Pain Management: CDC Conversation Starters for Patients and Their Doctors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released four new fact sheets that encourage patients and doctors to discuss pain management options and the potential risks of opioid medication. Information includes:

• What patients can expect if they are taking opioids
• Guidance on safer use
• Prompts for a doctor-patient discussion of treatment goals and plans
• Non-pharmacologic and non-opioid medication options for pain management

The fact sheets cover the important questions and information you should cover when you talk to your patients about:

• Acute pain
• Chronic pain
• Prescription opioids
• Reducing risk of opioid addiction