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#742189 - 08/05/08 07:07 PM
Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
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C4Q
Stranger
Registered: 04/10/08
Posts: 3
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I've been researching for legal advice on this, as well as, gathering information of ppl who have been in similar situations. Havent really gathered if I should worry or just be mad as heck! But I really dont think this is right. Here's the situation (any ppl with professional knowledge/advice will be GREATLY appreciated):
First off, i DONT have insurance, which means I hardly go to the doctor bc I can't afford to. In the past 6 years, I only even began seeing a doctor a little over a year ago bc I was unable to function, go to work, crying, etc...anyway, she put me on prozac. Few wks later, I wasnt doing well, I was getting worse so I called, they said to give it more time. Well, you cant' TALK to anybody there, everything's done through a website email, so I switched to another dr. The same one I've used over the course since but havent seen since Feb. Long story short, we've tried a number of different psych meds and it's been horrible. He's had me on monthly klonopin, and, occasionally, ambien for sleep, which has been the only thing that helped, and, over time I improved.
The last time I saw him was in Feb. and I called him the last wk in July for an appt if he needed to see me (we had not discussed why I was no longer taking antidepressants-but I figured he'd want to) in order to prescribe a refill. I didnt hear from them. I called the next day and the lady told me they called me in a script for klonopin at the last pharmacy on my record, from months before. I was somewhat shocked, but I went and got it. Well, as it turned out, what was wrong with me did not seem to be stress related as I my stomach issues got worse during the week. I needed to see a doc and since it seemed i WOULDNT be able to get in w/ him (it was a friday) PLUS I preferred a female for this issue and the fact that I really would like a female doc (which is the reason I chose her in the first place), I set my issues w her aside and called her to get in. Well, of course it's all done through email (something I had forgotten until that day), and I told her i've been under stress and klonopins usually work, bt im having probs and would like to come in and see her. i DO NOT want antidepressants (since I remember how adamant they seemed to be about it). I rec'd an email back saying I do not prescribe benzos and if you wont take daily meds then I suggest you see another dr. Well, i ALREADY HAD klonopins, I said they werent working, I wasnt goi9ng into the specifics of my issues over a website email. She came back saying Im seeing multiple dr's for controlled substances and, long story short, discharged me from her practice. I was soooo upset, I spoke w her office girl, and I did start crying, I had never felt so disrespected.
I have since rec'd a certified letter that i am discharged, along with copies from my pharmacies of my med history. I saw exactly what I said above from that one doctor and another from a dentist I went to in may for an impacted tooth. He couldnt extract it bc it was so infected, so he sent me home w antibiotics and hydrocodone's for 10 days. I went back for the extraction and got sent back home with another few days of hydrocodone's, which I never asked for.
There also shows another cough medicine (non narcotic pills) which were prescribed by my dr's on call dr. after hours one time. I did use different pharmacies, but I never even thought that was illegal as all pharmacies can see what the other's give. I would just switch bc of costs and also convenience (and anothr time bc I got tired of waiting an hour to get it filled every time).
Well, I need to go to the dr, but I WONT now bc of her accusations and not knowing if she is trying to get me in trouble (I did get as ugly with her as she got w me--DEF a personality conflict). I'm also too embarassed to 3ever go to a pharmacy again bc of this, maybe the pharmacies had me flagged bc I kept switching which, after research, I found out is a red flag. But I would have my scripts "transferred" to the new pharmacy, and , as the papers showed, they were all from one doc w/ the exception of his after hrs on call doctor, and that one dentist. Should I be worried about being arrested on her accusations?? My records would show I havent been going around to get controlled substances, how can she just say this from pharmacy records alone?? Help! This is horrible, Im looking into holistic medicine for anything from now on. Thanks, Big Brother for lookng out for me!
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#742200 - 08/05/08 07:27 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: C4Q]
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flutegrl
Board Addict
Registered: 07/16/05
Posts: 331
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Ah, shoot. This seems to be happeneing at an alarming rate in the recent months. I've heard more stories exactly like this than I care to count. This even happened to me, but for, GET THIS, going to a dr., then finding out that the doctor was on VACATION for 3 months, so going to a different doctor IN THE ORIGINAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE. Got the certified letter stating something like, "You saw two doctors and that's against our policy." So was I also supposed to go on vacation with the first doctor?
UGGGHHH! I think that any time they see someone who needs help for a chronic problem, they immediately do not want to get involved because they'd ACTUALLLLY have to WORK like doctors, and not like a person who just wants a paycheck.
This kinda story makes me MAD.
Holy S*&T! Burning mad. Plus, you're not on anything crazy, which is weird.
Many places have community mental health clinics that a free for the under and uninsured. Look in the phonebook. They're great and they CAN'T discharge you. Plus, they're more willing to find anything that will work for you rather that just push you around and say "You broke the Rules" without you knowing what those Rules were.
I feel for you, BIG TIME. I really hope it works out. I'm telling you, look for a COMMUNITY based mental health facility. Free, caring doctors, caring therapists, groups if you want, and they UNDERSTAND and won't throw you to the curb.
It's the BS doctors who want money who give up quickly on patients. It's scary living in the US without insurance. They just don't care. Hmm. Really makes that, "Do No Harm," oath they take mean NOTHING to us, especially when they won't help us.
If you ever need to vent, feel free to PM. I've had the same thing happen...twice actually...willing to share stories. You're not alone and there ARE docs out there who will help. Just gotta find the right one.
So sorry for your dealing with the stupid doctor.
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#742241 - 08/05/08 08:49 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: flutegrl]
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C4Q
Stranger
Registered: 04/10/08
Posts: 3
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Thank you, that is a relief to know Im not the only one (though I am sorry for you that it happened, as well as, anyone else out there that it can happen to). Im think Im with you on the female doc thing now. I even gave her a bad review on a doctor's review site, and she responded saying Im just made bc I got caught seeing multiple doctors requesting controlled substances. Just like a woman! Ha,jk. Im jst wondering if she really can have me charged with something, even though there were never the same meds prescribed by ANY two doctors, and nothing overlapped.
But I've NEVER gone to a dentist and had to tell my doctor, heck, most of my adult life I never went to a doctor regularly, so I usually used walk in clinics or whoever could get me in the fastest. That's how often I go. In 5-7 years, I only even started going this past year and a half at all!! And that's bc I had issues! A lot of the meds on the records were refills from this doc. And I never even got the appt with this doctor so how can she say those were my intentions. Has any of the other stories turned out in arrests?
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#743271 - 08/07/08 02:40 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: Bluefairy]
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Lisa1967
Veteran
Registered: 10/29/02
Posts: 724
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You have nothing to worry about. This dr should be reported for falsley accusing you of illegalities and defamation of character. Send her one last email(btw-how professional is THAT?? UGH), tell her look, I wasnt coming to you for "controlled substances, I was coming to you because I am having stomach issues", and also remind her it's NOT against the law to switch pharmacies(that's why they send coupons for you to transfer to XXX, because it's ILLEGAL, right??), and you had NO contract w/her not to do so, since she wasnt even rx'ing you anything!
I'd warn her, in writing, that if she intends to take this to any othe level besides her crazy head, you WILL fight back with a lawsuit, which you WILL probably win.
I am getting SO sick of dr's now thinking they are GOD.
Good luck to you guys-I thank God I have a kind and undestanding(most of the time) dr, who doesnt give me the 3rd degree when I go in to see him.
Take care,
Lisa
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#743702 - 08/08/08 09:22 AM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: C4Q]
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geckogecko
Veteran
Registered: 03/03/02
Posts: 601
Loc: Just moved north of NYC b/c of...
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Your story might as well be my own. I went through this very problem, having no insurance, and having many different reasons to go to the doctor over a period of years.
You cannot be arrested for this, I am almost absolutely certain. Your doctor has unfairly discharged you, but you have done nothing illegal, as previous posters have said.
What is going to be your biggest problem is that you will be stigmatized by this record when you see your next doctor, if that doctor requests your complete medical history, which he/she probably will.
My advice is to do what I did, which worked to an extent, though it wasn't easy to find a doctor who was willing to listen to my side of the story. I was not allowed to even see a real doctor, only the PA, because it was believed I was seeking controlled meds (despite that I had not been Rxed any significant amount of controlled meds). Of course that wasn't true. I finally was able to force an appointment with another doctor, and I explained in detail exactly why I had had seen multiple doctors within a few years time.
I was able to, through being polite and reasonable and trying to hold back my emotions, convince the doctor that this was a big mistake. They now treat me with more respect. It also helps that I have a psychiatrist that I see who has vouched for my character. You may want to explore finding a sympathetic doctor by asking around in your area, and try to negotiate first and explain your case before taking any drastic action.
However, this will not be easy for you, and I hope that it does work out okay.
Sometimes, we HAVE to sort of "doctor shop" when we have no insurance and do not believe we're getting the care we need or do not like a particular doctor. It's unfortunate that this results in the sort of stigmatization that you (and I) received.
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#745239 - 08/11/08 12:52 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: C4Q]
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scaredsilly
Stranger
Registered: 08/08/08
Posts: 22
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Hi to everyone!
I thought I would reply to this topic because I am going through the same situation.
I saw Dr. X one time last year in October. He gave me a prescription for Norco & Soma/carisoprodol with 5 refills on each. Needless to say I never had to see him again.
I moved and found another Doctor Y closer to my home and visited him in June. I notified him that I would be using him as my primary doctor and explained I wanted a doctor closer to home. He did a physical exam,boodwork,urine test,etc.. (all came back normal) I told him that I take Norco/Soma/carisoprodol for my neck/shoulder/back pain. He gave me scripts for my meds.
Meanwhile I had a horrible ear infection and went to see my ENT. His nurse accidentally puts hydrogen peroxide in my ear and I have never been in such pain! The doc was pretty upset with his nurse to say the least. I left there with a prescription but I was pretty incoherent at that point. The script ends up being ear drops & 20 hydro pain med.
Fast forward to last week. I called to make an appointment with Dr Y but he was booked. I work out of state (hence the ear problems due to constant flying) so I'm only in town a couple of days at a time. I called Dr. X and was able to see him. -That was the biggest mistake EVER!!
Before I had a chance to tell him why I was there he showed me a print out of all the medications I've received and said that he was "concerned". And he even went as far as to say that he did NOT give me refills on my first visit!!!
I was completely in shock. I was speechless. It took me a few minutes to realize what he was accusing me of. When I remembered his exact words as he handed me the script in Oct,"This will take care of you for awhile.." he somewhat remembered. I informed him that because of my job I'm only in town a couple of days & that was why I made the appointment with him as I changed primary doctors. (i think i always felt he was a bit weird)
He said that he would take care of me for 30 days and after that we should just part ways. His exact words, "There are lots of good doctors out there. I'm just not the right doctor for you. I've always like you and I know you will continue to do well in your career." What in the world???????
My question is, is he going to contact Dr. X? I absolutely adore Dr. X and would hate for him to "fire me" as a patient. He's the first doctor that I feel cares about what I'm going through and even helps me to understand my body and why I'm having these problems. I can TALK to him. I've made an appointment with him for late this month and I'm wondering if Dr.X has called him? If not, do I tell him?
Ever since this happened I have been a nervous wreck! I just can't get it off of my mind!
If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.
I'm sorry this is so long & I hope it's in the right spot because this is my very first time.
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#745261 - 08/11/08 01:25 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: scaredsilly]
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Bluefairy
Threadhead
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 836
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Somewhere you got your x's and y's confused.
No big deal, just clarify if it was x you went to see and y that you are afraid he is going to call, cause you have them both being Dr. X.
If that is the case, were the first set of x refills over before you saw y?
If so, when the nurse does your workup before you see doctor, just explain since you have seen the doctor last you had to see a specialist for ear, and had another acute situation in which you were not able to see Y so made an appointment with X. Offer full disclosure up front to the nurse, and say you need to discuss the parameters of the practice so you do not run into any problems. Explain it from the point of view of travel for your job. Ask if you should arrange records of all other visits to be forwarded to your primary care, or if they just want to be informed of them.
If X did call, then you are showing up front you are not trying to pull anything. If he did not, then you really have nothing to lose and lots to gain by establishing trust with a doctor you wish to continue with.
One way or another they all seem to find out about what is prescribed to you by others, and when it is done by a script printout only they only have half the facts.
Compassion is increasingly difficult to find, take action to keep from suffering from the loss of one who has it.
_________________________
Come out, come out, wherever you are ......
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#745332 - 08/11/08 04:00 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: genetype7]
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Littlefoot
Board Addict
Registered: 12/17/05
Posts: 313
Loc: The Great Valley
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Just to add my story here, I recently had something similar happen to me. I have had migraines for 20yrs. I can`t take Imtrex, because it shoots my blood pressure way up. Other migraine medications don`t help at all. Maxalt has been wonderful! Problem is, I don`t have insurance, and it costs $130.00 for 3 pills! So, my doctor usually gives me samples of Maxalt and phenagren, and RARELY a few percocets as a rescue medication to keep me out of the ER if the Maxalt doesn`t work. Anyway, he had written me a script fot 20 percs in Feb. well around April, I called in for some Maxalt samples, and he was out. So, I told him I would have to take my rescue meds until he got in some samples. He said that was fine, and wrote me for 15 more percs to cover me. Then in July, right before vacation, I went into the office to see him. I again ask for Maxalt, which he still did not have. He offered to write me a prescription for it, and I told him I couldn`t afford it. So, I said well we are leaving for vacation, so I guess just refill my phenagren and percocets. Well, that`s when it hit the fan. He starts telling me how many pills I`ve had since the first of the year, and how the DEA can put him in jail, etc. He said he had to protect himself and his family.Then he pulls out a printout that shows all the prescriptions I`ve had filled, at the same pharmacy since Jan. of this year. There were the two scripts he had given me, and one from the ER for 10 percocets. A total of 45 pills since Feb., and it was the end of July! So, I said fine, could he at least write for 3 pills to cover me on vacation? Everyone ready for this.... he said no, not even for 3 pills! He said if I took a migraine while on vacation, go to the nearest ER for a shot. I said great, and do I send you the $400 bill? I left so mad. I haven`t received a letter of dismissal or anything, but all the nurses were talking about me on the way out of the office, and I`m embarrassed to even go to the pharmacy for anything since he requested a printout from there. I`ve been seeing this doctor for over 6 years. Never been to but one pharmacy and never seen another doctor, not even in the same practice, unless I had to go to the ER, which I always told him about. Oh, well, this is what the medical field has come to. Point being, you are not alone. It happens more often than anyone realizes. Most of us here have been through something simaliar at some point in time. I`m sorry for anybody that has gone this.
PS. Just my two cents here, but anyone that uses a direct script program, and has a regular doctor that they use for any other reason than chronic pain, if that doctor requests a printout from the pharmacy, all those direct scripts will show up, and could cause a sticky situation. Just a thought.
_________________________
Some things you see with your eyes, others you see with your heart.
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#745415 - 08/11/08 06:34 PM
Re: Im going crazy-help! Doctor shopping??
[Re: Bluefairy]
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Littlefoot
Board Addict
Registered: 12/17/05
Posts: 313
Loc: The Great Valley
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I`ve tried Imitrex several times thru the years, and it`s always the same thing. Blood pressure goes way up, and it stays up for quite awhile, and the migraine gets worse. As far as Zomig and Axert, they didn`t help very much. Frova worked ok, but the Maxalt works wonders, and it dissolves under my tongue, so all I have to swallow is the phenagren. I always get extremely nausated. I strictly use the percocet as a rescue medication, on the few times when nothing else works. I basically have to take two of the 7.5s, and just go to sleep for a little while. I`ve been on this egime for three years now, and never had a problem, before now. I`ve been able to open my own business, go on vacation with my family, in short, instead of migraines running my life, I had control of my life, and migraines. I just don`t see what the big deal was. It had almost been a six month period, and three small scripts, and it was only because he was out of Maxalt samples, that I had to have more than usual anyway. Normaly he gives me 3-4 small scripts a year, like for 15 or 20 pills each, and that lasts a long time. Oh, well, I guess the DEA has all the doctors scared.
_________________________
Some things you see with your eyes, others you see with your heart.
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