Provider Information
Comprehensive Spine and Pain Evaluation
The Montana Spine and Pain Center provides comprehensive evaluation and management for acute and chronic spine and musculoskeletal conditions.
We use a multidisciplinary team approach. Our core team includes health care providers in orthopaedic medicine, osteopathic medicine, physical medicine, interventional pain medicine, behavioral medicine, neuropsychiatry, pharmacology, addiction medicine and physical therapy. If necessary, we also arrange appropriate consults in other specialties such as, occupational therapy, neurology, and neurosurgery.
In referring patients for evaluation, we request that the referring practitioner provide our team with some basic information in order to arrange for appropriate members of the evaluation team. A one page form is included that can be completed and faxed to the Montana Spine and Pain Center.
How to make a referral to the Montana Spine and Pain Center
Complete the Patient Referral Form, including patient contact information and indicating which service(s) you would like for your patient.
Here is a brief description of each service:
Multidisciplinary Screening Evaluation: This evaluation is a two-step process. The first appointment will include an initial triage appointment with a staff member to obtain a history, review the records, complete a MMPI and schedule the appropriate screening evaluation appointments. The patient will be scheduled to return at a later date for the scheduled consults. At a minimum, the scheduled consults will include an assessment of both the medical and the emotional/behavioral aspects of the pain problem. At the end of the evaluation, a summary meeting will be held with the patient to discuss the clinical impressions, further diagnostic recommendations and specific treatment recommendations. The referring provider will receive a comprehensive report of the findings and recommendations.
Spine Evaluation: This evaluation is appropriate for patients needing evaluation and treatment of a spine or musculoskeletal condition and are not considered to have an underlying chronic pain syndrome.
Behavioral Medicine Evaluation: This evaluation is appropriate for patients who the referring provider would prefer an evaluation limited to the psychological/behavioral aspects of the pain problem.
Medication Consultation: This evaluation is appropriate for patients the referring provider would like recommendations on the pharmacologic management of the current pain medication regimen. The referring provider will receive a detailed consultation report. No medication changes will be made.
Injection/Intervention Evaluation: This evaluation is intended for patients considering injections or other interventions. A consult is required before scheduling any pain interventions.
EMG/NCV: This evaluation is intended for patients that require diagnostic electromyography or nerve conduction velocity.
Fibromyalgia Program: This evaluation is appropriate for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia who may benefit from participation in a structured, multidisciplinary treatment program. A consult is required before the patient can be enrolled in the program.
Notes:
At this time we do not provide pain management evaluation or treatment for patients with headache, abdominal pain, or pelvic pain as the primary pain problem. Our practice is limited to musculoskeletal pain conditions.
We will not assume care as the "treating physician" for a patient until the evaluation process is complete and we have agreed to assume care for the patient. We will not write prescriptions for a patient on the first visit. We will not write prescriptions for a patient until after the evaluation process has been completed and have notified the referring provider that we agree to assume care for the patient. We will refer patients to the referring provider for all medication refills prior to notifying the referring provider that we are assuming care for the patient.
FAX the referral form to (406) 329-5697 along with sufficient clinical records to enable us to provide the services you are requesting. We can not see your patient without appropriate clinical records. If you are in doubt about what you need, feel free to indicate the services that you think may apply. Or, feel free to call us with any questions or for further clarification: 406/327-1670 or 1-877/867-2443
