Why is the treatment of chronic, disabling pain in the Department of Psychiatry?
Chronic pain affects all aspects of a person's life. Psychiatry is the discipline that cares for the whole person, not just a single organ system. Our goal is to help patients change so that they can restore their function, engage in productive activities, and improve their quality of life. If we can delineate all the conditions responsible for chronic pain, regardless of whether they are psychiatric, medical, neurological, or surgical, then we can begin to design individual treatments with the patient. This integrated, interdisciplinary process recognizes how all aspects of the patient fit together and how an individual is greater than the sum of their parts. Problem areas combine to create a disabling illness that is complicated and that requires more than simple fixes, but that can ultimately be unraveled for successful treatment outcomes.
Why is the inpatient Pain Treatment Program (PTP) on a locked unit in the hospital?
The PTP is a voluntary rehabilitation program. Patients may leave the unit at any time, unless this conflicts with their treatment plan. Patient safety is paramount at Hopkins and you will find that many inpatient units throughout the hospital have limited access for staff and visitors. In addition, the PTP shares the floor with often-vulnerable geriatric patients in need of extra precautions. There are visiting hours for family and friends and patients often leave the unit for group meetings or to walk on hospital grounds. Sometimes passes are given for weekend days with family or friends. Please note that the unit is smoke-free; nicotine replacement therapy and other supports for smokers are available.
What insurance does the hospital take?
Before your admission, our business office will verify your benefits, and the admissions coordinator will contact you with information about your coverage as it applies to our program. (Please note: this quote of benefits is not a guarantee of payment or a precertification for admission.) Admission to our program is a mental health admission through the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Psychiatry and will be authorized under the mental health portion of your insurance, not the medical portion. Please see the Admissions section for instructions on how to obtain information about your individual benefits. For more information about insurance and billing, click here.
How do I get referred to this program?
A completed referral form and current clinical information from your physicians (e.g. internists, psychiatrists, pain specialists, neurologists, etc.) are needed for our treatment team to determine whether you are likely to benefit from treatment in our program. This initial information also allows our treatment team to begin planning your course of treatment once you are admitted to our program. Please see the Admissionssection below for more information on how your doctor(s) can refer you to the program.
What should I bring to the hospital if admitted to the program?
Due to limited storage space, it is necessary to pack only essentials. However, the unit does have free laundry facilities. Three-to-four days' worth of comfortable clothing, including a pair of athletic shoes, is appropriate. You may also wish to bring selected toiletries. Please leave valuables at home. If cash is needed, the Hospital has several ATM machines for your convenience. When making preparations for admission, calculate your expected length of stay including time that will be spent both on the Inpatient Unit and in the Day Hospital.
