Kathy Metcalfe, RN, CCM, CDMS, PSPM, has been a Paradigm Network Manager since 2011. In this four-part series, Kathy talks about her work with Butch Coffman.

Butch Coffman’s story began when he slipped on the ice going to work one winter morning. Over the next 12 years, his condition worsened and he developed chronic pain.

How did Paradigm’s team approach benefit Butch during his treatment plan?

Once Butch trusted me, Dr. Moinzadeh, the Paradigm Medical Director on the case, provided a safe weaning schedule for all his medications. Butch’s doctor continued writing the same orders for pain medication and simply left it up to Butch how much to take. Butch worked with me to follow the very slow taper planned for his pain medication. At Dr. Moinzadeh’s suggestion, Butch tried turning off his spinal cord stimulator for an hour after aqua therapy and gradually increased the time it was off. As his strength improved, Butch came to see the spinal cord stimulator was of no benefit and asked to have it removed.

Dr. Moinzadeh also gave input on the multiple medications the psychiatrist was prescribing. I coached Butch on how to discuss medication reduction with his psychiatrist. This enabled him to become his own advocate.

Conclusion:

To learn more about Paradigm Outcomes and how our Network Managers assist in pain management for our injured workers, vis

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About the Network Manager

I went to nursing school when I was in my 30s. After six years working in the emergency room, I began a career in case management. When I lived in Florida, back in 2004, I worked for Betty Reid and was dedicated to Paradigm cases. I returned to Michigan in 2007 and Paradigm hired me to join the pain team in 2011.  Although I will reach retirement age next year, working for Paradigm Outcomes is too enriching to leave.