Emerging Imaging Tools for Interventional Pain

The introduction of image guidance for precise targeting of anatomical structures, accurate reproduction of successful procedures, and storage of a procedural record was an important step forward for modern pain medicine. The earliest approaches to procedures in pain medicine were often hampered by the limitations of the sightless, surface landmark-driven “art of medicine.” Imaging levels the playing field, as it were, by allowing all physicians to see exactly what was done. Obviously, the ability to review critical images as part of a quality management process might improve medical outcomes. However, as for many advances, there are concerns that imaging could be used by government payers, insurers, or others to restrict one’s ability to participate in procedural care or receive remuneration for the procedure if the stored image does not meet specific standards.