Practice Parameters for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Physician Training

How can a physician best be trained to offer SCS treatment?

A physician who offers SCS therapy should have successfully completed residency or fellowship training or a preceptorship in SCS (including proctoring by an experienced clinician) in a setting with an adequate patient volume to include candidates for SCS and for a full range of alternative procedures.  Such a setting will allow the physician to gain experience in patient selection (including behavioral evaluation) for each procedure, even if the physician does not provide direct care in every situation.

Strength of recommendation Evidence source(s)/rationale
A = Recommended or required
Valid, useful, or non-negotiable
  • Weighing risk versus potential benefit and expert consensus reveals a high likelihood of a favorable outcome

Henderson JM, Levy RM, Bedder MD, Staats PS, Slavin KV, Poree LR, North RB NANS training requirements for spinal cord stimulation devices: Selection, implantation and followup. Neuromodulation 12(3):171-174, 2009.
Abstract