Patients Experiencing Chronic Pain Find Relief Through Intermountain Health Connect Care

September is Pain Management Awareness Month, and Intermountain Health Connect Care is helping patients understand and manage pain virtually.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (PRUnderground) September 28th, 2026

It's an alarming fact: An estimated 51.6 million adults, or about 21% of the adult population in the United States, live with chronic pain.  

In Utah, patients suffering from chronic pain are able to utilize Intermountain Health's telehealth platform, Connect Care, to meet with caregivers and create individual treatment plans specific to a patient's needs.  

Partnering with pharmacy, behavioral health, physical therapy, and addiction medicine caregivers, Intermountain Health Connect Care Pain Management aims to reduce the stigma associated with pain, improve patient access to pain management resources, and enhance the quality of life for those affected by pain. 

"Chronic and acute pain can impact every aspect of a person's life," said Mindy Devaney, a program manager at Intermountain Health Connect Care Pain Management Services.  "At Intermountain Health, we focus on helping patients better understand and manage their pain through education, awareness, and meaningful conversations about treatment options with the goal of helping improve their function and quality of life. Connect Care Pain Management expands access to specialized pain care, providing another way for patients to receive the support they need closer to home." 

Virtual care through Connect Care is an option for the following conditions: 

• - Acute & chronic pain 
  - Migraines & headaches 
  - Low back/neck/hip/shoulder pain 
  - Joint pain 
  - Sciatic nerve pain 
  - Pelvic pain 
  - Abdominal pain  
  - Fibromyalgia 
  - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) 
  - Peripheral neuropathy 
  - Nerve injury 
  - Previous spine surgery 

 What patients can expect 

During a Connect Care visit, patients can expect an assessment with a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner trained in pain management. The expert will address the patient's pain history, discuss treatment options, including consults for medication, recommendations to improve results, and decrease risks/side effects.  

Before the virtual session, patients are asked to gather any relevant materials and be prepared to share their pain history and any current pain or discomfort they are experiencing.   

Connect Care providers work closely with other disciplines such as behavioral health, pharmacy, physical therapy, and interventionalists. Referrals to these other specialties are essential for holistic pain care.  

Services Offered 

• - Pain triage & coping methods 
  - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  - Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) 
  -Behavioral health therapy 
  - Physical therapy evaluation 
  - MedBridge Pathways (digital platform designed to improve & support patient care) 
  - Functional Restoration 
  - Orders & referrals to ambulatory interventionalists 
  - Addiction Medicine assistance for patients with pain 

Who is eligible? 

Connect Care Pain Management is available for patients ages 18 and older in Utah, Montana, and Colorado.  Many insurances are accepted, contact your insurance plan for coverage options.  

While virtual care can often support pain needs, there are times when an in-person visit may be more appropriate. These may include performing procedures, complex pain needs, substance use disorder management, and high dose opioid prescribing. In these instances, Intermountain's experts can assist in navigating patient care.   

To make an appointment download the Intermountain Health patient portal and go here to answer any additional questions. Patients can also call 844-501-PAIN (7246) to make an appointment.

Original Press Release.