Posted by Paradigm on November 9, 2011 under Case Study Stories | 
Sometimes, the best way to get a sense of a case management program’s effectiveness is to read the case study stories associated with patients in the program. While treatment protocols may look good on paper, the reality of the work does not always come through without fully understanding patient histories. This is certainly the case with Donna Goodwin, whose recovery was quite remarkable.
When Ms. Goodwin’s insurance company referred her to Paradigm, the 53-year-old baggage handler had already suffered with chronic pain, and a host of concurrent medical issues, for more than ten years. Having suffered from crush injuries to both her feet during an accident on the job, she had developed a narcotics dependence that caused cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance, without effectively managing her pain.
Ms. Goodwin had not been given a clear diagnosis, and her fragmented treatment plan did not include effective pain management. Objective findings did not support a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome, and surgical interventions were contraindicated. Her physician was considering an intrathecal pain pump, while behavioral and psychological issues were largely ignored.
Paradigm approached the case with a more comprehensive strategy that began by consulting a non-interventional provider who was focused on restoring Ms. Goodwin’s functionality. The physician ruled out the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome. Under Paradigm’s guidance, she was admitted to a pain center of excellence, where she detoxified and overcame her narcotics addiction, while participating in a functional restoration program. Once Ms. Goodwin left this facility, Paradigm arranged a variety of support services, including acupuncture, pain psychological therapy, and a fitness center membership.
After a year of comprehensive support, when Paradigm’s involvement was no longer required, Ms. Goodwin was able to walk without an assistive device and maintain a reasonable non-narcotic pain medicine routine. She had developed pain management skills, improved her functionality, and ended her dependence on narcotics. The end result was an increased quality of life for Ms. Goodwin. By applying a biopsychosocial model of care, reducing the risk of redundant procedures, and identifying concurrent diagnoses, Paradigm achieved a total lifetime medical cost savings of over $746,000.
Paradigm has many such case study stories, detailing our proven approach to injured worker recovery. By using an expert team of professionals to strategize the best possible treatment plan for each individual, Paradigm is able to change lives and save money. To refer a case to us, please feel free to contact us at 800-942-1725 or contact us online.
Posted by Paradigm on November 2, 2011 under Case Study Stories |
Examining case study stories is sometimes the best way to understand the effectiveness of a case management program. This is certainly the case with Paradigm, where the Systematic Care ManagementSM approach enables the formation of individualized, comprehensive treatment plans to address complex medical conditions. The story of David Miller is a good example of how successful this sort of program can be.
David Miller had been struggling with chronic, debilitating pain for four years following a back injury on the job when Paradigm became involved. The 45-year-old truck driver experienced chronic pain secondary to degenerative disc disease, and was dependent on opioid medications. All conditions were aggravated by preexisting spinal problems and obesity. He was depressed and frustrated, unable to work and care for his family.
At that point, an out-of-state physician, who was treating him solely with opioid medications, was monitoring his condition. Though previous psychological testing had indicated somatization disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the treating physician took no action to address these conditions.
Paradigm intervened with a comprehensive care plan designed by experts familiar with these types of cases. The first step was to assess the situation, and Paradigm determined that behavioral and psychological factors were significantly contributing to his pain and disability. In addition, they diagnosed opioid-induced hyperalgesia and medication-induced depression. The care plan devised by Paradigm’s specialists focused on restoring functionality, reducing opioid dependence, and improving cognitive-behavioral issues.
Paradigm arranged for a local physician, with expertise in the physical, psychological, and behavioral facets of chronic pain, to become Mr. Miller’s treating physician. A psychologist was brought in to address Mr. Miller’s psychosocial issues, and he was enrolled in an aqua therapy fitness program in order to improve his conditioning. Because familial and financial issues were impeding his progress, Paradigm recommended inpatient admission to The Rosomoff Comprehensive Pain Center.
After he was detoxified and released, Mr. Miller presented as being at-risk for relapse, and Paradigm closely managed his case in order to assist him in following a narcotic-free lifestyle, and setting functional and work goals. Since then, he has remained off narcotics, made huge strides in functionality, and learned coping strategies to manage pain. His psychological status has greatly improved, and he was released to return to work.
Paradigm has managed catastrophic and complex medical cases for over twenty years, and a look at their case study stories offers a glowing testament to the success of the approach. Paradigm wraps an expert team around the injured person and ensures the best care by the best providers nationwide. This leads to better medical outcomes and ultimately translates into substantial savings for our clients. To refer a case to us, please feel free to contact us at 800-942-1725 or join our social communities.
Posted by Paradigm on October 27, 2011 under Case Study Stories |
Understanding the benefits of a treatment program can be accomplished in a meaningful way by reading case study stories. By examining treatment plans not as theoretical strategies, but as the life-changing stories of real people, one can gain a better knowledge of a program’s merit. Certainly, this is true of Paradigm, as illustrated through the story of Clara Sanchez.
Ms. Sanchez came to Paradigm after almost twenty years of chronic pain, caused by an accident. At the age of 49, she was obese, suffering from depression, anxiety and catastrophizing, and she had limited coping mechanisms. Her complaint of pain in multiple body parts suggested the presence of opioid induced hyperalgesia. Her physicians were treating her exclusively with high doses of narcotic pain medications, which relieved pain, but did not improve her functional abilities. There was evidence to suggest that her chronic pain had a behavioral component, as she appeared to have disproportionate pain, based on objective findings.
Paradigm approached the situation with a multifaceted strategy. Inappropriate use of medication was overcome by a 90-day weaning regime, and Paradigm arranged counseling for Ms. Sanchez, to help with her psychological and social issues. When she returned to work, Ms. Sanchez was assigned a nurse case manager who conducted an onsite assessment of her workstation to determine appropriate improvements. Through these measures, Paradigm eliminated Ms. Sanchez’s 20-year dependence on narcotic pain medication, improved her emotional and psychological well being, and helped her return to work.
These changes equate to significant enhancement of Ms. Sanchez’s quality of life and cost savings for Paradigm’s client. By freeing her from narcotic addiction and frequent medical interventions, Paradigm reduced the lifetime medical costs of the case by nearly $4 million.
For over twenty years, Paradigm has assisted people with complex medical issues, creating case study stories such as this one. By providing a comprehensive approach, Paradigm is able to eliminate fragmentation of treatment and improve lives, while dramatically lowering lifetime medical costs. To refer a case to us, please feel free to call 800-942-1725 or contact us online .
Posted by Paradigm on October 13, 2011 under Case Study Stories |
Paradigm Management Services places the injured person at the center of what we do and ensures the best care by the best providers. These case study stories demonstrate how Paradigm’s Systematic Care ManagementSM model results in better patient outcomes. As an example of how Paradigm’s approach to pain management leads to higher standards of living, consider the case of Michael Palca.
While working as a custodian in 2005, Mr. Palca suffered a lower back strain while trying to release a hot water valve. Subsequent back surgeries failed to bring relief and his condition worsened when high dosages of prescription medications triggered negative side-effects, including cognitive dysfunction, dental problems, constipation, and gastrointestinal problems. After two years of ineffective treatment and his condition deteriorating, his insurance carrier referred the case to Paradigm.
After careful assessment, Paradigm concluded that Mr. Palca required placement in an inpatient drug detoxification and rehabilitation program at a pain center of excellence that focused on functional restoration. With Paradigm’s case management, Mr. Palca emerged successfully detoxified from opioid medications, his behavioral and psychological issues had been addressed, and his pre-injury functionality had been restored so that he could function without the need for a cane, lumbar brace, foot orthotic, or scooter. One additional spine surgery successfully addressed his remaining orthopedic issues.
Once he completed Paradigm’s care plan, Mr. Palca was medically stable, free of dependence on narcotic medications, and cleared by his treating physicians to return to work with restrictions. The case management provided by Paradigm helped stabilize his medication regimen, decrease his physician visits, and eliminate his use of durable medical equipment. In total, his insurance carrier benefitted from a lifetime medical cost savings of $2,649,752.
To refer a case to Paradigm Management Services, feel free to contact us or join our social communities.
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