Study Highlights Danger In Using Pain Management To Judge Doctors

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There is no doubt that the management and control of pain is very important for people who are being treated by physicians. In recent years this has been called the 'Fifth Vital Sign' and many surveys evaluate doctors and hospitals by how patients respond to questions about their pain management.

But health leaders are expressing an unexpected concern—those who want to abuse pain medications have been manipulating these surveys to try and get excessive medications. Several leaders of the American Medical Association are asking that because of this the designation that pain as a "fifth vital sign" should be removed.

They also say there is an inherent danger in using pain management as a part of surveys rating hospitals and physicians—ultimately putting pressure on providers to be more liberal with pain medications.