North Shore Health is happy to partner with Holistic Pain Management to offer pain relief to our community. Check out the Getting to Know North Shore Health article below to learn more of the launch of the program and how to get an appointment.
Improving Rural Access to Pain Management at North Shore Health
By: Danielle Hefferan; Public Information Coordinator at NSH
North Shore Health (NSH) is excited to launch a new collaboration with Holistic Pain Management (HPM), bringing individualized chronic pain treatment plans to residents of Cook County and the surrounding communities. HPM is a leader in interventional pain management, offering advanced, non-opioid solutions designed to restore function and improve quality of life. By partnering with community healthcare organizations, HPM expands access to specialized pain care in rural and underserved areas. As a critical access hospital in northeastern Minnesota, NSH is committed to providing high‑quality, accessible care that meets the unique needs of the community.
Services now offered at NSH include a range of interventional procedures that help identify and treat the underlying causes of pain, supporting patients in returning to daily activities with greater comfort and independence. Through close collaboration with HPM’s board‑certified providers, NSH ensures treatment plans are individualized, evidence‑based, and well coordinated with local care teams. The goal extends beyond pain relief to improving mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
Improving Access to Pain Care in a Rural Community
For many Cook County residents, accessing specialized pain care has historically meant traveling long distances, navigating multiple appointments, or going without care altogether. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Sam Pykkonen serves as NSH’s provider through HPM. She noted that the current wait time to be seen at many pain clinics in Duluth is approximately two months, far too long for someone experiencing pain. Since beginning clinic and procedure days at NSH in mid‑December, she has been able to assess and treat patients weekly in Grand Marais.
A Collaborative Model That Puts Patients First
A defining strength of the program is the close collaboration among NSH’s Nursing, Radiology, Rehabilitation, and Health Information Management (HIM) departments and the HPM team. This cross‑department model ensures that care is cohesive, efficient, and centered on each patient’s needs.
CRNA Pykkonen and NSH Nursing begin with a complete pain assessment. Radiology provides diagnostic imaging when needed to help identify the source of pain and guide treatment. NSH Rehabilitation supports patients with movement programs and education designed to improve mobility and function. At the same time, the HIM team works to secure prior authorization so patients know that their insurance will cover before receiving treatment.
Treg Axtell, Physical Therapist at NSH, shared: “What impresses me most about CRNA Pykkonen is her ability to assess the whole patient- making a diagnosis through examination, studies, and consultation with other specialists while coordinating with the patient’s primary care team, including Rehab, to determine which of the 50‑plus interventions, if any, would be appropriate. Ultimately this provides appropriate treatment plans right here at the hospital, instead of patients having to travel to Duluth for services.”
Together, these departments create a seamless care path that strengthens communication and puts the patient experience first. Staff members report that the program’s integrated structure has already made a meaningful impact.
Early Patient Satisfaction
Early patient feedback has been highly positive. Many have expressed gratitude for having comprehensive pain care and have reported improvements in comfort and quality of life. Others have highlighted the supportive, team‑based approach that helps them feel heard and understood throughout the process.
Mark Adams, recently referred by his primary care provider, shared his experience: “I had been dealing with severe knee pain for years. I couldn’t sit down in a chair without my knee buckling. Sam performed a bilateral injection to reach the sciatic nerve, which was challenging because of my arthritis. The very next day, I realized my foot was warm for the first time in 25 years, and within a couple of days, my knee issues had improved dramatically. The entire team was wonderful. Sam, of course, along with Kia and everyone else I interacted with. They were honest that the procedure could be painful, and it was, but it was absolutely worth it. I’m continuing to see Sam to address a few other issues because the results have been life‑changing.”
Kia Gruber, RN Unit Coordinator at NSH, added, “I see patients come in to be assessed and leave with a sense of hope. Often patients have lived with pain for so long with no path out. This program is a great resource for our facility and community. We really just want to help people.”
Getting Started
If you’re unsure whether this program is right for you, any kind of pain is a good reason to start the conversation. Your first visit helps determine the best path forward, whether that includes treatments and procedures at NSH or referrals to other services that may better address your pain. The program is a valuable starting point and resource.
Getting started is simple, and our team guides you through each step.
- Schedule your appointment through HPM by visiting myHPM.com or calling (218) 387‑7665.
- Attend your initial assessment, which includes a thorough evaluation to design a personalized pain plan.
- Insurance coordination – NSH’s HIM and Nursing teams work together to secure prior authorization so you know that you are covered before any procedure.
- Procedure day – If a procedure is part of your plan, you’ll return for a dedicated appointment where our team walks you through each step.
The launch of the Holistic Pain Management Program represents an important step forward for North Shore Health and our community. By expanding access, embracing teamwork, and delivering whole‑person care, the program is helping residents manage pain with confidence, close to home.
For more information, visit: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org. Stay tuned for future informative “Getting to Know North Shore Health” articles published monthly in the Cook County News Herald.