letthatsinkin
05-23-2007, 08:27 PM
...............
This post was inappropriately edited by letthatsinkin
This post was inappropriately edited by letthatsinkin
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Director
05-24-2007, 06:22 PM
One thing I haven't noticed in this thread is something that should be made known. Where I live (and I assume it's in other states too), doctors, pharmacists,and dentists have the ability to access a database that lists all your prescriptions, the doctor that wrote them, and the pharmacy where they were filled.
If that information is available to anyone who writes you a script, I would think the insurance company (right or wrong) has the right to notify the doctors involved.
I don't know, personally I think this somehow doesn't sound right to me. If others know about a common database and "sharing" of patients information, I would like to hear about it. I think our personal private information may not be so private as we would like to think. Anyone read George Orwell's "1984"?
If that information is available to anyone who writes you a script, I would think the insurance company (right or wrong) has the right to notify the doctors involved.
I don't know, personally I think this somehow doesn't sound right to me. If others know about a common database and "sharing" of patients information, I would like to hear about it. I think our personal private information may not be so private as we would like to think. Anyone read George Orwell's "1984"?
ssmith1018
05-25-2007, 11:32 AM
I am new to the whole pain management procedures. I have posted on the spinal board and the pain managment. I posted once about how mad I was that my pharmacist contacted my doctor saying I was receiving pain medication from 2 doctors. A prescription of darvacet that I received, made me sick, so I never took it. Then I was referred to a Neurosurgeon, who prescribed me loratab. No one knew the whole story but me & my neuro. Like I said, I'm new to all of this. I, never in a million years, would have thought that there is such a big deal about a few pills. I've been educated real quick!! I called my pharmacist and explained the whole thing to him. Since then I haven't had a problem. I never knew the extent of abuse that goes on with these pain pills. It makes it hard for people that really need them. I hope things work out for you.
Sue
Sue
conductor
05-26-2007, 05:15 PM
Dear Letthatsinkin,
Just checkin' in since this can potentially affect us all!! Please promise to KEEP US UP-TO-DATE!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
Just checkin' in since this can potentially affect us all!! Please promise to KEEP US UP-TO-DATE!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
IZZY'SMOM
05-26-2007, 11:52 PM
I agree, pluse I want to see how you are doing! Hopefully ok...what is going on? ?did you find someone to help you?
xoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM:wave: :wave:
xoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM:wave: :wave:
madhatter
05-27-2007, 12:26 AM
Hi,sorry to hear your delema! Just wondering,did you sign a opiate contract? I had to,and when I went to the E.R in the past,I had to refuse pain med. because of the contract[which states-you cannot accept any opiates what soever from another doctor] maybe your insurance thought[if you didn't] you were under the contract,and broke it?
Fabrashamx
05-27-2007, 01:28 AM
LOL is she not coming back?
IZZY'SMOM
05-27-2007, 02:04 AM
Who, Fabbers?
xoxoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM
xoxoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM
Fabrashamx
05-27-2007, 03:11 AM
The OP, everyone has given advice and asked for updates, I hope she posts again, there were some great ideas shared in this thread!
Hugs, Fabby :wave:
Hugs, Fabby :wave:
Laenini
05-27-2007, 08:29 AM
My health insurance is through Cigna and I was poking around on their web site this morning. I found a press release from just last week announcing a new, more intensive monitoring system of its members who use narcotic analgesics. While the example they gave of the type of patient they hope to catch with this new program of theirs was pretty extreme, the issue does concern me that by tightening their controls they may end up interfering in the care of legitimate patients.
Also, if Cigna is taking a look at this issue, I'm sure other major insurers are too. All the more reason to be careful! Only accept pain medications from the one provider who should be caring for your chronic pain condition. Also, pick one pharmacy and use only them. By consolidating your own care like that, you will be protecting yourself from unwarranted suspicions.
Also, if Cigna is taking a look at this issue, I'm sure other major insurers are too. All the more reason to be careful! Only accept pain medications from the one provider who should be caring for your chronic pain condition. Also, pick one pharmacy and use only them. By consolidating your own care like that, you will be protecting yourself from unwarranted suspicions.
mudbone
05-27-2007, 03:23 PM
Laenini, I read the same newsbreif as I have Cigna also. I can see it now, them notifying our employers of use of narcotics while on the job. I just forsee trouble ahead. I'm not sure if thats leagal for them to do that or not. But thanks to the guy that they referenced about abusing and the other abusers, crap like this is going to happen. Hope you have a nice weekend! Mud...;)
DesertBloom
05-27-2007, 04:59 PM
Hi Madhatter: You brought up something interesting that really confuses me and I hope you can clarify. Before I ask you a question, I hope the OP comes back, I'm starting to worry what happened?
I see a pain mgt doc and I don't remember signing a opiate contract, but maybe I did; but are you saying, if I was in an accident and was sent to the ER, they couldn't give me pain meds? Or are you saying that if I went to the ER for pain (no recent injury or emergency surgery), and I asked them to write an rx they couldn't do that and I'm not suppose to ask either? How would the ER know I signed a contract?
I've never been to an ER, so hopefully I'll never have to get an rx there, but is that what your saying?
I've had several surgeries after starting with my pain mgt doc and of course the hospital gave me pain meds post op. Obviously this is new to me:eek:
I see a pain mgt doc and I don't remember signing a opiate contract, but maybe I did; but are you saying, if I was in an accident and was sent to the ER, they couldn't give me pain meds? Or are you saying that if I went to the ER for pain (no recent injury or emergency surgery), and I asked them to write an rx they couldn't do that and I'm not suppose to ask either? How would the ER know I signed a contract?
I've never been to an ER, so hopefully I'll never have to get an rx there, but is that what your saying?
I've had several surgeries after starting with my pain mgt doc and of course the hospital gave me pain meds post op. Obviously this is new to me:eek:
dub1
05-27-2007, 06:05 PM
Desertbloom,
I signed a contract with my pm and to my understanding i am not allowed to ask or receive scripts from other doctors. I believe the ER would be different if you were receiving meds as an inpatient care situation. I think the contract states something more to the effect that you will only seek treatment for your pain from your pain doc. For instance you can't go to your primary and ask for additional meds for pain. I hope this somewhat answers your question. After my surgery i did receive minimal meds from the hospital to take home but before i filled them i called the doc to ask....If a person is honest and upfront with the doc everything will be fine. Another situation i had was that i got refered to a different pain clinic for a discogram and when i was about to leave they were going to write me a script for pain but i had the responsibility to tell them that i was under contract with my other doctor.
I signed a contract with my pm and to my understanding i am not allowed to ask or receive scripts from other doctors. I believe the ER would be different if you were receiving meds as an inpatient care situation. I think the contract states something more to the effect that you will only seek treatment for your pain from your pain doc. For instance you can't go to your primary and ask for additional meds for pain. I hope this somewhat answers your question. After my surgery i did receive minimal meds from the hospital to take home but before i filled them i called the doc to ask....If a person is honest and upfront with the doc everything will be fine. Another situation i had was that i got refered to a different pain clinic for a discogram and when i was about to leave they were going to write me a script for pain but i had the responsibility to tell them that i was under contract with my other doctor.
cpapp31
05-27-2007, 06:16 PM
OMG, this just happened to me this week with Cigna.
I will try and make this short. In January my PCP decided to take over my pain meds. I was with a pain doctor for over 8 years.
Anyway, my PCP wanted to change me to Avinza, well the conversion was WAY off and I went into withdrawals, I guess this scared her and she wanted me back in pain management ASAP.
I went to my appointment with my pain doctor. After signing in, the receptionist announced in front of a full lobby of patients and said "You have been dissmissed from this practice". I was so mortified and embarassed, I started to cry. The office manager took me in the back room to explain what happened. Apparently, CIGNA wrote a letter to pain doctor telling him I was getting my meds from PCP. No big deal, that was true. But, I WAS NOT getting meds from both doctors at the same time.
I am so upset now, because I need to be back in Pain Management and feel like I will be "blacklisted". Does that happen? I live in Florida and I have never been this scared before. Am I going to have a hard time now trying to get pain doctor??? I feel Cigna invaded my privacy!!! I can understand if I was getting meds from different doctors at the same time but, this is ridiculous.
I am now past due for refill on my Duragesic and going through withdrawals because of this crap. My PCP agreed to Rx a 30 day supply until I get into a new pain doctor but, its a holiday weekend and I am so screwed.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Take care,
Cpapp31
I will try and make this short. In January my PCP decided to take over my pain meds. I was with a pain doctor for over 8 years.
Anyway, my PCP wanted to change me to Avinza, well the conversion was WAY off and I went into withdrawals, I guess this scared her and she wanted me back in pain management ASAP.
I went to my appointment with my pain doctor. After signing in, the receptionist announced in front of a full lobby of patients and said "You have been dissmissed from this practice". I was so mortified and embarassed, I started to cry. The office manager took me in the back room to explain what happened. Apparently, CIGNA wrote a letter to pain doctor telling him I was getting my meds from PCP. No big deal, that was true. But, I WAS NOT getting meds from both doctors at the same time.
I am so upset now, because I need to be back in Pain Management and feel like I will be "blacklisted". Does that happen? I live in Florida and I have never been this scared before. Am I going to have a hard time now trying to get pain doctor??? I feel Cigna invaded my privacy!!! I can understand if I was getting meds from different doctors at the same time but, this is ridiculous.
I am now past due for refill on my Duragesic and going through withdrawals because of this crap. My PCP agreed to Rx a 30 day supply until I get into a new pain doctor but, its a holiday weekend and I am so screwed.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Take care,
Cpapp31
DesertBloom
05-27-2007, 06:40 PM
Hi dub1: Thanks for the explanation. I can see that you couldn't get meds from more than 1 dr. but I thought the op was suggesting that you couldn't get meds inpatient either!!
I had surgery twice while seeing my pm, and when they offered post op meds for home, I told them I didn't need them, because I didn't. Anyway, I hope I never have any probs like some of the others.
Hi cpapp: I hope you get this straightened out, it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. Maybe if you got your claims papers showing the dates of the rx's it would help to have proof in black and white. I know my insurance has a web page where you can print all of your claims with the pharmacy, dr, date, rx, etc on it. Maybe that would help. Sorry I don't know more about how all this works.
Thanks for the info dub and good luck cpapp and the original poster (sorry forgot your name).:wave:
I had surgery twice while seeing my pm, and when they offered post op meds for home, I told them I didn't need them, because I didn't. Anyway, I hope I never have any probs like some of the others.
Hi cpapp: I hope you get this straightened out, it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. Maybe if you got your claims papers showing the dates of the rx's it would help to have proof in black and white. I know my insurance has a web page where you can print all of your claims with the pharmacy, dr, date, rx, etc on it. Maybe that would help. Sorry I don't know more about how all this works.
Thanks for the info dub and good luck cpapp and the original poster (sorry forgot your name).:wave:
IZZY'SMOM
05-27-2007, 07:10 PM
HOLY CUPCAKES!
This is rediculous...Im so glad that this thread go started though, because IM looking around for different insurance, and Ill steer clear of Cigna. But unfortunatley Im afraid big brother is watching us all and it wont be long before all of them are doing it
deleted: inappropriate
xoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM:blob_fire :blob_fire
This is rediculous...Im so glad that this thread go started though, because IM looking around for different insurance, and Ill steer clear of Cigna. But unfortunatley Im afraid big brother is watching us all and it wont be long before all of them are doing it
deleted: inappropriate
xoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM:blob_fire :blob_fire
conductor
05-27-2007, 09:03 PM
Man, oh Man!
Several people have mentioned it in various ways. I don't like the idea of "being watched". I guess I'm just paranoid.
Cpapp31, I live in Florida, too. The last time I looked (which was a while ago), we didn't have a Prescription Monitoring System--as I think they are called. AND...What makes this so weird for me is that I do everything "right". I use one doctor. I use the same pharmacy. I would rather lick the bottom of my shoe before going to the ER. NONETHELESS, THIS WHOLE THING IRRITATES ME. I know that I am just letting it worry me, but I get the feeling that it could lead to other things!!
I have very good insurance for the most part. My insurance company is Principal, and the Rx portion is always listed as "Advanced PCS" (through Principal, I assume). I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I pay $10 for a month's worth of generic medications. The only medicine I use that is not generic is Vytorin (for lipid stuff).
Again, the idea of this communication is bothersome. CPAPP31, THE IMMATURE PART OF ME WISHES YOU WOULD HAVE PLACED THAT RECEPTIONIST IN SERIOUS NEED OF HER OWN PAIN MANAGEMENT!! There is no reason for that behavior. If there was any problem, the office manager should have taken you back--before the receptionist made the scene--and asked you about the situation. After all, many of us have the innocent need to visit multiple doctors.
I'm not on a pain contract of any kind, but my pharmacist would eye me sort of funny if I walked in with too many opiate Rx's. Do you understand what I mean? Plus, my insurance would immediately let any pharmacy know about any OTHER pharmacy. When I had to get something filled while out-of-town (in a different state), the pharmacy questioned me about the medicines I just had filled prior to traveling. They said the Rx insurance cross-referrenced medications.
I'll say it one last time...I don't like the whole idea of the computerized big brother. I'll have to put a thicker amount of aluminum foil in my windows. That's what protects us, right? (I'm kidding, of course. If I'm not, please commit me.)
Finally, where on earth is letthatsinkin? I hope everything is OK with him! After all, we need an update.
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
P.S. IZZY'SMOM...I really hope that cup cakes are HOLY. That would give me a religious reason to ingest them in large quantities!
Several people have mentioned it in various ways. I don't like the idea of "being watched". I guess I'm just paranoid.
Cpapp31, I live in Florida, too. The last time I looked (which was a while ago), we didn't have a Prescription Monitoring System--as I think they are called. AND...What makes this so weird for me is that I do everything "right". I use one doctor. I use the same pharmacy. I would rather lick the bottom of my shoe before going to the ER. NONETHELESS, THIS WHOLE THING IRRITATES ME. I know that I am just letting it worry me, but I get the feeling that it could lead to other things!!
I have very good insurance for the most part. My insurance company is Principal, and the Rx portion is always listed as "Advanced PCS" (through Principal, I assume). I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I pay $10 for a month's worth of generic medications. The only medicine I use that is not generic is Vytorin (for lipid stuff).
Again, the idea of this communication is bothersome. CPAPP31, THE IMMATURE PART OF ME WISHES YOU WOULD HAVE PLACED THAT RECEPTIONIST IN SERIOUS NEED OF HER OWN PAIN MANAGEMENT!! There is no reason for that behavior. If there was any problem, the office manager should have taken you back--before the receptionist made the scene--and asked you about the situation. After all, many of us have the innocent need to visit multiple doctors.
I'm not on a pain contract of any kind, but my pharmacist would eye me sort of funny if I walked in with too many opiate Rx's. Do you understand what I mean? Plus, my insurance would immediately let any pharmacy know about any OTHER pharmacy. When I had to get something filled while out-of-town (in a different state), the pharmacy questioned me about the medicines I just had filled prior to traveling. They said the Rx insurance cross-referrenced medications.
I'll say it one last time...I don't like the whole idea of the computerized big brother. I'll have to put a thicker amount of aluminum foil in my windows. That's what protects us, right? (I'm kidding, of course. If I'm not, please commit me.)
Finally, where on earth is letthatsinkin? I hope everything is OK with him! After all, we need an update.
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
P.S. IZZY'SMOM...I really hope that cup cakes are HOLY. That would give me a religious reason to ingest them in large quantities!
IZZY'SMOM
05-27-2007, 10:09 PM
Hi jon...
I wanted to say Holy ****, but i would have gotten the boot!
And for you Cpapp I would have probably given that receptionist her own need for PAIN MGMNT...What a B*tch. and to think she works in a PM office. Hoe she gets a b*TT ache that doesnt ever go away. Ppl like that annoy me to no end.
xoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM
I wanted to say Holy ****, but i would have gotten the boot!
And for you Cpapp I would have probably given that receptionist her own need for PAIN MGMNT...What a B*tch. and to think she works in a PM office. Hoe she gets a b*TT ache that doesnt ever go away. Ppl like that annoy me to no end.
xoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM
DesertBloom
05-27-2007, 10:46 PM
Conductor: Florida may not be far behind on the PMP train. I live in CA, and even if you do everything right, you can have a very hard time finding someone to treat your legit pain. CA is testing the real time monitoring, to cut down on the fraud etc. but I know in the end the patients who need treatment will somehow be adversely affected. You can not find more than a couple of drs that will write rx's for narcotics, and if you find one it's limited to a month of treatment post op, at that point you are forced to find a pm, in an area where there weren't any until a year ago (where I live) we now have 2 drs for this with a population of over 100,000.
Here's some more on this from the DOJ
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq/rx_monitor.htm#2
Here's some more on this from the DOJ
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq/rx_monitor.htm#2
Laenini
05-27-2007, 11:50 PM
For Conductor (and anyone else who may be interested!)
"Advance PCS" is the name of a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) company. Most medical insurance companies do not administer their own pharmacy benefit program. Instead, they hire a company that specializes in the provision of pharmacy benefits in a cost effective manner. Principal must be the name of the medical portion of your insurance, while Advance PCS is the name of the pharmacy portion. Other large PBM companies include: Express Scripts, Goldnet, Argus, Merck Medco, Med Impact, and many, many others. PBM's control the purse strings and collect all the data. In my opinion they are the "Big Brother" of the pharmacy world and to make things even scarier most consumers don't even know they exists. Anyone who uses their pharmacy benefit on a regular basis should learn a little more about these incredibly powerful organizations.
"Advance PCS" is the name of a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) company. Most medical insurance companies do not administer their own pharmacy benefit program. Instead, they hire a company that specializes in the provision of pharmacy benefits in a cost effective manner. Principal must be the name of the medical portion of your insurance, while Advance PCS is the name of the pharmacy portion. Other large PBM companies include: Express Scripts, Goldnet, Argus, Merck Medco, Med Impact, and many, many others. PBM's control the purse strings and collect all the data. In my opinion they are the "Big Brother" of the pharmacy world and to make things even scarier most consumers don't even know they exists. Anyone who uses their pharmacy benefit on a regular basis should learn a little more about these incredibly powerful organizations.
conductor
05-27-2007, 11:56 PM
Dear DesertBloom,
Yes...that Department of Justice site makes me so thankful for my doctor!! At some point, I have the feeling we will have to "organize". Isn't that a great thought? The people who are completely worn out from their physical pain problems need to find a way to make a full-fledged national organization to protect their supposed "rights" to have access to appropriate pain medication and treatment. These same people DO NOT HAVE THE ENERGY to even remotely mount such a task!
When I travelled to Estonia back in 1990, I had the need to see a physician. My college Concert Choir toured there, and I was in desperate need of pain medication for some severe headaches. ONLY BECAUSE I WAS WITH A "WELL-CONNECTED" GROUP OF PEOPLE, I was able to speak with a doctor. Fortunately, we had an interpreter. I think the word "morphine" has an international meaning. Truly, I didn't need anything that potent, but that was what they had available in pill form. Furthermore, I received an injection of morphine in my...hotel room. I bet that's not where you thought I received it.
Anyway...the interpreter was female, her 10-year-old daughter was female (as daughters tend to be), and the doctor was female. I'm serious when I tell you that I had to "drop my drawers" in front of them all--for the shot. I kept waiting for them to turn around or something, but they just awkwardly waited (actually, I was the awkward one) until I dropped what little I could in order to receive the injection. Fortunately, I didn't have to disrobe in order to receive the pills. Considering how I felt, though, I probably would have done nearly anything they requested. I was given approximately 30 morphine pills (at least that's what I was told they were). Honestly, I really enjoyed the next few days of concerts!
***I guess I should technically have a point. I'm not sure what the rules are over there, but I was NOT given the 3rd-degree by the physician who issued the medication. In fact, it didn't seem to bother her at all. I had to wait a little while for her to return with the medication--both the shot and the pills (in a bottle with a label I couldn't read at all). Plus, this did not cost me anything even though I offered to pay! TO SAY THE LEAST, I WAS EXTREMELY THANKFUL!
Take care...
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
P.S. Dear Laenini: Thank you for this important information. I will do some more research into this "big brother" type of industry. Thanks for providing this valuable information. Most of us probably don't have much of an understanding concerning the inner workings of this industry.
Yes...that Department of Justice site makes me so thankful for my doctor!! At some point, I have the feeling we will have to "organize". Isn't that a great thought? The people who are completely worn out from their physical pain problems need to find a way to make a full-fledged national organization to protect their supposed "rights" to have access to appropriate pain medication and treatment. These same people DO NOT HAVE THE ENERGY to even remotely mount such a task!
When I travelled to Estonia back in 1990, I had the need to see a physician. My college Concert Choir toured there, and I was in desperate need of pain medication for some severe headaches. ONLY BECAUSE I WAS WITH A "WELL-CONNECTED" GROUP OF PEOPLE, I was able to speak with a doctor. Fortunately, we had an interpreter. I think the word "morphine" has an international meaning. Truly, I didn't need anything that potent, but that was what they had available in pill form. Furthermore, I received an injection of morphine in my...hotel room. I bet that's not where you thought I received it.
Anyway...the interpreter was female, her 10-year-old daughter was female (as daughters tend to be), and the doctor was female. I'm serious when I tell you that I had to "drop my drawers" in front of them all--for the shot. I kept waiting for them to turn around or something, but they just awkwardly waited (actually, I was the awkward one) until I dropped what little I could in order to receive the injection. Fortunately, I didn't have to disrobe in order to receive the pills. Considering how I felt, though, I probably would have done nearly anything they requested. I was given approximately 30 morphine pills (at least that's what I was told they were). Honestly, I really enjoyed the next few days of concerts!
***I guess I should technically have a point. I'm not sure what the rules are over there, but I was NOT given the 3rd-degree by the physician who issued the medication. In fact, it didn't seem to bother her at all. I had to wait a little while for her to return with the medication--both the shot and the pills (in a bottle with a label I couldn't read at all). Plus, this did not cost me anything even though I offered to pay! TO SAY THE LEAST, I WAS EXTREMELY THANKFUL!
Take care...
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
P.S. Dear Laenini: Thank you for this important information. I will do some more research into this "big brother" type of industry. Thanks for providing this valuable information. Most of us probably don't have much of an understanding concerning the inner workings of this industry.
cpapp31
05-28-2007, 01:43 PM
Hi Everyone!
This pain doctor and Cigna have NOT heard the last from me. I plan to report the pain doctor's office for violating my privacy by announcing in front of a full lobby. I have NEVER been that embarrassed before, I started crying and the other patients were giving me the HAIRY EYEBALL, like I was a criminal.
I am having surgery on Friday for bowel re-section, I may go to ER so they can control my pain and admit me so the surgeon can move up my procedure. I haven't eaten in days, so cleanse part should be easy.
Jon, I agree totally with you. I HATE having big brother looking at every move we make. I can understand weeding out the drug seekers, but this is ridiculous. If Cigna took the time to look at the dates of when my Rx's were filled they would have seen that I WASN"T getting meds from two doctors at the same time.
Take care
This pain doctor and Cigna have NOT heard the last from me. I plan to report the pain doctor's office for violating my privacy by announcing in front of a full lobby. I have NEVER been that embarrassed before, I started crying and the other patients were giving me the HAIRY EYEBALL, like I was a criminal.
I am having surgery on Friday for bowel re-section, I may go to ER so they can control my pain and admit me so the surgeon can move up my procedure. I haven't eaten in days, so cleanse part should be easy.
Jon, I agree totally with you. I HATE having big brother looking at every move we make. I can understand weeding out the drug seekers, but this is ridiculous. If Cigna took the time to look at the dates of when my Rx's were filled they would have seen that I WASN"T getting meds from two doctors at the same time.
Take care
Laenini
05-31-2007, 12:16 PM
Anyone who is having a problem with their insurance company interfering inappropriately with their patient/doctor/pharmacist relationship might try seeking help from the attorney general's office in their state. Really, the insurance company is basically trying to find a way to blame the patient so that they don't have to fulfil their contract and pay your medication bills anymore. To me that sounds like consumer fraud and I would try fighting it from that angle.
IZZY'SMOM
05-31-2007, 07:48 PM
So very true...And when they hear anything from the Attorney Generals, office they dont like it....
xoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM
xoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM
IZZY'SMOM
05-31-2007, 07:48 PM
please delete....duplicate post...
duttin
06-01-2007, 12:29 AM
My pharmacist red flagged my scripts a while back.
My neurologist was out of town and when that happens my GP handles my MS attacks.So my GP wrote out 2 scripts one was for vicodin and the other tylenol 3's for pain.The 2 was wrote just in case the tyelenol 3's didn't take off the edge.Well the flair didn't end and I was admitted to the hospital under another DRs.care for 5 days. I was prescribed 100mgs of fentynal on discharged ,had it filled,it was to strong ,so my neuro called in 50 mgs fentynal had it filled.Still couldn't adjust to it,so neuro calls in oxycotin.
What saved my butt was after the pharmacist called me and inquired about all the pain med scripts.he gave me time to explain that the first 2 were by GP,one was filled by hospital on call DR and the other 2 by my neuro.
I did however had the pharmacist discard the unused fentynal patches,because I didn't want them in my house with the teenagers.
As ya all read this it would make someone think that I was DR shopping,it was just how the cards fell.
This same pharmacist questioned 2 other scripts,valium and ativan which was wrote by 2 different neuro's.But the valuim was for during the day and the ativan was for night.Now all my scripts go through my neuro.
I opted out of PM and signed a release to get out of there contract,as they wanted to control every aspect of all my meds including the ones for MS.
My pharmacist contacted my insurance carrier to let them know that I had returned the fentynal as Ohio is very strict and closely monitors all pain meds.
I never give any of this a thought until my pharmacist brought it to my attention.
My neurologist was out of town and when that happens my GP handles my MS attacks.So my GP wrote out 2 scripts one was for vicodin and the other tylenol 3's for pain.The 2 was wrote just in case the tyelenol 3's didn't take off the edge.Well the flair didn't end and I was admitted to the hospital under another DRs.care for 5 days. I was prescribed 100mgs of fentynal on discharged ,had it filled,it was to strong ,so my neuro called in 50 mgs fentynal had it filled.Still couldn't adjust to it,so neuro calls in oxycotin.
What saved my butt was after the pharmacist called me and inquired about all the pain med scripts.he gave me time to explain that the first 2 were by GP,one was filled by hospital on call DR and the other 2 by my neuro.
I did however had the pharmacist discard the unused fentynal patches,because I didn't want them in my house with the teenagers.
As ya all read this it would make someone think that I was DR shopping,it was just how the cards fell.
This same pharmacist questioned 2 other scripts,valium and ativan which was wrote by 2 different neuro's.But the valuim was for during the day and the ativan was for night.Now all my scripts go through my neuro.
I opted out of PM and signed a release to get out of there contract,as they wanted to control every aspect of all my meds including the ones for MS.
My pharmacist contacted my insurance carrier to let them know that I had returned the fentynal as Ohio is very strict and closely monitors all pain meds.
I never give any of this a thought until my pharmacist brought it to my attention.
IZZY'SMOM
06-01-2007, 12:49 AM
wow....Ive heard that even if you offer to turn in unused meds to a doc or pharmacist...they cannot take them as they were RXed to YOU...and its against the law...
Anyone have any other input?
xoxoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM...
Anyone have any other input?
xoxoxoxoxox,
IZZY'SMOM...
duttin
06-01-2007, 12:59 AM
Not in the state of Ohio,they'd rather have the pharmacist discard of these narcotics than have them in the wrong hands.
I have returned several unused meds back to the pharmacist for him to discard,they even discard my syringes when my sharp container is full.
Better the pharmacy to discard properly than to put them in the trash or flush.
When these meds are returned,if for allergic reaction,lack of tolorance,this is entered into the state wide computer and it doesn't look like a person is over medicated or abusing narcotics.
It protects me and my DRs.
I have returned several unused meds back to the pharmacist for him to discard,they even discard my syringes when my sharp container is full.
Better the pharmacy to discard properly than to put them in the trash or flush.
When these meds are returned,if for allergic reaction,lack of tolorance,this is entered into the state wide computer and it doesn't look like a person is over medicated or abusing narcotics.
It protects me and my DRs.
IZZY'SMOM
06-01-2007, 01:24 AM
AI understand that....Ive never heard of that here...Of course id rahter have them in the hands of someone who could account for them, but I was told by a pharmacist here in my state, that they CANNOT take NOR can a doctor take back meds that have been prescribed to someone...s far as meds being ented back into the computer, it desnt happen here...
...
xoxooxx,
IZZY'SMOM
...
xoxooxx,
IZZY'SMOM
duttin
06-01-2007, 01:32 AM
The meds per say are not entered back into the computer.
What they are entering is that I had an intolerance to them and that I don't posses all these meds.
The DEA in OHIO are very strict and they watch who's prescribed what as far as narcotics.
What they are entering is that I had an intolerance to them and that I don't posses all these meds.
The DEA in OHIO are very strict and they watch who's prescribed what as far as narcotics.
IZZY'SMOM
06-01-2007, 02:16 AM
Thanks for clarifying that for me~I understand what you meant...things are different everywhere I guess~
xoxoxoxxo,
IZZY'SMOM
xoxoxoxxo,
IZZY'SMOM
sandim
06-01-2007, 02:42 PM
Hi Everyone,
I'm from the back board but this topic really has my interest as well. I'll tell you a couple of my stories regarding pain meds and pharmacies.
I use a large , national retail pharmacy. I have been on the same dose of pain meds since my fusion surgery in March 2006. There has never been any problem or question about the doses or the scripts themselves. I never have refilled early or asked for more, any of the "flags" that the doctors and pharmacies look for.
Anyway, along comes a brand new pharmacist, just hired. I drop off my scripts as usual. I get them two days or so before I need them so they have time to get the meds in that they don't have in stock.
She calls my doctor's office and tells them that I am taking one too many times a day ( it is supposed to be a long acting 12 hour dosing med, but does not last that long for me, so I get it every 8 hours), and the Lyrica she has a problem with because I am at the maximum daily dosage, and the baclofen, she also has a problem with because ........???? We have no idea. The physician discusses the dosage timing with her, explaining that he has been prescribing the same dosage frequency for about 9 months after trying the 12 hour dosing and it not working as long for me, then she calls back and tells him that she has a problem with the high dosage of Lyrica and there should be something else he should put me on since I am taking such a high dosage, and then finally , she calls him a third time about the baclofen, and whatever her issue was with that.............sigh. Doctor's office calls me and asks me what her problem is. I call the pharmacy, get her on the phone and tell her that I have been filling the same prescriptions, from the same doctor, at the same time each month since 03/06 and that I want to know what her issue with it is........she can see on the computer that I am not getting meds from any other doctor, and that there are no early refills, etc.......she tells me on the phone that she will not fill the scripts!:eek: She is not "comfortable" filling them at the doses they are prescribed and do I know that the pain med is "highly addictive"? Of course I do you fool, but you can see that I am well regulated, don't take more than I am supposed to, am not "high" on the pain meds, am not getting scripts from anywhere else.......what is the problem?
Long story made shorter, I have to make sure she is not on duty when I drop off my scripts or they don't get filled. She held my last prescription for the breakthrough med for almost 3 weeks claiming that they didn't get it in:rolleyes:
So, my husband had to take that one to the pharmacy for me, and drive to another town 25 miles from here to get it filled because the other pharmacy that takes our insurance did not have the capsules in stock and the script was written for that........
Luckily for me, my PM knows me well, knows that I do not abuse the meds, in fact, I resisted them for a long time, and he knows about the problems we have had with the pharmacy so he is not surprised when I tell him that we had to take them or one of them to another pharmacy to get it filled........it is such a pain too since the reason that I used that pharmacy is that it has a drive through which is much easier for me than trying to walk that far into the store/pharmacy, which is very difficult for me.
So, that's my story of pharmacies and headaches...........
Best of luck to you all.
Oh, and as far as getting multiple scripts from different doctor's goes for the original poster, most PM doctors either have you sign a contract that clearly states that any pain meds must come from them and them alone or if there is a clause that says if you go to another doctor/ER and recieve a script for meds, you must notify the PM's office by the next working day.......I have not had to sign a PM contract but I know that others have in my PM's office and it clearly states what the rules are for them to treat you.
Sandi
I'm from the back board but this topic really has my interest as well. I'll tell you a couple of my stories regarding pain meds and pharmacies.
I use a large , national retail pharmacy. I have been on the same dose of pain meds since my fusion surgery in March 2006. There has never been any problem or question about the doses or the scripts themselves. I never have refilled early or asked for more, any of the "flags" that the doctors and pharmacies look for.
Anyway, along comes a brand new pharmacist, just hired. I drop off my scripts as usual. I get them two days or so before I need them so they have time to get the meds in that they don't have in stock.
She calls my doctor's office and tells them that I am taking one too many times a day ( it is supposed to be a long acting 12 hour dosing med, but does not last that long for me, so I get it every 8 hours), and the Lyrica she has a problem with because I am at the maximum daily dosage, and the baclofen, she also has a problem with because ........???? We have no idea. The physician discusses the dosage timing with her, explaining that he has been prescribing the same dosage frequency for about 9 months after trying the 12 hour dosing and it not working as long for me, then she calls back and tells him that she has a problem with the high dosage of Lyrica and there should be something else he should put me on since I am taking such a high dosage, and then finally , she calls him a third time about the baclofen, and whatever her issue was with that.............sigh. Doctor's office calls me and asks me what her problem is. I call the pharmacy, get her on the phone and tell her that I have been filling the same prescriptions, from the same doctor, at the same time each month since 03/06 and that I want to know what her issue with it is........she can see on the computer that I am not getting meds from any other doctor, and that there are no early refills, etc.......she tells me on the phone that she will not fill the scripts!:eek: She is not "comfortable" filling them at the doses they are prescribed and do I know that the pain med is "highly addictive"? Of course I do you fool, but you can see that I am well regulated, don't take more than I am supposed to, am not "high" on the pain meds, am not getting scripts from anywhere else.......what is the problem?
Long story made shorter, I have to make sure she is not on duty when I drop off my scripts or they don't get filled. She held my last prescription for the breakthrough med for almost 3 weeks claiming that they didn't get it in:rolleyes:
So, my husband had to take that one to the pharmacy for me, and drive to another town 25 miles from here to get it filled because the other pharmacy that takes our insurance did not have the capsules in stock and the script was written for that........
Luckily for me, my PM knows me well, knows that I do not abuse the meds, in fact, I resisted them for a long time, and he knows about the problems we have had with the pharmacy so he is not surprised when I tell him that we had to take them or one of them to another pharmacy to get it filled........it is such a pain too since the reason that I used that pharmacy is that it has a drive through which is much easier for me than trying to walk that far into the store/pharmacy, which is very difficult for me.
So, that's my story of pharmacies and headaches...........
Best of luck to you all.
Oh, and as far as getting multiple scripts from different doctor's goes for the original poster, most PM doctors either have you sign a contract that clearly states that any pain meds must come from them and them alone or if there is a clause that says if you go to another doctor/ER and recieve a script for meds, you must notify the PM's office by the next working day.......I have not had to sign a PM contract but I know that others have in my PM's office and it clearly states what the rules are for them to treat you.
Sandi
letthatsinkin
06-05-2007, 11:28 PM
........................
tampatar
06-06-2007, 01:19 AM
This is a HIPPA violation and you can file it online - cannot remember URL but just goggle HIPPA
the DEA allows you in any state to take your left over medication to the prescribing doctor and they will dispose of it and put it in your medical file
This whole thing is disturbing - frequently in my area the pharmacies do not have my oxycontin strength in stock or not enough - they are carrying less amounts in the pharmacies due to fear of robberies (has happened twice in Tampa) so I have gone to as many as 4 pharmacies looking for my medication and been unabled to find it - I am sure Cigna is having a hissy fit over me - my husband suggested I call them but I am so sick of insurance companies digging in my business - and speaking of business none of them are losing money over anything - sorry if I offend anyone but I would like to be able to put a hex on those creeps Grins TT
the DEA allows you in any state to take your left over medication to the prescribing doctor and they will dispose of it and put it in your medical file
This whole thing is disturbing - frequently in my area the pharmacies do not have my oxycontin strength in stock or not enough - they are carrying less amounts in the pharmacies due to fear of robberies (has happened twice in Tampa) so I have gone to as many as 4 pharmacies looking for my medication and been unabled to find it - I am sure Cigna is having a hissy fit over me - my husband suggested I call them but I am so sick of insurance companies digging in my business - and speaking of business none of them are losing money over anything - sorry if I offend anyone but I would like to be able to put a hex on those creeps Grins TT
curiousforever
06-06-2007, 01:26 AM
Oh, and as far as getting multiple scripts from different doctor's goes for the original poster, most PM doctors either have you sign a contract that clearly states that any pain meds must come from them and them alone or if there is a clause that says if you go to another doctor/ER and recieve a script for meds, you must notify the PM's office by the next working day.......I have not had to sign a PM contract but I know that others have in my PM's office and it clearly states what the rules are for them to treat you.
Sandi
That's kind of my thought also. I am not sure it's a hippa violation - because the insurance company has access to all your appts and scripts.
I get all of my meds from one doc. I refuse all others.
I wish you luck - Can you sit with your regular doctor and explain everything so that he can maybe figure out that you're not an addict and that you need the meds?
Sandi
That's kind of my thought also. I am not sure it's a hippa violation - because the insurance company has access to all your appts and scripts.
I get all of my meds from one doc. I refuse all others.
I wish you luck - Can you sit with your regular doctor and explain everything so that he can maybe figure out that you're not an addict and that you need the meds?
tampatar
06-06-2007, 03:46 AM
It becomes a HIPPA violation when you expose the info to a second party without written permission from the patient - I took a seminar on this and the privacy laws in some cases are almost impossible to keep - grins and good night to all TT
My regular doc knows all this and has even called the pharmacies about the problem - I have been seeing him for years - he says if it ever becomes a problem he will take care of it - he treats very few chronic pain patients since he will only treat those who developed their chronic pain while under his care (I developed breast cancer and herniated some discs in my back)
My regular doc knows all this and has even called the pharmacies about the problem - I have been seeing him for years - he says if it ever becomes a problem he will take care of it - he treats very few chronic pain patients since he will only treat those who developed their chronic pain while under his care (I developed breast cancer and herniated some discs in my back)
Minladar
06-06-2007, 09:12 AM
I had this happen to me once and the way I was able to resolve it was to get a copy of my file from the dentist and take it to my doctor personaly and let him read it with me there in the office with him and offerd to let him speak to the dentist on the phone with me there. but yes pain medication for a temp dental problem shouldnt conflict with chronic pain medication treatment , many doctors understand that, also offer to sign a pain medication managment contract with the doctor specifing terms for his continued treatment. I would also ask the insurence co. for a copy of your file with them also but be nice about it. speak to your doctor that was treaing you for the chronic pain IN PERSON not by phone,messages or though letters and bring recoards.
hope this helps
hope this helps
Laenini
06-06-2007, 11:27 AM
Letthatsinkin,
I second Minladar's advice. Gather up all your records and go speak to the doctor in person.I would request a printout too from the pharmacy so that the doctor can see what exactly you had filled and when it was filled.
Keep us posted and good luck!
I second Minladar's advice. Gather up all your records and go speak to the doctor in person.I would request a printout too from the pharmacy so that the doctor can see what exactly you had filled and when it was filled.
Keep us posted and good luck!
curiousforever
06-06-2007, 01:01 PM
It becomes a HIPPA violation when you expose the info to a second party without written permission from the patient - I took a seminar on this and the privacy laws in some cases are almost impossible to keep - grins and good night to all TT
My regular doc knows all this and has even called the pharmacies about the problem - I have been seeing him for years - he says if it ever becomes a problem he will take care of it - he treats very few chronic pain patients since he will only treat those who developed their chronic pain while under his care (I developed breast cancer and herniated some discs in my back)
Isn't it just if the 2nd party is not a person treating you (a pharmacist treats you)?
Cause I know my doc called the pharmacist. As well as going to hubbys commanding officer, blah blah blah. (long story short-one visit he decided I'm an addict that needs rehab). I reported him and he did get busted for hippa violation. However I thought that was only due to going to hubby's commanding officer. So it was due to both?
My regular doc knows all this and has even called the pharmacies about the problem - I have been seeing him for years - he says if it ever becomes a problem he will take care of it - he treats very few chronic pain patients since he will only treat those who developed their chronic pain while under his care (I developed breast cancer and herniated some discs in my back)
Isn't it just if the 2nd party is not a person treating you (a pharmacist treats you)?
Cause I know my doc called the pharmacist. As well as going to hubbys commanding officer, blah blah blah. (long story short-one visit he decided I'm an addict that needs rehab). I reported him and he did get busted for hippa violation. However I thought that was only due to going to hubby's commanding officer. So it was due to both?
Laenini
06-06-2007, 11:37 PM
Health care professionals are allowed to share your health information with other health care professionals who are involved your care. Your pharmacist most certainly fits that description. Your health information can be shared under other situations without your consent. All health care providers must provide you with a notice of privacy practices upon request. Most people toss them out without a second glance but its really a doccument that is worth spending a few moments reading.
tampatar
06-06-2007, 11:53 PM
I am sorry my bad - the HIPPA violation comes with speaking to a second party without a need to know - your physician is able to speak to your pharmacy because they are involved in your direct care- your insurance company is not intitled to the specifics of your care as they are not involved in your care -
just say your are in your docs office and talk with him about the reasons for your depression - the insurance people are allowed to know you are depressed for payment but the fact your dog died is none of there business
sorry for confusion but that is how I understand that law = thanks to all because I would never have been able to live my life with peace and grace if not for the info I receive here Grins TT
just say your are in your docs office and talk with him about the reasons for your depression - the insurance people are allowed to know you are depressed for payment but the fact your dog died is none of there business
sorry for confusion but that is how I understand that law = thanks to all because I would never have been able to live my life with peace and grace if not for the info I receive here Grins TT
mentalvdt
06-09-2007, 08:34 PM
Wow OK I just have to weigh in here. I just started with my pm about 5 months ago and reading this thread has me worried. When I first went to him I was on Norco taking 2 every 6. there where problems with it so he wanted to try someouther things. First it was Mscontin with norco for bt well that didn't work so went off those and onto perocet well that was no good so now back to norco but it has been cut down to 1 every 4 to 6. Which is a BIG step down. Every change I have taken the left over to the pharm for disposal. But with the step down I just wonder if I have been "flagged". Because all of the changing has been in about 3 months. Wow who would of known that some little pills would cause such a stink. I wounder if "big brother" monitors insulin in a diabetic like they do pain meds in a cp patient. In my opinion it is the same thing it is the medication that treats the illness that we have.:blob_fire
mudbone
06-09-2007, 10:42 PM
Yep it does stink that they (big brother) treats us so much differently than other types of patients, but thats just the nature of the beast. It sucks! Mud.
letthatsinkin
06-09-2007, 11:21 PM
This is so frustratingg.... I just don't know what to do :(
curiousforever
06-10-2007, 12:19 PM
Wow OK I just have to weigh in here. I just started with my pm about 5 months ago and reading this thread has me worried. When I first went to him I was on Norco taking 2 every 6. there where problems with it so he wanted to try someouther things. First it was Mscontin with norco for bt well that didn't work so went off those and onto perocet well that was no good so now back to norco but it has been cut down to 1 every 4 to 6. Which is a BIG step down. Every change I have taken the left over to the pharm for disposal. But with the step down I just wonder if I have been "flagged". Because all of the changing has been in about 3 months. Wow who would of known that some little pills would cause such a stink. I wounder if "big brother" monitors insulin in a diabetic like they do pain meds in a cp patient. In my opinion it is the same thing it is the medication that treats the illness that we have.:blob_fire
I wouldn't worry too much if you're getting all meds from same doc and same pharmacy - especially if you're taking left over meds to pharmacist to dispose of.
I wouldn't worry too much if you're getting all meds from same doc and same pharmacy - especially if you're taking left over meds to pharmacist to dispose of.
Fabrashamx
06-10-2007, 03:32 PM
Make sure if you take medications back to the pharmacy for disposal ( it's illegal for them to re-sell them) that you get a signed and dated receipt, listing everything you gave them.
The person that helps at the counter may not be a pharmacist, or they may just keep lousy records, this way, you have proof to show. Make copies and ask that they be put in your medical records.
HTH, Fabby :wave:
The person that helps at the counter may not be a pharmacist, or they may just keep lousy records, this way, you have proof to show. Make copies and ask that they be put in your medical records.
HTH, Fabby :wave:
ozzybug
06-10-2007, 05:23 PM
I guess a lot of the policy about who to return unused meds to depends on the state laws, or who you ask. I've been following this thread, and I return any unused meds to my PM doctor. They count them in front of me, and then I have to initial/sign the paperwork. The first time I ran in to a situation of having unused meds I asked the pharmacist if they would take them and destroy them. He told me they don't do that, so I asked my PM and he said to bring them in to his office, so that's how I do it now.
I do know one thing, regardless of who/where you turn them in, like Fabby said, make sure to get something signed & in writting stating what medication & how many were returned so it will be on your record. I'd think this would surely cover you.
Take care!
I do know one thing, regardless of who/where you turn them in, like Fabby said, make sure to get something signed & in writting stating what medication & how many were returned so it will be on your record. I'd think this would surely cover you.
Take care!