Controlled Substance Policy

At Virginia Interventional Pain & Spine Center, we prioritize safe and effective pain management while minimizing opioid use. We do not prescribe opioids during the first visit and focus on non-medication strategies to diagnose and treat pain at its source. For patients requiring medication management, we work closely with their primary care provider to ensure a stable regimen.

Our goal is to provide personalized care that improves pain control and enhances quality of life.

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Do you prescribe opioids during the first patient visit?

We do NOT prescribe any opioids on the first patient visit.

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What is your approach to prescribing chronic opioids?

We attempt to limit/minimize prescribing chronic opioids.

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Are patients subject to random urine drug tests or pill counts?

You may, from time to time, be subject to random urine drug tests and random pill counts.

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Do you prescribe chronic opioids to noncancer pain patients for long-term use?

We do NOT advocate prescribing chronic opioids to noncancer pain patients on a long-term basis ( ie>3 months).

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How do you determine the source of a patient’s pain for treatment?

We optimize treatment strategies other than medication management to determine a diagnosis of where your pain is coming from so we may better be able to treat your pain.

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Will VIPSC automatically take over my current pain medication regimen if I become a patient?

Just because you have been seen and/or have an appointment at VIPSC does not mean we will prescribe and/or take over your current pain medication regimen. Please make your current provider aware of this.

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Does having an appointment at VIPSC guarantee a contract for pain medication management?

An appointment at our pain clinic does not automatically put you in a contract with us regarding pain medications.

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What happens if I am on a stable pain regimen prescribed by another provider?

If you are already on a current stable pain regimen from another provider, we will not continue this. This will be left up to the provider who put you on and/or has maintained this regimen.

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What does it mean if VIPSC is acting as a consult service for medication management?

If you were referred to us strictly for medication management, we act solely as a consult service. This means that we will make recommendations as to how to change your regimen to optimize your pain control so that you can live a better quality of life with fewer potential side effects of chronic high-dose medications.

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What is the role of my primary care provider in managing a stable pain regimen established by VIPSC?

By having your primary care provider continue your stable pain medication regimen, this allows the providers at VIPSC to see patients whose pain is not well controlled sooner allowing better access to care to those in need.

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Will VIPSC take over prescribing my medications as part of a consult service?

As a consulting service for medication management, we at times will take over prescribing your medications but only with the understanding that another provider, usually your primary care provider, takes over-prescribing these medications when your pain control is stabilized. This relationship with your PCP/prescribing provider must be established prior to VIPSC prescribing opioid therapy. When your pain regimen is stabilized, you will continue to follow us every 3-6 months to make sure your current pain regimen is still providing you the best relief possible with minimal side effects. On the other hand, if your pain changes or becomes uncontrolled on the current regimen, we would be happy to see you sooner to further diagnose and treat your new and/or worsening condition.

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Is there a written Controlled Substance Policy?

Yes, VIPSC has a written policy and patient agreement for pain management. You can review it here: Patient Responsibility Agreement for Controlled Substances