Integrated spine clinics for back pain treatment An integrated spine clinic brings together many of the different spine specialists to work collaboratively in one clinic. For example, it is becoming more common for orthopedic spine surgeons to work with neurosurgeons, invasive physiatrists to work with anesthesiologists and neuroradiologists in a pain clinic, and chiropractors to work with physical therapists. Benefits of integrated spine clinics for back pain Ideally, the integration of spine care affords several benefits for the patient and back pain treatment: Focus on the back pain patient. Although each spine center has its own configuration and available specialists, the one common theme is cooperation and coordination of care for the back pain patient. Different specialties working together in the same practice can help keep the focus where it belongs—on the patient and quality of care—and minimizes factional infighting between the specialties and/or different clinics over "turf" issues. Higher quality of care. The theory is that the benefits of enhanced communication between spine specialists also extend to enhanced quality of care. For example, specialists from different disciplines working together helps all of the doctors in the clinic keep up with the advances in diagnosis and treatment techniques and technologies in the various specialties. Additionally, appropriate referrals between spine specialists within the clinic should mean that back pain patients no longer have to worry if they are seeing the right kind of health care professional. Greater convenience for the patient. It is frequently more convenient for patients, as patients can go to one clinic for most or all spine health care needs. By having different spine specialties and therapies all available in the same location, the back pain patient does not have to go through the hassle of finding and registering at multiple locations. Having all the records and films in one integrated spine clinic location also really cuts down on the hassle factor of receiving back care in what is often a very confusing and frustrating medical environment. Shift toward integrated spine care The trend toward integrated care for spinal conditions is also taking place on a more general level. The major spine specialty societies have tried to integrate practitioners from many fields into their meeting and leadership. The largest spine society, the North American Spine Society (NASS) is a multidisciplinary organization that advances quality spine care through education, research and advocacy. NASS has grown rapidly and currently has over 2,500 members. Similarly, the American Back Society includes a full range of health professionals in its leadership and membership. By: Peter F. Ullrich, MD September 5, 2000 (updated November 2000)