff members understand the importance of listening to your needs as you progress toward your healthcare goals.
By listening to your needs, we can develop and refine treatment plans for managing your pain successfully.
Put simply, we believe in treating the “whole person,” not just the symptom(s) for which the patient is seeking treatment.
We want our patients to feel empowered and in control of their health. When possible, we’ll present multiple options for managing their pain effectively. If one treatment plan isn’t working, we’ll continue to provide support and guidance as you explore your other options.
Fortunately, those options are expanding as more American states adopt programs allowing the use of plant-based medicine.
One benefit of using plant-based medicine is the incredible flexibility you have in setting your doses. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist may give you some recommendations for beginning this type of regimen.
After that, you’ll need to spend some time learning the doses and delivery methods that best suit your needs. This phase requires a little bit of experimentation on your part, and we recommend keeping a journal.
It may seem daunting, at first, to oversee part of your own medication schedule. But patients often find this process liberating and enjoy a newfound sense of empowerment and freedom.
Before long, you’ll be thankful for your ability to manage pain symptoms effectively, using your own experience to guide you.
America’s deadly painkiller epidemic has cost thousands of lives, and the need for a responsible solution is clear. We understand that pain affects different people in different ways and that personalized, integrated healthcare can save lives.
If you’re living with chronic pain, we want you to feel better without risking your life. KindlyMD’s pain clinicians will make you feel heard and understood as you work toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Call us at 801-851-5554 or click here to book an appointment and begin feeling better today.
