MindBody Medicine Clinical Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Pain Management Group Program?

The MindBody Medicine Clinic Management of Chronic Pain Program accepts patients with a spectrum of chronic pain types such as arthritis, joint pain, back and neck pain, headaches, pelvic pain and fibromyalgia to name a few.

You may call our clinic to schedule an initial evaluation or ask your physician to make a referral. It is necessary that we receive information from your referring physician prior to your first appointment.

Please call Kathy Davis, the intake coordinator, at 802-847-COPE (2673) or ask your doctor to fax a referral to 802-847-8747.

Where are the groups located?

Our Pain Management groups meet in two locations: The University Health Center in Burlington, VT and the Center for Pain Medicine on Tilley Drive in South Burlington. Driving Directions

Most often groups will occur at UHC in Burlington. Use Elevator C (near the pharmacy) in the Arnold wing to get to the 6th floor where the MBMC is located. Driving Directions

When do the groups occur?

The MBMC runs about 6 to 8 Management of Chronic Pain groups per year at the UHC location on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm and at the Center for Pain Medicine on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Each group lasts for 11 consecutive weeks and runs 90 minutes per session.

MBMC patients are notified of the time, day of week, location and start date of their group at their initial evaluation. A confirmation letter is sent to each participant seven days prior to the start of group.

How many patients are in each group?

Groups may vary in size. Generally we find that groups consist of between eight and ten participants.

Will insurance pay for group?

In most cases, insurance claims will be submitted directly to the patient's insurance carrier. However, because health insurance policies differ, reimbursement may vary. Claims are submitted as outpatient mental health clinic visits, unless otherwise specified.

To ensure coverage, please contact your insurance carrier directly, prior to your initial evaluation. In most cases, groups are reimbursed by workers compensation and self-pay is also accepted.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) interact closely. Specifically, our thoughts influence our feelings and our behavior. For example, negative thoughts can cause us distress and result in increased pain, depression or change behaviors such as overeating or alcohol abuse.

The MBMC teaches specific coping skills such as relaxation techniques, decreasing catastrophizing and improving body awareness to help patients reduce negative responses to their pain.

What will I gain from participating in this program?

There is strong evidence supporting the benefits of relaxation techniques and other cognitive skills in improving coping with chronic medical illness such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic pain to list a few.

The MBMC has helped numerous patients improve the quality of their lives through a well-rounded treatment program offering stress management, communication skills, and nutrition, sleep, and medication adjustments.

Individuals with chronic pain who have not received relief from more conventional interventions, such as medications or surgery alone, may benefit from this program.

We have found from our research that patients who graduated from the Management of Chronic Pain Program continued success with managing their pain well after groups have ended.

Can I participate in research?

The MBMC has completed several research projects on chronic pain relapse prevention with great success. Findings have shown that individuals who participate in research and use coping skills daily have better control over their pain.

Patients who complete the Management of Chronic Pain Program may be eligible for our chronic pain relapse prevention research.

Last modified May 16 2011 04:57 PM