| An analysis of medical claims data suggests that adults experiencing new episodes of chronic pain may have differential access to all treatment options based on the type of health insurance they have. Recently published in The Journal of Pain, the study was conducted by researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chronic pain is considered a sensitive barometer of population health. It affects a large part of the U.S. adult population and has been estimated to cost $560 to $635 billion annually (in 2010 dollars). The current 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline encourages clinicians to evaluate the full range of evidence-based pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for pain treatment while also considering patient values and preferences. However, health insurance coverage and reimbursement policies do not always align with these guidelines, possibly preventing adequate care. Analyzing health care data can show how chronic pain is treated and identify possible opportunities for change. | 