At my PM appt today the NP eluded to the fact that a pharmacist called to express concern about a "history of early refills."
Yes, there were two early refills since I began PM two years ago.Both were using insurance and dropped off and filled on day 23....both pre-approved in advance by MD in writing due to travel for work purposes....the only other alternative would have been for a family member to fill script and fed ex them to me, that made me nervous.
I offered the PM written documentation of my travel (the conference where I was to present) as corroborative data which he declined stating I am a trusted patient.i
I am also UA'd monthly as is every patient in the practice. It is a universal policy, there have never been any issues.
I do change appts often, but never move them forward or advance them. If I learn of a work conflict, I call ASAP and take the closest appt to my original appt;sometimes its ahead of time other times it's after the original appt. I state to the receptionist why I am rescheduling and it has never been discussed as an issue.
I use two pharmacies, again with the expressed consent of the PM as I use two differerent patches and BT meds; the patch brand (non generic) is not available at the chain and the patch strength (12 mcg is on constant backorder with the independent.) I get my BT through the chain as the indie rarely has sufficient quantity in stock.
I am always polite and cordial and appreciative to the pharmacists when I call ahead to order, I think it's the "little things" that allow you to develop a rapport with them.
Bottom line: I want to know which pharmacy/pharmacist did this and NEVER go there again.
I remained calm and appropriate at my PM appt as I did nothing wrong or illicit, but I am fuming as I feel a pharmacist is judging me as a young (32 yo) healthy looking woman filling narcotics scripts. If he only knew I get my regular (non narcotic meds) through mail, he would see my profile which consists of multiple meds to address the serious medical issues I have.
The PM NP was great and told me not to worry, but it's in my nature.
I am not going to discuss it with her again.
If I requested copies of records from pharmacies, would there be an entry about a pharmacist's concerns?
If I request a complete copy of PM records as I have done before to get a second and third opinion, might there be a reference there as to the source?
I am concerned that there may be a blemish on my otherwise stellar PM participation and this scares me as I may be moving and in need of identifying a new practice.
I understand the need for hypervigilance. I follow all the rules, I do what I am told.
But, I feel like I have a right to know who initiated this complaint, but I fear that in doing so I may shine a brighter light on the issue than would be prudent,
You have every right to be upset...Just another example of some rabid pharmacist with the Barney Fife syndrome. The good thing here is that you're in excellent standing with your Doc. Here's what I would do:
(1) First and foremost, I'd find another pharmacy....Preferably an independent. Independent pharmacies are owned by the pharmacist and really strive for customer service. These chain pharmacists could care less if they drive off business.
I also think it really pays to develop a relationship with the pharmacist and bring them under the umbrella a bit and explain your condition(s). I'm sure you're probably right in that the pharmacist sees you as a seemingly healthy person. But, as we all know, you can't judge a book by it's cover.
These chain pharmacists also get worked to death....Very long shifts with few breaks....Many have to work entire weekends, 9am- 10 or 11pm, both days. Thus, they get cranky and have little tolerance for the small things.
(2) If you want to know your refill history, all you have to do is call the pharmacy and tell them you need a print out of all your prescriptions for the last year (or you can request two years) and tell them it's for insurance reasons. This print out will capture all your fills, including the meds in question. The dates will be listed, so you can see yourself what they're looking at. You could also tell them it's for your taxes if you wanted...Tell them you need documentation for your deductions.
If you don't want to call the pharmacy that you use, call another location (of the chain) and ask them for the information. They can print off your prescription records very easily and you pick them up....Usually you have to sign for them, just like you have to sign for a Rx.
(3) If you want to keep using the same location for whatever reason, you could find out who the PIC (pharmacist in charge) is and request a meeting...And run this by him/her. Tell them that someone called and explain exactly what you told the Doc in a very professional low key way...And tell them a bit about your overall condition...And explain that you have nothing to be worried or concerned about, but that you thought you should explain what's going on so that there are no future problems.
I'd explain that the Doc confirmed that all is fine and there are no issues there. You could even bring in your newly obtained print out for documentation. I think the PIC would be appreciative if you did this, especially if it was done in a very professional, non threatening way. If it turns out to be this person who reported you, then they'll have a better understanding of things. If it was one of the other pharmacists, then the PIC can talk to them about the situation. This type of stuff almost always happens with younger, more rouge pharmacists, so I doubt it was the PIC.
Whatever you decide to do, I would not stay at the same pharmacy and without addressing the situation....Unless you decide moving forward by only filling on the exact day required....Which may be hard for you to do given your work schedule / travel & etc. Pharmacists need to look at the overall picture, not just 1 or 2 refills. Again, a reason why you need to speak to them if you plan on staying put.
If you elect to go to an independent, you can introduce yourself to the owner and tell him/her that you're moving there because you've heard great things about them and that you're tired of the hassle of dealing with chains. Trust me on this....They've heard all the stories and will probably treat you very, very well.
I just wanted to quickly echo Ex's sentiments on the independent pharmacies. I had used a couple of chains before switching to an independent. I switched because the independent was right next door to my PM doc's office, so it was stricly out of convenience. But what I realized after a couple of months is the amazing difference in care. They know my name and always say, "Hi, Mrs. X" when I walk in the door, my Rx's are ready within 10 minutes, and I've NEVER gotten "the look" for filling large quantities of narcotics, or anything of the sort. This attitude is not only from the pharmacist, but from everyone in the store. They are WONDERFUL. So I would definitely suggest sticking with an independent.
As for finding out who called your doc's office, you could try requesting your records from the doc's office, but be aware that the info you want may not be in the records they give you. Each office is different, but frequently you only get the typed or dictated notes, and not the handwritten notes (which is where this notation may be) or the "other stuff" in your chart (i.e., if a pharmacy sent a letter or something like that). You MAY get all that stuff, but in my experience it's been rare. But again, may be worth trying. Just make sure to word your request something to the effect of: "Please provide me with a COMPLETE COPY of my ENTIRE CHART." That's the best you can do, and what they give you from there will be up to them.
Good luck, and I'm sorry this happened to you. But like Ex said, it sounds like you're pretty lucky that you're in with a good doctor who seems to trust you implicitly. Take care.
I agree with everything that Ex stated, but specifically #3-talking to the PIC. I had a problem with a tech years ago and never filled again at that pharmacy for my meds. But my husband didn't want to change.
A few months ago the PIC asked me why I don't use them anymore and I told her about the tech embarrassing me in front of a lot of people yelling out, "it's too soon to fill this narcotic prescription!!"
She said that I should have told her immediately about it and that it was unprofessional behavior, etc.
Also, while I now use an independent pharmacy, a lot of the chains have websites where you can have access to your records after you register.
Why can't you just ask the doc which pharmacy it was? Unless you just don't want to bring it up again....
I agree with everything that Ex stated, but specifically #3-talking to the PIC. I had a problem with a tech years ago and never filled again at that pharmacy for my meds. But my husband didn't want to change.
A few months ago the PIC asked me why I don't use them anymore and I told her about the tech embarrassing me in front of a lot of people yelling out, "it's too soon to fill this narcotic prescription!!"
She said that I should have told her immediately about it and that it was unprofessional behavior, etc.
Also, while I now use an independent pharmacy, a lot of the chains have websites where you can have access to your records after you register.
Why can't you just ask the doc which pharmacy it was? Unless you just don't want to bring it up again....
I almost feel like if I bring it up again,I am making a big deal out of it. I guess I'm paranoid that if I make a big deal out of it the PM willl think there's something going on.....There isn't but, if I just like "normal" things will stay that way......
It's insane the things we have to agonize about just to try to function daily.....
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