Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Pitfalls of Diagnosis and Treatment
Fernando Branco, MD, FAAPM&R
AVP of Claims and Chief Medical Officer, Midwest Employers Casualty
Dr. Fernando Branco details how to diagnose complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as well as the difficulties that are associated with the diagnosis. For instance, he explains that it is not uncommon for CRPS to be mis- or over-diagnosed and that, to avoid an inaccurate outcome, a diagnosis should be made months after the acute stage. Dr. Branco further delves into the diagnosis process by discussing the tools used during examination as well as risks associated with potential treatments and medications implemented to combat CRPS.
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Fernando Branco, MD, FAAPM&R
AVP of Claims and Chief Medical Officer, Midwest Employers Casualty
Fernando is chief medical officer at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC), a Berkley Company. He has over 30 years of experience in clinical practice and is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain, and addiction medicine. He is the former medical director of a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation pain center for the treatment of chronic pain cases – a center of excellence recognized by the American Pain Society. In his current role at MEC, Dr. Branco leads a team of medical management consultants handling complex workers’ compensation claims to help employers and injured workers achieve better outcomes.
