DrMom
Newbie
Reged: 08/28/03
Posts: 25
Loc: Great Lakes
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First off I have to say I know I'm a newbee and I don't really do any meaningful posting but I read lots and lots of info. Sometimes people are harsh please I've had a bad couple days so be kind I am speeking the truth I have no reason to lie.
I have muscle spasms in my back and some sort of nerve damage (my docs words) My regular doc had been giving me darvocet to deal with the pain. He keeps me fairly well supplied. The only problem is I'm an at home mom and I do daycare so sometimes getting to the doc is hard. He is only available mon-fri 9-5. Two different times (May and July) I went to the clinic by my house and got a script from another doc for 15 vicodins. I got it filled at my local walgreens. They had a coupon for $5 off a new script it covered my co-pay so I went there not really thinking about it. (I usually go to savemore they are much faster) My insurance covered the script so I really didn't think it was a big deal. Well my regular doc had an accident as is out on medical untill further notice. My mistake, I went to see his new partner. I told her I just needed my darvocet refilled. She aked me what had been done for my back problems and I admitted not much really. She wanted to do and x-ray and send me to a specialist I said great. I informed her that I didn't have alot of time and told her why (my daughter was home with the daycare kids and it had not been a good day also my daughter had to be somewhere in about 45 min. she said ok we will hurry. I had already been at the office for an hour and 20 min. I waited 10 or 15 min. then I left the room and told the nurse I had to leave I had already been there close to 2 hours she imformed me she was almost ready to do the x-ray I said I can do it right now or I can come back. The nurse said she would see if the doc would just write the script and allow me to come back for the x-ray. The doc agreed. I waited another 5 or 10 min for the script. I finally got home. While loading the car with kids to get my 15 year old to her music class the docs office calls. They tell me the doc wants me to follow up on those x-rays I say I know I will later I'm in a hurry we are already late (thanks to them) Then the nurse said to me that they have called all the local pharmacys and discovered I've been seeing another doc to get narcodics and geeting them filled at walgreens I said ya, when doc xxx was not available so what? The nurse said this is is not allowed I informed her I didn't have time for this and I'd deal with it later. I was furious. The nurse said well you need to deal with it now because this office will no longer write scripts for narcodicts and it's been documented in my chart. I was fuming mad. I was afraid to open my mouth for fear of what would come out So I just said I'll have to go eleswhere
and hung up. I'm crushed I love my reg. doc he is great but I can't bring myself to set foot in that office ever agian. I know this is a long story but I really need advice and encouragement. Please help
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jacksonv
Stranger
Reged: 09/24/03
Posts: 4
Loc: new england
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since when do md offices have time to call around to pharmacies to see what each customer is taking.
not anywhere i know
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Dante6677
Member
Reged: 08/14/03
Posts: 136
Loc: Fl. Panhandle
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I think I would at least let your regular doc know your side of the story and that you cant beleive you have been treated such, oh and ask for your med records' you can go elswhere.
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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Sometimes, Drs. call pharmacies to call in an Rx or something and can get info that way. DrMom- I'd say stick with the doc and you can explain your situation to him when the time comes  Good luck!
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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DrMom
Newbie
Reged: 08/28/03
Posts: 25
Loc: Great Lakes
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somehow mine found time there are only 4 main drug stores in this area CVS, walgreens, riteaid and savemore. Once one CVS has you in the system all the CVS have you the same for the others I mentioned so it's really not that time consuming
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lemongrass
Board Addict
Reged: 09/23/03
Posts: 361
Loc: IL
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DrMom,
Your story sounds a little familiar.
I found this wonderful gyne and he also availed himself as my primary doctor. Oh, you just don't know how elated I was that my gyne would be my primary as well!
I had sprained my back real bad and went to see him. He wanted x-rays done and what have you. No problem. Meanwhile, he gave me scripts for vicodin and soma. I read those directives pretty darn good and took my meds as advised.
When I ran out after a couple of days, I called the office for a refill. And would you believe, the doctor's assistant/nurse tried telling me that I overmedicated!!! She said she refused to bother the doctor for any refills because I took too much! I even went through the doctor's orders on the RX's and told her that it was impossible for me to have overmedicated, but she was such a -----! She literally refused to let me talk with my doctor! I started screaming at her when she became all huffy with me and acted like I didnt' know what I was talking about.
After that, I sent a letter to my gyne, explaining the situation and how I was treated by his assistant/nurse. I never heard a word back. I think the letter was stopped in its tracks by this woman and I have never gone back.
It was such a shame to lose such a caring, compassionate, and competent doctor. I do hope that you're able to get things better worked out than I was able to.
Good luck!
lemongrass
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charm
Member
Reged: 05/28/03
Posts: 138
Loc: Ohio
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DrMom
I totally understand when you say "he is only available XYX". My dr is SO BUSY you have to make an appointment at least 1 month ahead sometimes more! If you have "an emergency" and call to get in to see him they give you some excuse and tell you to go to the ER. Twice in the last couple of months I have had accidents..the second one happened while recovering and/or as a result of the first. Since I've had a bad back for years now and more than my share of muscle spasms and pinched nerves (among other things) I can totally understand the need for extra pain relief when accidents or flareups happen. What do they exspect you to do when you can't get in to see them on such occasions! I know my body and condition well enough to know that what I needed before anything was rest, ice-heat ice-heat, and additional meds to help me rest and cope with it. And in my case, the second accident also required several roles of gauze, tape and neosporin....BAD! Anyway...I would make an appointment with your dr, explain that you couldn't get in to see him and DO NOT feel intimidated by him OR ANYONE IN HIS OFFICE! They are not the ones who have to deal with your pain day in and day out...you are! If your dr doesn't believe or accept what you tell him then request a copy of your medical records. When you have them in hand, leave. Also, I've found recently that a Manipulative therapist helps me. Goodluck and let us know the outcome.
Oh, one last note...when my reg. dr has been on one of MANY vacations, called away unexpectedly, etc. I've had to be seen by one of his associates. They are different drs, they will treat you different...they do not know you like your regular dr does.
Charm
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charm
Member
Reged: 05/28/03
Posts: 138
Loc: Ohio
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Greycie,
Out of curiosity, since you brought it up, are pharmacies allowed to share patient/customer information with...who? Anyone? I would think the privacy laws would apply to them as well. Or are they allowed to share info on you with any prescribing dr who goes thru their pharmacy? Something worth looking into unless you or anyone else knows.
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summer
Veteran
Reged: 05/21/02
Posts: 563
Loc: East Coast
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Dr Mom-
ABSOLUTELY go back to that office. They have your charts and know the severity of your condition. Don't let "One Bad Apple"etc.......... Do not be intimidated by them, it's ther're job to treat you. Be so very assertive and aggressive and you'll get what you need, see I've been where you are and have done this. There is NOTHING wrong with opening up your mouth and being "politely" demanding.
Same for you to Lemongrass, don't let this nurse intimidate you. Your relationship is with your Dr and epecially if he's an ob/gyn and chose to become your pcp than you know your dealing with a very compassionate Dr.
Ladies please follow my advice and don't just walk away from these wonderful Dr's who are treating you, there are thousands who would give anything for great Dr's like these. Trust me when I say as a patient YOU and you alone have all the rights. As I said before I speak from experience and you can definately regain what these $#%@!!!!! are trying to take away. Please keep us posted and DO NOT GIVE UP ON A GOOD THING!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please feel free to pm me if you want-
Sincerely-
Summer
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DrMom
Newbie
Reged: 08/28/03
Posts: 25
Loc: Great Lakes
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Thank you so much for all your support (all of you) and advice I will make an appointment as soon as he is back I think I'll take my husband with me so I don't chicken out At least for now I feel a little better. They made me feel like I was a junkie and only after the pills. If pills are all I want I can get those on line. I wanted to be helped I had no problem with x-rays or anything else for that matter. I just don't have 2 or 3 hours to sit in some office. I will keep everyone posted as to what the outcome is. THANKS  
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neonsign2003
Old Hand
Reged: 12/26/02
Posts: 488
Loc: midwest
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go to this site:http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ read and understand it, then call her or better yet, go to the clinic with a copy of how to file a complaint against them. show it to them.............thing will change, and Best if kept off the board fast! trust me on this, the mere mention of a hippaa complaint will change their behaveor? instantly......been there, done it, and enjoyed it very much. YOU are the boss, but YOU have to let them,  know you know it!
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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This is all very very true! Go back and get your status cleared up with your doc. He/She takes good care of you and that's a very good thing! Don't let that pass you by. I have been "red flagged" for too many narcotics at Walgreens a couple of times because I had lots of problems with my teeth a while ago and was getting all different kinds of pain scripts from all different kinds of docs. It will be fine! Don't let them scare you away from something good! Hope this helps...
Train 
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johng
Board Addict
Reged: 02/13/03
Posts: 354
Loc: great lakes
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first off walgreens are the waorst as far as questioning pt history. I had a md change my OC from 2 to 3 x day and the pharmcisist felt that was too much and while he did not accuse me of it but brought up the fact people sell oc on the street it made me mad i was in a back brace with a cane and near tears from the pan and he thought I was going to sell it docs are so tight i was luck to get it.
second the way docs get around HIPPA when they call in a script is they state they want to be sure that other meds your are takeing will not interact. it is a loop hole but that is how they get away with it if you file a complaint via hippa.
I heard a MD doing this on the phone inocent or not it is how it COULD happen
yuk
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Ask and it will be given to you Matthew 7:7
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IMSUSCOT1
Threadhead
Reged: 10/23/02
Posts: 874
Loc: usa
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HIPAA does not waive state laws & regs regarding controlled substances...and depending on the state you live in there are multiple systems set up to catch "double dippers" and "doctor shoppers"....I'M NOT ACCUSING YOU...I empathize completely.,.and think this SUCKS...I'm just telling you depending on the state you live in what occurred may have been legit...this is EXACTLY the reason OP's are so big & making a veritable fortune today. You need to have an honest conversatoin with your PCP and if you cant see eye to eye..find a PM specialist...EXPLAIN the whole story to him and request appropriate treatment.
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lemongrass
Board Addict
Reged: 09/23/03
Posts: 361
Loc: IL
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Hi, Summer.
You are correct, I should have tried to work things out with my gyne, but after that big blow-up with his assistant, I thought for sure she wouldn't even allow me to see him. And when I received no response from my doctor after writing a letter, I figured it was intercepted. He would have "for sure" called me! And that assistant also had the audacity to inquire about what I was taking the pain meds for. I told her it was for my sprained back and she stated that my doctor doesn't even deal with such things because he was a gyne. I told her that he was my gyne and my primary and she sarcastically said he wasn't. Oooooo! I get so burned up when I think about it. Anyway, that was last year and I've since lost my medical, so I can't see him anyway. But thanks for your input and I will put it to use should I ever have any future problems.
DrMom,
Good idea to bring your husband along. Anyone for moral support is a great idea! I hope everything works out for you. You sound like a genuine person with no ulterior motives to me. I'm sure your doctor knows this as well. Good luck, sunshine!
lemongrass
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DrMom
Newbie
Reged: 08/28/03
Posts: 25
Loc: Great Lakes
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IMSUSCOT1 I live in Michigan I know they have some sort of system in place for controlled substances. You have to either show your social security card or drivers license to get your script. Thats part of the reason I didn't think twice about going to another pharmacy or doc because the state monitors all controlled substances. I am trying to find the state laws that would apply hear. The hipaa site was a good source of info but I still need to research the state laws.
To everyone, thank you so much I feel alot better like I'm not alone in this. I actually feel like I can stop my boo-hooing and get mad. I could never go in there like I was I would have just fallen apart. So now I'm going to gather all the information I can on hipaa and any other law that might help make, an appointment when my regular doc gets back, and take my husband of 20 years (junkies usually can't stay with one person long)with me to deal with this face to face.
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quincy
Board Addict
Reged: 11/07/02
Posts: 333
Loc: pacific northwest
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Yeah, I think you should go right back to your regular doctor and don't even let the office staff get to you. Explain to him what happened, he knows you, knows what meds you are on and your home situation. He should get you back on track. If you do decide to change docs, DO NOT send them any records from this doctors office if they have it labeled in your chart as a drug seeker. Also, If your doctor can, maybe you can have a phone conference. Luckily I have never been caught like that, but I have done it. You know, get a script from the ER, then the PCP the day after. It was probably the pharmacy that called the doctor. The way to beat that if you have been filling scripts from different docs is to go to a new pharmacy where you have never been and are not in the system and pay cash- no insurance. That way they can't trace it. Hope you get this worked out.
Sarah
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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Huge misconception- people want to throw the word HIPAA around like it's candy- "I'll threaten my Dr. by saying HIPAA!! That'll scare him!" No doubt your Dr. is fully aware of the new HIPAA laws and how they affect him individually. As you'll notice, if pointed to the web site posted it makes a lot of references to "Usually" and "Generally" as in- not all states are required to follow the same rules and not all entities are. I can tell you a Dr. has the right to call in an Rx to a pharmacy to have it filled for his patient. I can also tell you that Pharmacy makes note and I *believe* can tell that Dr. that the patient has gotten another Rx for that medication or something else- that is NOT revealing medical information.
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
Edited by Greycie (10/01/03 02:59 PM)
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DrMom
Newbie
Reged: 08/28/03
Posts: 25
Loc: Great Lakes
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Graycie, I do want to scare MY doc I want him to help me. What I want to do is see if someone in the office violated any laws. I would never do anything unless I'm absolutely sure of myself. I know that what they did was mean and judgmental. I want my doc to know what happened and let him know I don't feel comfortable around his staff. I know when they see me they will just think druggie. If someone did violate a law they will pay. I'm tired of the regular guy getting the shaft.
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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I didn't mean to insinuate that *you* were of the notion to try and 'scare' your doctor. I was speaking generally. If somebody's rights have been violated, by all means, they should do whatever they can to correct the situation. All I'm saying is be sure a law has been broken- don't assume based on somebody throwing out the word HIPAA- it's not that black and white.
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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LumbarSpasm
Silent Chaos
Reged: 05/07/02
Posts: 1538
Loc: USA
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I wish you the best of luck.
You do want to find Michigan state laws.
I am not familiar with them.
If you were getting 2 scripts from 2 different docs filled, I'd think the best thing to do would be to talk to your doctor.
Surely if you wanted to get away with something you would have, so... since you stumbled into this innocently, I'm sure the doctor that has known you for awhile will understand.
Most people that doctor shop really work at it.
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LumbarSpasm
Or just a pain in the butt?!
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