Peripheral Nerve Care Network
Peripheral Nerve Care Network
The Global Nerve Foundation is launching a free pilot education and referral network for primary care and other referring clinicians in North Georgia. The network will provide practical resources to help clinicians recognize possible peripheral nerve problems and connect patients with appropriate peripheral nerve specialists.
This initiative is supported by the David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund – Atlanta.
The PNCN will begin in GA, but we hope to expand beyond GA in 2026-2027. Interested in participating but not in GA? You are still welcome to sign-up!
1. The problem
Finding peripheral nerve care should not take years
Peripheral nerve problems can cause persistent pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty using an arm or leg. Because care is spread across multiple specialties, patients and referring clinicians may not know where to turn.
Peripheral neuropathy alone is estimated to affect more than 20 million people in the United States, and many people remain untested or misdiagnosed. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Peripheral neuropathy alone is estimated to affect more than 20 million people in the United States, and many people remain untested or misdiagnosed. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
A 2021 survey of 209 patients who sought care from a single peripheral nerve surgeon found:
- 68% had experienced symptoms for more than one year before presentation.
- 70% felt they should have been referred for surgical evaluation sooner.
- 51.2% had not been told that nerve surgery might be an option.
- 83.1% believed earlier referral would have improved their quality of life.
2. How the network works
A practical pathway from recognition to referral
Join us for free informational webinars with leaders in peripheral nerve care!
- Learn
Participate in brief virtual or in-person education about common peripheral nerve problems. - Recognize
Use practical clinical guidance and patient-ready materials to identify symptoms that may warrant further evaluation. - Refer
Connect patients with participating specialists whose expertise is appropriate for the suspected nerve problem. - Improve
Help GNF identify referral barriers and strengthen access to peripheral nerve care across North Georgia.
3. What participating clinicians receive
Resources designed for busy practices
There is no cost to join the Peripheral Nerve Care Network!
- Concise guidance on recognizing common peripheral nerve problems
- A clear referral pathway to participating specialists
- Patient education materials that can be shared during an office visit
- Invitations to free Atlanta-area educational programs
- Updates about participating specialists and available services
- Opportunities to help shape the pilot as it develops
4. When to consider a peripheral nerve referral
- Persistent pain, numbness, tingling, or burning
- Weakness or loss of function in an arm or leg
- Symptoms following an injury, operation, or other procedure
- Suspected nerve compression or entrapment
- Symptoms that are unexplained or not improving as expected
Help shorten the path to peripheral nerve care
Join primary care professionals across North Georgia who want a clearer pathway for patients with possible peripheral nerve problems.
Looking for care? Visit the GNF Care Provider Directory