EvergreenHealth's Dr. Ray Baker Recognized as an Elite Pain Management Physician

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Ray Baker, medical director of the EvergreenHealth Spine and Musculoskeletal Program, was recently chosen as a member of a select group of specialists, "150 Pain Management Physicians to Know," by Becker's ASC (Ambulatory Service Centers) Review.

Physicians in this elite group were selected for their noteworthy contributions to the field of pain management, positions at top healthcare institutions and affiliation with professional organizations.

Dr. Baker is an interventional pain management specialist affiliated with Washington Interventional Spine Associates practicing at the EvergreenHealth Sport and Spine Center. He and his staff care for patients with lower back and neck pain using state-of-the-art techniques and technology for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders including herniated discs, sciatica, facet joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and scoliosis.

"It is an honor to be recognized by Becker's ASC Review," said Dr. Baker. "Scott Becker is a national expert in spine care and keeps his finger on the pulse of pain management. I am also proud to be associated with the talented group of surgical and non-surgical providers at the EvergreenHealth Spine and Musculoskeletal Program. They are superb, and their commitment to a team approach for treating patients with sports, spine and joint conditions truly elevates the level of care that we can provide."

Dr. Baker and the staff at EvergreenHealth Sport and Spine Center use a multidisciplinary approach to improve patients' quality of life through compassionate and comprehensive medical care. They often work in conjunction with spine surgeons, primary care providers and physiatrists to provide solutions for patients with spine problems.

The Becker's ASC honor highlights Dr. Baker's standing as a national leader amongst pain management physicians and as an accomplished educator in the field. He is president of the International Spine Intervention Society and a past president of the North American Spine Society. He is also a clinical professor (adjunct) in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Washington, a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice and board certified by the American Board of Pain Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Baker has been repeatedly named a "Top Doc" by Seattle magazine and Seattle Met magazine, as well as one of the "Best Doctors in America" every year since 2002 by the expert consultative group Best Doctors.

Becker's list of pain management physicians was created through extensive research and recommendations from around the country. All physicians have rigorous training in pain medicine, many completing fellowships in the field. Several have participated in research and development of new techniques for pain management and served as leaders of local and national organizations focused on the advancement of pain management. Physicians do not and cannot pay to be selected for the recognition.

To learn more about EvergreenHealth's Sport and Spine Center, visit their website or call the 24-hour Nurse Navigators and Healthline at 425.899.3000.

About EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district and community-based healthcare organization established in 1972, offers a breadth of services and programs that is among the most comprehensive in the region. More than 950 physicians provide clinical excellence within more than 80 specialties, including cardiac, oncology, surgical care, orthopedics, a neuroscience institute, women's and children's services, hospice care, pulmonary care, a sleep disorders center and home care services.  EvergreenHealth serves more than 400,000 residents in its primary service area of northern King and southern Snohomish counties with EvergreenHealth Primary Care, a network of primary and urgent care practices, and its main hospital campus in Kirkland, Wash. EvergreenHealth also provides emergency care at two sites; its main hospital campus and the EvergreenHealth Redmond Medical Center.  In addition to clinical care, EvergreenHealth offers extensive community health outreach and education programs, anchored by EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigators and Healthline, a 24/7 nurse consultation service. For more information, visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

CONTACTS:

Ken LeBlond
Program Manager – Public Relations
EvergreenHealth
425.899.1886
[email protected]

Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
[email protected]

SOURCE EvergreenHealth