Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Continuous infusion pain pumps provide a constant flow of local anesthetic to a targeted area for pain relief. The system consists of a small plastic pump that either automatically or manually directs a local anesthetic to the source of the pain via a catheter. The device is secured to the body until the narcotic medication or anesthetic is depleted, and the patient can remove it himself.

There are now several such devices available, including the On-Q Pain Management System, the Pain Buster Pain Management System, the Don Joy Pain Pump, and the Stryker Pain Pump.

Manufacturers claim several advantages for these pumps, including faster patient recovery, continuous and on-demand narcotic-free pain relief, and prolonged post-operative analgesia as compared to a single injection.