Understanding the Role of Behavioral Pain Management in Your Treatment Plan
Why Behavioral Pain Management Matters
In accordance with both Medicare regulations and Florida medical law, pain management is no longer just about medication or injections. Chronic pain affects the whole person—not just the body, but also the mind, mood, behavior, and daily functioning. As of 2025, physicians who treat chronic pain are required to ensure that a comprehensive behavioral health evaluation is part of your pain care plan at least once annually. This is not optional. It is part of a national shift toward treating pain holistically—a process known as Behavioral Pain Management.
What Is Behavioral Pain Management?
Behavioral Pain Management refers to evidence-based strategies designed to help patients:
Understand how emotions, stress, and behavior affect their pain
Develop healthier coping mechanisms
Improve sleep, physical activity, and medication safety
Address anxiety, depression, or trauma that often accompany chronic pain
This care is delivered by licensed professionals such as LMFTs, LPCs, LMHCs, psychologists, and social workers who specialize in pain psychology. It is coordinated with your physician and any interventional or prescriptive treatments you may be receiving.
What Your Physician Is Required to Explain to You
Federal and state regulators now require that your physician:
Document a behavioral pain evaluation in your record annually
Integrate behavioral health planning into your treatment plan for chronic pain
Use Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) tools
Educate you on the risks and responsibilities of long-term pain treatment
Without this, even prescriptions for non-opioid medications may fall outside of safe or lawful practice.
Failure to comply can result in:
Loss of a physician’s DEA license
State medical board disciplinary action
Denial of insurance reimbursement (including Medicare)
Relevant Regulations
Medicare: CMS Manual System, Pub. 100-02, Chapter 15 § 220.6.20 — Requires behavioral evaluation as part of chronic pain treatment under certain outpatient services.
Florida Board of Medicine:
Fla. Admin. Code 64B8-9.0131: Treatment of Pain with Controlled Substances
Fla. Admin. Code 64B15-14.0055: Guidelines for the Prescription of Controlled Substances
Fla. Stat. § 458.3265: Regulation of Pain-Management Clinics
These rules require documented behavioral health engagement as part of the care plan for patients receiving long-term opioids.
What You Can Expect From Behavioral Pain Specialists
Confidential, respectful, and collaborative care
Education about your pain and treatment choices
Monitoring of medication safety and psychological side effects
Support for related issues like trauma, grief, stress, or depression
Tools to improve your quality of life without relying solely on medications
Your behavioral specialist works with your prescribing doctor and any interventional anesthesiologist or clinic team to ensure your care meets both medical standards and personal goals.
How to Prepare for Your Annual Evaluation
Be ready to share your pain story: history, what helps, what doesn’t.
Bring a list of medications and any concerns about them.
Be honest about your emotional wellbeing and stress levels.
Know that this is a routine part of care—not a test or a judgment.
Questions? Concerns? Let’s Talk.
For more information or to schedule your Behavioral Pain Evaluation:
📧 bob@bobcoates.com
📞 813.508.1859
Your Health. Your Voice. Your Plan.
Pain treatment is a team effort. Including behavioral health makes it safer, smarter, and more successful for everyone involved—especially you.
