Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Insights from Dr. Allison Engel on Interventional Pain Management
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Introduction
In the August 9, 2025 episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Grace Lynn Keller engages in a compelling discussion with Dr. Allison Engel, an experienced Interventional Pain Physician and Anesthesiologist. Recorded live at the 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic, and Pain Management Conference, the conversation delves into current trends, operational challenges, and future innovations shaping the landscape of pain management and broader healthcare practices.
Industry Trends and Shifts
Dr. Engel opens the discussion by highlighting significant changes within the pain management sector. She notes an increasing number of claim denials, particularly from commercial insurance payers, which complicates reimbursement processes. This financial pressure is prompting many practices to pivot toward alternative revenue streams such as Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury (PI), or concierge medicine models.
"We've been seeing a lot of denials, especially in the pain space... practices moving towards Workers comp, PI or concierge type of medicine for the revenue streams" (01:07).
This shift reflects a broader strategy among healthcare providers to stabilize and diversify their income sources amidst fluctuating insurance landscapes.
Addressing Staffing and Workforce Challenges
The conversation transitions to enduring concerns over staffing and workforce stability in healthcare. Dr. Engel emphasizes the importance of a cohesive and motivated operational team to navigate these pressures effectively.
"One overall theme... having a great operational team is getting a vibe of good people, everyone being on the same page, bringing positive energy and leaning into each person's passions" (01:54).
She stresses that respect, appreciation, and a sense of value within the organization are crucial for retaining staff and fostering a supportive work environment. This approach not only enhances team morale but also ensures that the practice operates smoothly and efficiently.
Evolving Role of Orthopedics and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
As outpatient care continues to expand, Dr. Engel discusses the evolving role of orthopedics and ASCs within the healthcare ecosystem. She observes a trend of consolidation among private practices, where different specialties such as primary care, rheumatology, orthopedics, and pain management are merging to create more integrated care networks.
"Private practices are merging and condensing with other... to give the patients other options to keep them within their organization rather than referring them out" (02:48).
This integration aims to enhance patient retention by providing comprehensive services in-house, thereby improving accessibility and continuity of care.
Innovations and Future Initiatives
Exploring the frontier of healthcare technology, Dr. Engel addresses the adoption of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) within private practices. She anticipates that while AI tools will become increasingly prevalent, their high costs may drive smaller practices to seek mergers or private equity partnerships to afford these innovations.
"Private practices are merging with others or selling to private equity in order to afford those costs of advanced technology, advanced AI" (03:51).
Despite the technological advancements, Dr. Engel underscores the enduring necessity of the human touch in patient care. She envisions a balanced integration of AI and personalized care, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the essential human elements of healthcare delivery.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Technology and Human Touch
In her closing remarks, Dr. Engel reflects on the future trajectory of healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human aspect of medical practice amidst the surge of AI and technological tools.
"We're also seeing people move, patients in particular, wanting that concierge type of model and willing to pay cash for it. And so we can't forget that human touch when we also talk about the AI component" (04:28).
Dr. Engel is optimistic about the future, believing that a harmonious blend of advanced technology and human-centered care will lead to improved outcomes and a more resilient healthcare system.
Conclusion
Dr. Allison Engel’s insights provide a nuanced understanding of the current dynamics and future directions in interventional pain management and broader healthcare practices. Her emphasis on operational excellence, adaptive revenue models, team cohesion, and the balanced integration of technology with human care offers valuable guidance for healthcare leaders navigating an ever-evolving industry landscape.
For more insights and expert discussions, tune into future episodes of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, delivered daily with the latest industry news and thought leadership from key healthcare decision-makers.