Does anyone know what the current situation is with Dr. Gatell. I was thinking about making the plunge because it seemed as though he is very reputable and is extremely compassionate. But I have recently been reading alot of disheartening stuff about him. Sexual harassment, being watched by DEA and state board, actions against him, depression and alcoholism, expensive, and problems with his staff. Even if some of this is true, he is, from what I can read, incredibly courageous in standing up for pain patients that need opiate therapy. But before I take the plunge, which looks expensive, I would appreciate some helpful feedback from all my fellow db'ers on their detailed experiences with them and the rumors. Thanks in advance everyone and have a pain free day!

He'll certainly take your money. I was going there for suboxen and the intern doctor that was taking Dr. Gatell spot didn't have the authority to write suboxen. His office manager (Maggie) increased my sub. mg and gve me 2 mg klonopin a month. It was acctually scary. I was taking 24mg's of sub a day. Now I take 8 mg and it's 10 x better. So she was basically my DR.

After 5 or 6 months go by they call and can't take me anymore because my record was flagged. It was flagged because Dr. Gatell doesn't have a liscense and some pharmacy's wouldn't take the script. She told me I was the only problem. I called around to some other Suboxen doctors and they said they have been getting all his old patients. So basically (Maggie) was trying to put it off on me.

SO I would say stay away. I live 10 mins from his main office and A LOT of pharmacies around here won't fill their scripts even when he had a liscence.

They have the whole waiting room bugged. There are signs that say you are being recorded at all times. I already think there is heat on that place. They are only open 3 days a week. Besides Dr. Gatell's other problems. He lost his license in NY. Got a DUI about a year ago. Maggie thinks it's no big deal.

Wouldn't do it if I were you.

Manning

I see you live 10 minutes away. Is he still open? If so do you know who the Doctor is now. I know they changed addresses. I have an appointment in a couple weeks and am wondering if they will be there. I have had good luck with them and really need my meds.
Can you give me an update?

Don't do it! The heat is on! Find another doctor. I know it is hard, but talk to friends, relatives, whoever you can that you trust. There are still compassionate doctors out there. Ones who won't rip you off. I am lucky enough to have one who is down to earth, trustworthy, and is not just in it for the money. She actually cares about the well being of her patients. I know it's rare now a days, but there are still some doctors out there who truely care about their pain patients. I wish you luck, and if you decide to try this doctor, please be careful. As the other poster said, if you do get a perscription from him, you will have a very hard time getting it filled. Its kind of pointless to pay a doctor for a perscription that you can't get filled at a pharmacy!

Kimberly,

Can you let me in on who you know? My email address is public on my profile. What do you know about Doctor Gatell. Is he open still?

Birdtruck - did you read? Not trying to be mean or anything, but this doctor seems to be unethical (to put it nicely). Believe when I tell you that I know of unethical doctors who take advantage of trusting patients.

Just like in any profession, there are docs who take advantage and ones you can trust. The key is separating the wheat from the chaff. Not easy, I know. That' key though.

I sincerely hope you can find a doc that treats you with respect. Advice alert: I demand it, won't put up with anything else. I have learned. And the docs respond appropriately. The meek might inherit the earth, but when it comes to docs, the meek lose out. A hard earned lesson.

wow, i guess my suspicions were on target! you need a separate dea license to prescribe suboxone btw, but I am surprised he never obtained it. well I guess this just nixes my idea to go there. If anyone else has any comments or reviews, please post, otherwise it is a no go. thanks for the help guys and gals, and please recommend any other docs in the atlanta area.

Thanks for the kick in the head. I guess if we
(or I) weren't so afraid of what I know will be misery if unable to find a Doctor to give me medicine, I wouldn't be so "meek".
I'm not that way in other parts of my life. In reality it is the DEA and such that makes these situations present themselves.

So that leaves me in search of help in Atlanta area.
I do appreciate the advice though PNW.

I have seen him for a while, I have no problems... yes he is strange and quirky and when he was there it was a day long event, but I have been thru 5 pain speacialists and he is the only one that found the right thing for me and I have been going to the same pharmacist for the same number of years and I have never had a problem with getting a script filled. I go every 90 days so take that by the number of months I go divided by 3 is not much more than a co pay. I have been drug tested by him and I agree with doing that, I have always passed and never have called between visits to ask for a single thing, I think because I am compliant and never exceed my dosage nor ask for more medication, same dosage and same meds since day one... not one single problem.. I pray he doesnt go away because I do not want to have to go thru so many non caring Dr's just to find someone that does care. He sometimes has a funny way of showing it, but he truly cares about the pain patient

gagrl64

I take it you are still a patient? My experience with him was similar to yours and as I said I do have an appointment coming up soon. Mixed emotions!!??

Yes bird... it will be fine. Don't worry about it. I know everyone gets panicked when appt time comes but no worries. If you want to feel better about it call Maggie in the AM starting at 10am as Fridays they are closed on Fridays. You will be fine.

I found him on another website promoting hypnosis therapy for various things and the bio that accompanies the "About" section he says that he has 'Retired from a very busy Chronic Pain " practice. This was a recent and new website.
Apparently the old practice has opened in their new location with a new Physician?
I hope so. I'll report back but if anyone knows, please post.

I am glad for you Gagr. Yes, that is the way I have always handled my meds as well. Puts your doc at ease.

I always go to the same pharmacist as well. If you go "roaming around" it is a red flag. Plus your pharmacist becomes part of your health care team. Knows your meds, etc.

Yes, I also worry that Dr Dave will retire. But I just interviewed with a neuro. Young man. Told him I don't do epidurals,take Neurontin, etc. Said - your regimen is a good one -stick with it. And he said he'd provide if necessary.

Quirky or not - you have a good relationship-that's what is important.

OK.Sally the laptop in out the window. I type 90 words a minute and I can't these keys to kick in.

Anyway, Gagr (funny name), I am glad to make your acquaintance. There is a frog in the garden singing it's song.

Rain

I'm so sorry. I truly didn't mean to give you a "kick in the head". Nor was I being critical of YOU. I just tend to worry. Don't want anyone to be SOL.

I hope your PM travels are successful. I mean that and I apologize if I came off wrong.

Rain - No worries. I didn't take offense at all. I really do have mixed emotions about Dr. Gatell. He really has truly provided me with relief from the pain and I am better than ever. But the practice always seems to be unstable.
I'm going to continue to go there as long as I can. I don't want trouble, just relief. When you become dependent on the opiates though, you always worry that you won't be able to get your next scripts. It's a very uneasy feeling.
I think the office is still open but may have a new Doctor in house. I think Dr. Gatell got in to some kind of trouble. And as much bad as you read about the guy, I liked him. I will definitely post about what I find out as I know others are lurking that are worrying too.
Anyway, glad to make your acquaintance as well as everyone else here. May need some help or advive down the road and also have a lot of experiences that may help others too.

birdtruck

bird, have you seen the new doc?

No not yet. I'm just guessing there is a new one because I saw where he has set up another website advertising hypnosis therapy and states that he has "Retired from a very busy Chronic Pain clinic" and can now devote his time to hypnotherapy.

Last visit, which was in August, Maggie got the notice that they were going to have to move and said they would probably set up a new clinic with a new Doctor because she didn't think Doc Gatell would be able to come back.

Since their answering machine is giving a new address I'm just speculating (and hoping)that is the case. You got to give it to Maggie - she is a real trooper.

thanks for the news bird, will you keep me updated on how your next visit goes, I would really appreciate it!

I strongly advise you not to go to him becuase of that is going on. They're only open on Mon - Wed (10-5) as of a couple of monthgs ago they weren' taiking nre patients. But those things must have changed. I'm not sure the Dr. who he has filling in for him. A very nice middle eastern man (Dr. X).

I saw Dr. X one time and he started me on 8 mg of sub a day. When I left I was on 24 mg and 2 md Klonopin. All to the thanks of Maggie (office assistan). Sorry if I'm not supposed to say her name, but she ripped me off and made me feel like it was my problem. She never told me anything.

I strongly believe that he got a DUI almost a year ago in Novmember. Maggie told me it wasn't true, but said John A. Gatell, 58 years old in the Peachtree City News Paper. Kinda sounds like him to me.

I was told they were getting a another Doctor, but that was 6 months ago. They are a shaddy company. From Maggie to Dr. Gatell. All the pain clinics around the area are filling up with his patients. Yet Maggies still insists that I messed it up.

Good Luck,
ACG


John A. Gatell, MD
P.O.Box 3077
315 Point, Suite B
Peachtree City, GA 30289

www.drgatell

Yeah Maggie's a real tropper. LOLOLOLOL.

She's just a crocked as Gatell. She has personally written me over 12 prescriptiond without seeing a doctor. But a maybe that's the type of people you like.

Samples - since this is not the type of person you like I assume you threw away the prescriptions or gave them back right? I mean - you wouldn't want to be hypocritical or anything right?

I'll let you know.

Samples - How were you ripped off exactly. I appreciate the warning but am unsure what you are warning us about.

You would probably be better off going somewhere else but if you really were ripped off or dealt with unfairly it would benefit us all to know how.

I agree bird... if Samples feels like Maggie should not have given her the 12 scripts then I would surely hope she would hand them right back to her (I highly doubt she did) and I too am very confused as to what she is talking about saying that Maggie ripped her off... ripped off how Samples? Your post makes no sense at all.
All of us that have seen Dr Gatell over and over know the drill and how it worked and left with our scripts to last 3 months or 2 months or if new or not one he truly trusted 1 month and then we all go and get them filled and do it over again and we all sat out in the lobby making deals with each other to not talk alot so the appointment would not drag on. We all are there to get relief via medication as we all know he didnt do injections or anything else like that... same drill every time and same end result so what is Samples even referring to? What did you want him to do, perform surgery? He doesnt do that... he provided something that is desperately needed by alot of us that is extremely hard to find, some patients coming as far as several states away... that says alot, that says that Dr Gatell provides relief to alot of people.. who cares if he is different and who cares if Maggie has her forgetfulness and her quirks too... The man did for me what no other Dr I could find would do.. He had the balls to give me medication that allows me to function daily and continue to work and be a productive person at home, my job and my community... I dont care if he is disorganized or watches with his hidden camera, I had nothing to hide. I pray that I do not have to find other means for my chronic pain because I can guarantee I wont have the same relief.

its not like she was during it behind his back right. I mean is it illegal for the doctor to direct that a script is written, maybe it was pre signed. Anyway I doubt you were ever not under his care or he was not aware of the situation. It just sounds like the new situation is different, and I would hope to hear some news of the new doctor and if he subscribes to the same treatment plans as dr gatell.

And we wonder why these doctors are getting into trouble or deciding not to script anymore, because of one damn person who can't just move on when there happy, don't ruin it for everyone else just move on, is that to hard to do???

It is simply NOT legal for an office manager to write scripts for Suboxone. Period. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

In fact, it is not legal for a DEA licensed physician to script it without going through the licensing process. Has this doctor done this?

Now he's doing "hypnosis"? I am not against that, but that tells you something. AND, the problems are blamed on the patients??

Listen, I KNOW people need their meds, I know this - I need my meds too - but there are limits. Please think about this. Suboxone is not a med to be taken lightly. Good monitoring is essential. Withdrawals from Sub is worse than from opiates. And it's pain relief benefits are questionable.

OK, I've said my piece. No offense intended and I hope none taken. I only say these thing because I am concerned.

Apparently, the medical licensing boards in New York, Georgia and Alabama are not big fans of this Dr. Gatell. Way too many sanctions and probations to slog through. It is amazing if he is still practicing medicine.
But to your point about physicians prescribing Suboxone, it is definitely legal for any doctor with an active DEA license to prescribe buprenorphine for any purpose other than to treat substance abuse. That specific license does require a very basic course for the doctor's education.
And I disagree that the pain relief benefits of buprenorphine are necessarily "questionable" any more than most other prescription drug treatments. Buprenex (.3mg injectable) in the US along with Temgesic (.2mg-.4mg SL) in 21 foreign countries, have been shown to be effective at therapeutic doses in controlling moderate to severe pain. In the US, Buprenex is scheduled as a C-V substance.
I have recently seen more and more doctors recognizing the potential of using very low dose buprenorphine as a pain treatment partly because of its limited abuse profile.

I might be interested in it, but from what I have read recently, the withdrawals are killer, worse than everything except methadone, and I would never want to be faced with that. I have found a combo that treats my pain, and do not need to change it imo.

As for the suboxone certification, that is true. You must have a separate DEA license to prescribe it solely for the purpose of addiction treatment. Otherwise you can prescribe it for pain. But I think buprenex and another one are the only ones FDA approved for pain.

So no doctor can prescribe either subutex or suboxone, due to the sole FDA indication of addiction, without a separate DEA license. To qualify, a doc must go through a brief course, that is typically about 20 hours long.

just a little side note to the presigned prescriptions and having someone else who is not the doctor give them out...that is what dr. friedlander and his crew are now facing some heavy charges for in florida. there are a couple of threads about it on the board.

I plan to go and hope to receive the same medications I was on for the last year plus. I know there is a new Doctor in the house, but do not know his name and probably won't post it anyway. But I will post my experience and opinion and PM anyone who wants with specifics. I'll be able to report back next week.

I just don't like the way everyone on here is worried about "the law". Lets be honest here... the reason most of us are on here is because the current laws have us in a situation that has made our life less than enjoyable. A doctor that plays it safe and cowers to the DEA is not your advocate and you sure don't need to come here to find one of those. Look in the phone book. Most of us are looking for a Doctor with the balls to treat us for what we need, give us meds sufficient to make a difference, and see us again next month. Dr. Gatell did that and that is why the "authorities" had problems with him. Screw the authorities and the nanny state that they perpetuate. I want to be treated so I can have the quality of life I think I deserve with a treatment I agree on. If some of you don't like the price, the procedure, the drug, the quirks or whatever - just leave and go somewhere else. As long as I agree I am not getting ripped off. And if I don't agree, nobody can make me.

Where was everyone worried about proper procedure and protocol and morals when the NROP's were thriving and when the online pharmacies were doing phone consults? They were in front of there computers ordering. So come on people - get off the soap box. Lets help each other find relief, not criticize the people who provide it. It's still your money and you only have to spend it when you want to. And I don't mean this as a personal attack on anyone - just a reality check.

Here is to a pain free and happy life for us all!

i don't know if you were specifically replying to me, but as I was saying I did not think it was a big deal and believed that he probably knew about it anyway. It was probably his decision. And as long as my script was right and he knew it, then I would never have had a problem with it.

painstaking,
I was only referring to you in that I would report my experience because I know you and at least one other person is interested in knowing. The rest was just blowing off steam at a couple of the posts where the posters are so righteously concerned about the legalities of things.

birdtruck

Birdtuck very well said!

Very nicely put BIRDTUCK!! I've been thinking about that for years!! We need to help eachother just find that pain relief and not sit and critize!! I just wish we all could get on the band wagon and fight for this change the laws.. I mean it seems like there startin to be a lot more lax with the marijuanna laws I wonder if it would filter down and they'll start being a little bit better with pain medication.. It'd be nice!!

You bet it would be nice. I wish there were some activist groups that had some clout that we could all join. It would be worth getting involved and even donating to. I know there are some small groups advocating for pain relief rights, but I don't think they carry much weight. If anyone knows, please share.
My appointment is this next week and I am hoping for the best.
But we do really need to stop being judgmental with other members here. Just be honest about why we are all here. We get enough criticism and judgment from useless doctors and pharmacists who think their allegiance is to the DEA or local Sheriff instead of the customer who pays their salary. I hope everyone finds the relief they need and if we are in a position to help one another we ought to.

Bird... you have an appt with Dr Gatell next week? I would be curious how that goes and how his new office is.
Thanks

Dr Gatell saved my life!!!
After 20+ years of pain following a cerebral aneurysm (described as migraines by neuros), and most recently after 7 months with NO treatment at all because I did not want to deal with a new doctor and all the "funny" looks we get when we try to explain our pain, I finally found Dr. Gatell in February. I had not worked in 6 years and was spending 4-5 days in the bed. I wrote an email explaining my situation and he got me in right away, the next day!!

In the office, he spent over an hour listening to me and telling me to relax over and over, that he would not judge and he would make sure my pain was controlled. I was all wound up, speaking quickly and laughing nervously like I do when I'm very nervous. He eventually settled me down and got the whole long history out of me, got my records from previous doctors and prescribed the meds that have drastically improved my quality of life. He is "quirky" as some have said but NEVER have I felt like the small piece of dirt that other doctors have treated me as. Anyway, what physician/specialist have you seen that didn't, in some way, act quirky?

As for Maggie, his assistant, she has NEVER written my scripts. Each visit I am required to complete a questionnaire about my pain levels, pain frequency and effect of meds. The new board-certified pain physician (the Indian doctor referred to in previous posts) is reviewing the records, making the decisions and handling RXs. Maggie simply hands them to you at the front desk and collects your payment. Nothing about this is illegal or corrupt in any way.

If not for these people taking care of me I would not able to be out job-hunting, shopping and doing those things that I missed for years while I laid around in major pain. I cannot be critical of Dr. Gatell or the way his practice is run right now. I think he's doing all he can to make sure the patients are taken care of while he works through his own personal problems. No other doctor I've ever seen would take time to get someone in to handle their patients for any extended period of time. They would simply drop you, take care of themselves and start over again later- So kudos to him for making sure we can be treated while he works through whatever....HIS business and I really don't care what it is!!!

This post is not directed to anyone in particular. I know nothing about this doctor, so I am just speaking generaly. Most of us know how hard it is to find a doctor that will fully treat pain. Many doctors either under prescribe or don't prescribe narcotics at all. This is blamed on all kinds of reasons; fear of the DEA, fear of lawsuites, mountains of paperwork and so on. Whatever the motivation, the fact that finding a doctor to prescribe narcotics is difficult, to say the least,is obvious to those of us in chronic pain. Whenever a doctor is found that will prescribe, there always seem to be a list of problems that develope. The doctor has disciplinay problems. The doctor has many complaints. The doctor's motivation is called into question. I'm not sure why this is, but I have a theory. Either the doctor was in some kind of trouble; financialy, ethically or legally and has been "forced" into prescribing narcotics. Most of us know of doctors that have followed this pattern (one has even decided to change their sex and advertise like Toys-R-Us :)). These are the ones that make the news and end up in jail. The other kind of doctor seems to be actually compationate and treats pain dispite the threat of prosecution and persecution. They go out of their way to follow ever rule, keep proper documentaion and stay active in the care of their patients. Many of these doctors still find themselves in trouble. Why? I believe it is because when it becomes known that these doctors prescribe narcotics, not only do people in chronic pain seek them out, those that abuse drugs do as well. This leads to trouble for the doctor no matter what they do. They are either duped by these drug seeking scumbags and end up in trouble when someone ODs or is caught selling their drugs or they identify the druggies and cut them off. The druggy then becomes angry that they can't "score" off this doctor and start trouble by complaining to anybody who will listen about how unethical this doctor is. It really seems like a no win situation for doctors that care. Patients need to help those doctors that help them by defending their reputation and by being responsible with the medication that many need to live.

Very wise post tjt, I agree, and honestly I think his motivations lie with the latter point. I think any of his problems are personal in nature and not related to his practice. But I would say his few legal or board issues lie in the fact that he was duped by druggies or dealers. I think since then he has reformed his practice, so I would say stay away unless you have a legit medical issue! He prob does not just write scripts.

tjt - yes, you've said it quite concisely and accurately (IMHO).

Bird - yes, during the NROP days, people took advantage of the ease and cheap (compared to the present), but it was still a "gray area" then. Probably rationalizing, but since there was not a specific law against it, people utilized those services.

That has changed. Now there is a specific law stating the requirements. No gray area. It is not a matter of hypocrisy but a matter of the facts. It sucks. Yes, I agree.

When someone (like myself) states it is illegal, it is because it is. Without a F2F. I am never being judgmental - au contraire (I've got no place to be that way, lol), but just trying to be helpful. I have done enough blatantly illegal things in my life, that I would never judge someone else. The nightmare teenager of the century, lol.

I truly hope we all can obtain the care we deserve. I have had a poster criticize me because I get pain meds from my doc. Yes, I do, but I must walk a fine line. I don't ask for dose increases (even tho it's been over 5 years), always go the accepted amount of days, etc.

I never want to come off as judgmental. I don't believe in that. Noone has the right to judge another. If you are "perfect", OK, but that ain't ever going to be true.

Group hug, Rain

Well if you accepted 12 scripts I would think that's the type of people you like,yeah? Furthermore,you came in here accusing this doctor and his staff of unethical behavior,you wnet so far as to delve into his private life and even accused him of receiving a DUI,without any proof besides your word. Where's Dr. Gatell's side of the story? From what you've posted I'm inclined to believe Maggie.
Man,not only do these doctors have to deal with the DEA,but disgruntled patients who smear their names all over internet websites. I can fully understand why he retired. Keep up the good work,Samples. Too bad there's not a website for doctors to post threads about staying away from you

There is a person in the thread on a doctor that is facing some legal troubles who seems like the one here. All was fine and dandy when they were obtaining their prescriptions but along the way the patient felt wronged and turned up in the anonymous form of the Internet tough guy/trouble shooter of justice and posted a ton of negative information.

It's too bad that people don't just move on from their negative experience and use the information to better educate themsleves in future dealings.

To those who are interested I went in to Dr Gatell's office this week for my appointment. He is still not in the practice but there is talk he may return. I personally hope he does despite all the negatives on the board, he did care and I know you can talk to his patients and they all love him and will tell you their own story of the difference he has made in their pain management. Ditto for me.

Anyway, the current substitute is keeping people on the same regimens that Dr. G had them on. For me, this is way more than anyone else would ever give me and I am really grateful to not have to live in pain. If anyone is interested, PM me.

And I stand by my statement that Maggie is a trooper. She is keeping this practice open by bringing in interim doctors to help the patients until something permanent is established. She cares as well because I can tell you she is jumping thru hoops to keep us (the patients) from having to go into withdrawal, and from having to suffer with pain.

Seems like the long term plan is to bring in another Pain Management Physician that currently has a small practice to operate a satellite facility here. Maggie will be able to keep the practice open with these two doctors and I think Dr. Gatell will return at some point. If not, seems like the new arrangement will work out good for all involved.

I did not get "ripped off" and at no point felt like I was in an unethical or dangerous situation. I think the only ones mad are the addicts who got kicked out for not following the Rules. We don't want them in there anyway. I am standing up for Dr. Gatell, for Maggie and for the practice. They have courage and are helping people. How many people have the likes of "Samples" helped with their ridiculous rants. If you have any more questions, PM me as I don't think we should be smearing this practice all over the board. They are there to help those who need help and you will get much more value than any of the F2F services being advertised in this area. Cost is more reasonable too!

birdtruck

Bird, I am glad your experience was a positive one. I hope it continues to be.

I think others have reservations about this doc. Maybe a little research? I, personally, have no idea. But it bothers me a little that he has resorted to hypnosis. That doesn't mean anything in and of itself, but I wonder.

As to Maggie - none of know her and it is better to keep our judgments to ourselves. They are "under the gun" so to speak. Must comply with the law in addition to treating patients.

May you get the treatment you surely deserve. Must go, don't feel well.

Rain.

If the end result one is seeking is a pain free life, then hypnosis (assuming that it works) is very good, but it has been my experience that real pain is real pain. L4 and L5 trouble, tooth (temporary as it may be) or amputation must be dealt with in an effective manner.
I have heard withdrawal from sub is easier than others, but have never experienced it. Methadone, however, is a real [censored], that lasts a real long time.

It is always sad to me when a doc that is understanding goes down due to political or societal pressure. Socrates prescribed opium and cannabis for migraines, and it seems that he may have been onto something.
As far as NSAID treatment for headaches, I use Naprox as a preventative measure every morning. When that does not work, I try to use a 15 mg oxycodone medication. There also is a oxy-ibu med that would be really useful for migraines.