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StatPearls, LLC

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Behavior Observation Techniques
  • Chronic Pain
  • Pain
  • Pain Measurement

Pain Assessment

Pain represents one of the most common symptoms prompting clinical encounters and may arise from acute tissue injury, persistent inflammation, or nervous system dysfunction. Although inherently subjective, pain is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain as both a sensory and emotional experience. Subtypes include nociceptive, neuropathic, and centralized pain, each with unique pathophysiologic mechanisms and clinical characteristics. Chronic pain, typically defined as pain persisting for more than 3 months, often involves maladaptive neuroplasticity and impaired descending modulation. This condition affects over 50 million individuals in the United States and contributes to disability, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization. Proper pain assessment requires distinguishing between acute and chronic pain, evaluating functional impairment, and using validated tools tailored to specific pain syndromes. Objective measurement remains elusive, but structured assessment enables more consistent treatment and improved outcomes, particularly in complex or refractory cases. This continuing education activity enables healthcare professionals to refine their ability to assess pain and apply findings to optimize clinical management. Learners gain a deeper understanding of pain subtypes, neurobiology, and assessment strategies, including patient-reported outcomes, behavioral observations, and functional measures. Instruction emphasizes accurate elicitation of clinical data and appropriate use of tools in various settings. Participants develop the ability to tailor care plans to the type and severity of pain, enhancing safety and effectiveness. Collaboration within an interprofessional team including primary care clinicians, pain specialists, pharmacists, and behavioral health providers enhances outcomes by integrating complementary expertise, reducing opioid reliance, and supporting long-term recovery.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 8 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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