Leveraging UPMC’s Pain Care Model for a New Era of Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is one of the most widespread and challenging health issues in the United States, with an estimated 24% of adults significantly impacted in their overall well-being.

For many patients, primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the first, and often only, point of access for managing ongoing pain. However, the complexity of pain management, coupled with the overwhelming demands on PCPs, has made it increasingly difficult to deliver effective care.

To address this critical need, UPMC Enterprises and Redesign Health have launched Glimmer Health, a new company aimed at revolutionizing the way chronic pain is managed through a digital and multimodal approach.

Insights From UPMC Pain Management Expert Ajay Wasan, MD, MSc

UPMC is a leader in comprehensive pain management and currently operates 10 hospital-based pain clinics and five primary care clinics staffed with advanced practice providers trained in pain management, which is a unique approach nationwide.  

UPMC’s Dr. Ajay Wasan, an esteemed expert in pain medicine and psychiatry, oversees clinical care across these 15 pain clinics and has devoted his career to researching and developing innovative treatment approaches for pain. He also serves as Vice Chair for Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and is a Tenured Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  

Additionally, Dr. Wasan has particular expertise in multimodal pain care, such as the combined use of medications, rehabilitation, injections, mental health care, and/or integrative medicine to improve painful conditions. 

“Pain medicine is a unique and a deeply fulfilling field that bridges the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, integrating multiple disciplines to address one of the most common and devastating conditions affecting patients,” Dr. Wasan said. “My interest in pain medicine stemmed from a strong desire to help patients regain control over their lives and return to better functioning. Severe pain can be life-altering, and being able to bring meaningful relief to tens of thousands of patients has been one of the most gratifying aspects of my career.” 

With specialists such as Dr. Wasan at the forefront of pain medicine, UPMC continues to set new standards in the treatment of pain. Through collaborations with leading clinicians and researchers, UPMC transforms evidence-based strategies into real-world solutions, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care tailored to their individual needs. 

“At UPMC, we have developed a distinctly different model for pain management compared to other institutions. Our approach emphasizes multidimensional assessment, for example, evaluating how pain spreads, and its impact on function, mood, and sleep. This allows us to create comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that are tailored for each patient,” Dr. Wasan said. 

The most notable aspect of UPMC’s pain care strategy is the multimodal approach, which includes integrating medication, physical therapy, mental health support, acupuncture, and other treatments to optimize outcomes for chronic pain patients.   

UPMC’s approach also is unique because patient-reported outcomes are tracked meticulously, and analytics are used to assess treatment effectiveness and refine strategies. 

“This longitudinal patient approach supported by evidence-based outcomes allows us to better assist patients through regular follow ups, care modifications, and personalized treatment plans,” Dr. Wasan said. 

Given the many benefits of this multimodal approach, Dr. Wasan and the Digital Solutions team at UPMC Enterprises saw an opportunity for the model to be scaled and aid in improving pain care management beyond UPMC.

Extending the UPMC Pain Care Model to Glimmer Health

Glimmer is transforming pain care with a digital health and telemedicine-first model that seamlessly integrates specialized pain management and behavioral health into routine practice, aiding primary care practices.  

This innovative digital health tool enhances care coordination and supports informed decision-making, helping patients and providers identify the most effective combination of treatments for pain management. 

Backed by UPMC’s leadership in innovation and Redesign Health’s commitment to transformative care, Glimmer is redefining chronic pain treatment with a holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered approach designed for lasting impact. 

“I believe the future of pain medicine lies in interdisciplinary collaboration,” Dr. Wasan said. “With Glimmer, we’re bringing UPMC’s world-class pain management expertise into primary care, equipping providers with the digital tools they need to manage pain effectively and improve patients’ lives.” 

Next Steps

• Learn more about Glimmer Health. 
• Read about another UPMC and Redesign collaboration: Pip Care. 
• Explore Digital Solutions at UPMC Enterprises.