Phillip Kim, MD and the Federation for Pain Care Access

Host: David Rosenblum, MD Guest: Phillip Kim, MD Date: January 24, 2025 Time: 6:30 AM Episode Summary: In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. David Rosenblum engages with Dr. Phillip Kim to discuss the Federation Pain Care Access, a newly formed organization advocating for improved access to interventional pain treatments. The episode delves into the challenges posed by restrictive insurance coverage policies and the collaborative efforts needed to address these issues effectively. Key Discussion Points: -Introduction to Federation Pain Care Access: A new entity focused on advocating for emergent and standard care in interventional pain treatments, aiming to enhance access through advocacy and legislative solutions. - Impact of Restrictive Policies: Dr. Kim highlights how insurance carriers like Evicor, AIM, and Optum impose restrictive coverage policies that harm patients and practitioners, particularly amid the ongoing opioid epidemic.AIM, Optum and Evicore are not insurance carriers. these are separate entities which oversee utilization management and prior auth requests for insurance carriers (HMO, TPA's etc) e g. BCBS plans, UHS etc. Prior Authorization Challenges: Discussion on the AMA 2022 Prior Authorization Physician Survey, which indicates significant negative impacts on patient care due to prior authorization processes. - Case Studies: Dr. Kim shares specific cases where patients faced harm due to denied claims, including issues related to medical cannabis and necessary medical equipment.