ABFM Pain Medicine study guide
ABFM Pain Medicine · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Pain Medicine Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) is a subspecialty credential for physicians who already hold primary certification and want recognition of additional training and knowledge in pain medicine. According to ABFM, the CAQ is offered in conjunction with the American Boards of Anesthesiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry and Neurology. ABFM has partnered with the American Board of Anesthesiology to offer both a one-day exam and the Longitudinal Assessment – Pain Medicine (LA-PM). ABFM notes that ABA administers the Pain Medicine exam and that listed deadlines are consistent with ABA's; candidates should verify current dates, fees, and registration details directly with ABA before applying. The ABFM Pain Medicine study guide has 5 sections and about 1,442 words.
01Pain Assessment, Diagnosis, and Multidimensional Evaluation
Pain assessment is not a pain score; it is a hypothesis-generating process. Take a focused history of onset, location, quality, timing, aggravating and relieving factors, severity, prior treatments, and - critically - functional impact (sleep, work, mobility, mood).
297 words, about 1 min02Pharmacologic Management of Pain, Including Opioid and Non-Opioid Therapy
Non-opioid therapy is foundational. Acetaminophen is useful but has a ceiling and hepatotoxicity risk with excess alcohol or liver disease.
303 words, about 2 min03Interventional and Procedural Pain Management
Interventional care begins with a diagnosis, not a procedure. Identify the presumed pain generator - facet joint, nerve root, sympathetic chain, joint, muscle, or disc - and confirm that conservative care has been optimized.
278 words, about 1 min04Psychological, Behavioral, and Rehabilitation Approaches to Pain
Psychological and rehabilitative care is not a consolation prize; it is core treatment for chronic pain. Explain the fear-avoidance model: pain leads to catastrophizing, fear, avoidance, deconditioning, and disability.
270 words, about 1 min05Multidisciplinary and Comprehensive Pain Care, Safety, and Practice Management
Comprehensive pain care coordinates clinicians, behavioral health, rehabilitation, pharmacy, and primary care around shared goals. Use a biopsychosocial formulation and a written care plan that addresses function, mood, sleep, substance use, and social determinants.
294 words, about 1 min