Appropriate Selection or Poor Triaging: Assessment of Patient Profiles Presenting to a Neuromodulation for Pain Program at a Tertiary Academic Center

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is effective for some pain syndromes, but inappropriate referrals can frustrate patients and misuse resources. This retrospective study reviewed 370 patients referred to a Neuromodulation for Pain Program (NPP) from July 2022 to June 2024. Of these, 241 were deemed appropriate for SCS. The SCS-appropriate group had higher pain intensity, more neuropathic pain, and lower opioid use. Inappropriate referrals were often from family physicians. Key factors associated with inappropriateness included low pain intensity, lack of neuropathic features, and high opioid use. Enhancing referral quality through targeted education may improve care and system efficiency.