I had to sign an pain management agreement with my PCP... is this normal?
Question posted by chronicpainhurts on 13 Feb 2010
Last updated on 4 May 2023
I had to sign a pain management agreement with my PCP which says that I can't get pain meds from any other Dr, even a pain mangagment specialist. I asked them, even if I get in a car accident, and they give me IV pain meds, and I am out of it, does that count and will they put me in rehab? They said "maybe, if they do not call the dr ahead of time"
Now, if I am semi-concious, can they do that? They said even if they SEND me to a pain management specialist, the PMS cannot give me pain meds... what? How the hell do I get around this one? I don't want to Dr shop, I just want the best Dr that will give me the best care, which would be a PMS... so why even go if they send me? If they won't let him do anything?
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72 Answers Page 5
JE
jerbear0923
27 March 2010
yes this is very normal most pain specialest have you sign theese documents its so u r not out doctor shopping and realy for u so they now what med u r on at all times
Votes: +2
SW
sweetangel22
23 Dec 2011
I am new to this pain management thing, but the first thing the pms dr told me when looking at my previous script from my pcp was that I could no longer get scripts from my pcp if they were to give me a script. I asked him why I would do that? He looked at me like i was an idiot and I explained to him I get the double dipping your suggesting but where I live almost all pharmacies are connected and you can't fill more than one script at a time, and even if they would... my insurance wouldn't approve it. I don't see how people can do this to begin with. It boggles my mind...
DI
DigIncubus
21 March 2010
Yes this is the standard these days. Don't worry about the car accident scenario. That is an Emergent situation and out of anyone's control. But don't make the mistake of obtaining any pain meds from another Dr. this is to not only protect the Dr, but for your protection as well. Pain meds are incredibly easy to become addicted to.
Votes: +2
IN
Inactive
12 Dec 2010
Pain meds are not easy to get addicted to, they are easy to become physically dependent on them. Only if you have an addiction personality which is only .04 percent of the pain population have that problem. If you are worried that you are addicted, you are NOT an addict. An addict is one who WANTS more pain meds, not tries to get off just because they are worried. PLease understand the definitions of physically dependent, and addiction. If you want off, you are NOT AN ADDICT. If you need MORE meds because your meds are not hitting the pain, you are NOT an addict. If you want more meds even though the pain is controlled, you ARE an addict. If you have break through meds left over because you did not need them, you are NOT an addict. IF you keep asking for more break through meds every month, you ARE an addict, (that is if the pain is controlled). Please don't call yourselves addicts just because you NEED pain meds to live a half way normal life.
SU
subzero58
18 March 2010
wow, these are real horror stories. 4 years ago i was put on morphine,for falling off a roof. after 31/2 years of morphine, i felt like i was going to die on it. my whole life was waiting till my next dose. my doc sent me to a p/m clinic. they told me i was gona see them 1 a month so i could keep on reciving my pain meds. the first month i went to them the doc told me he would not write me a perscripton that my pcp would be doing that. i asked him why was my pcp goingto perscrib my meds and not him. he told i had to keep on seeing him and go back to my pcp for meds. boy was i lost. i went into rehab and started suboxone. it makes my pain tolerable except on those damp cold gone rain any minute days. them days i just stay in bed. i may end up on methadone but for now it scares me to death.im lost when i think about the future. maybe thats a good sign.
Votes: +3
RE
RemSupreme
11 June 2010
DO NOT get on meth maintance its the hardest,longest drug to kick I kinow people that are on it from the70's and it rots your teeth,gets in your bones.Maybe try for a 60 day detox but not maintance.Ive been on it since 1995 and I am scared to death to kick it.I did it twice and 4-5 months later I was so depressed and im not a depressed person.Plus it litteraly zaps your energy,just goin to the bathroom was a big ordeal.I had to quit my job,and ill probably be on it till I die,also you cant go out for a weekend unless you get bottles.Its the ole liquid ball and chain.
LI
Lil Stevie
5 July 2010
When you get serious about getting off narcotics (unless you are using for chronic pain and then there are other ways to deal with it) Look at my profile and you will see a story about Ibogaine. It is an addiction interuptor and you will be drug free after one dose.You will have 3 to 6 weeks to get into a support group, IT WORKS. It works for most any addiction. I agree that Methadone should be a last resort because as you say it is a bitch getting off but that was what I was on when I took ibogaine and the only w/d symptons i had were two days of loose stools
PF
pfcpremosgirl
18 March 2010
I was sent to pain management, signed a contract, was never prescribed a narcotic from him, yet still was made to pass a urine test every single visit. After an "epidural treatment" went HORRIBLY wrong, he finally gave me 5mg hydrocodone. Well, I quit him, not the other way around. He was making my pain a million times worse with all the stabs to my back. I finally gave up on pain management. I stuck it out with my primary care doctor, and used tramadol for several years. Then I had a breast reduction, with major complications, and have less pain in my back, but other pain. I just deal with it now, and have accepted having severe pain for the rest of my life. I don't know what else to do. I wish I could find a way to improve my quality of life, but drs and others make it so hard, I've just given up, I think. Hope everyone else has found or will find something that makes their life better.
Votes: +4
ZE
zephandi
18 March 2010
please don't give up & feel like you have to live w/it!!I went thru 4pain mgmt specialists!!! before I found 1 that truly cared.2 of them need to be railroaded out of business,1 gave me 2 WRONG injections that INCREASED my pain,1 was assembly line urine test 60 seconds w/ dr.here's a script for darvocet?I love my new specialist,he's from India and they do things very different there,he cares,he spends as much time as I need talking to me,explained my old mri results (much better than the idiot prior who made me get the expensive mri before my 1st visit,4 sets of x-rays weren't good enough for him,he had mri scanner at his clinic&after talking to other patients waiting found out everyone had to get the mri done before he saw them,no racket there!!! )to both my husband& i,even called to check the day after each appt to see if meds were helping.He did an injection 3 days ago &so far so good.sorry this got so long,but pleas don't give up and figure you have to live w/it!
IN
Inactive
19 March 2010
Please don't ever give up. Everyone handles things so different. I hurt so bad some days that yes I will say it (I have wanted to commit suicide). I had problems with these thoughts last week. I see a counselor everyweek at the mental health place. I have to see my medical doctor for the pain medication and the shots I get in my knee. My medical doctor is such a wonderful person. I had to go see him one day last week on one of my really bad days, and when I cried he hugged me and said,"Don't think about yourself because you won't matter any more if you go through with it, but think about the people it will effect". I wish that everyone could have the opportunity to have this type of doctor in their life because I know I can turn to him also. I wish there was something I could do to help, I feel the pain in the words you have written and it truly breaks my heart.
HE
heckmuck
1 April 2010
I am a 31 year old mother of two with chronic abdominal pain. This all began six years ago, when I had my first of four abdominal surgeries.My life has been an absolute nightmare ever since. Thankfully, I had an awesome doc who prescribed pain meds for me, even drug tested me. Only because the other docs in the practice were giving him hell for it. They all thought I was "addicted". Yeah, whatever. Anyways, My doc sent me to any and every specialist he could think of to try and get me some help. My doc could see clearly that the meds were helping me, however, he had to stop giving them to me, or be removed from the office where he practiced.( Load of crap.) I was sent to two different PMS clinics, where they tried one procedure that only made my pain worse. I was a basketcase! I cried to my husband every night and drove him insane! He kept saying don't give up, blah, blah, blah...
I finally moved to another town an hour and a half from where I was, and Thank God, found a doc who referred me to yet another pain clinic!!! Ugh!!! I went in thinking they were gonna tell me they couldn't help me just like the other docs said... But I was WRONG!!! They have been awesome! They told me they could give me the same meds I had been taking previously and that they had a few procedures to try. They first procedure was only 24 hour relief, but they have some more "long term" procedures if those help. I am so thankful that I didn't give up! I am at a place now where I am happy and healthier than I have been in years! So, Honey, if you are in pain, Don't give up! There is someone out there who will help you. All you have to do is be your own advocate!!! If you let those docs know that you won't give up, they will find someone to help you! Good luck, and God Bless! <3
LI
Lil Stevie
4 July 2010
I just read your post here. I hope you have not given up. Not all drs and or clinics are such asses. I have been on heavy narcotics for 30 yeras and I have never signed anything. But if asked I suppose I would. I wouldn't mhowever let them leave me in pain. It isn't doc shopping to get real relief. I don't know nwhat state you nare in but you should be able to find a clinic that will treat you. I always say that you have to be a jerk sometimes to these Drs. If you have medical reasons for narcotics then it is mandatory that the Dr treat you.Dont give up please life is way to short to spend it curled up on the floor in a fetal position in pain. Don;t ledt them do that to you.
FL
fluffy17
21 March 2012
I know how u feel, have you tried subutex a low dose it is a narcotic analgesac in low dose for pain or suboxone you have to find a addiction dr. this med is also used for pain. I have fibro and they did not want to give me any more narcotics try this med it saved me. wendy good luck!!
I have never even heard of having to do that. Yes some doctors have a different attitude when its comes to wanting to give their patients pain medication but I think this is to the extreme. To me that piece of paper is what it is, just a piece of paper. If you were in an accident in the middle of the night, that doctor is probably going to give the nurse a cussing for waking up to comfirm whatever. I know I was an Rn before I had to quite work.Yea, some people do doctor shop and this is what hurts me, you, and everyone else needing proper pain medication. Now with computer technology, pharmacies will flag your name and then call the doctor if someone tries this. This is in my state of Tennessee. I am on very strong narcotics, but I also am on arthritis medication. Even with the arthritis medication(which is not considered narcotic) the pharmacy will not even let me get that filled no sooner than 2 days before the refill date.
I mean where does this doctor get off treating you like a school child more worried about you signing a piece of paper and not treating your pain problems as he should be doing. May be a good time to be looking for another doctor that is more concerned about your pain. Good luck. Every need to talk just drop me a private message.
Votes: +6
IN
Inactive
12 Dec 2010
It is the law that pharmacists must wait just until two days until you are out of meds. Thank the brothers Bush for that. Baby brother Bush who was the governor of FL, had a daughter who was an addict. She was kept from major prison time, but only because of who her father and uncle were. They kept the laws up, 10, 20, LIFE is the phrase, trying to get the "pushers" off the streets to keep our young children away from them, but that doesn't solve the problem. It only makes people who are in actual pain and need these meds more aggravation than is necessary.
DA
daspyz
18 July 2011
I still don't get y the DEA can control our doctors causing us to suffer--as kids yeah yeah we all did the Bonnie n Clyde thing to pharmacies to get our next fix... damn that was almost 40 years ago-and now I could get an acid reflux refilled 4 days too early-/the govt in gonna tell a 50 yr old woman how often she's spose to eat, burp and get indigestion? so I guess I'll get kicked off my meds because I no breakthrough meds and Dilantin is KILLING MY HEAD-I found an old 5mg oxy that I took today-which did nothing -
IN
Inactive
3 July 2013
Dear Anonymous, I was born and raised in Tenn, so when I read your answer in this group we are both in, I just had write back. I am surprised your Phamacy will fill 2 days b4 refill date. I know I shouldn't say, but, my Pharmacy for most meds is C**. I use other pharmacies too because I take 14 meds and MUST shop around. You would be surprised. Any way, just wanted you to know my Pharmacy will only refill on pain meds on the 31st day. Unless I can manage to save a little here and there, I go to bed taking last of any pain med and then have to get up, no pain relief, get dressed, leave the house, drive to drug store, and wait for about an hour to get them filled. I have mentioned this to my doctor, what an inconvenience this is, but was not concerned. Told me he writes for 30 days supply and when you fill it, they SHOULD wait till 30 days has passed to fill it. Heaven forbid I might get hooked on an extra one pill to help me get the rest. Take care
I have been under contract for pain meds with my PCP for about 10 years now and I have never heard of the problem you are having. It has been my experience that most PCPs would rather hand off chronic pain patients to PMS docs. People don't realize the pressure the DEA puts on doctors outside of Pain Mgmnt. Clinics. They are watched very closely. So yes they have to cover their ass so to speak when it comes to narcotics. Your particular problem strikes me as really odd. I would check with my state medical board about this and see what they have to say. Contract or no contract like I said PCPs would rather hand you off to a pain clinic than prescribe narcotics. Hope it helps some. Bewheel55
Votes: +7
MI
midwestma
13 Feb 2010
I also signed a contract with my Doctor, however at the time I signed it, I wasn't even sure why, and never really got a clear answer, my next visit I found a nurse that was really nice and explained the "narcotic" contract to me very clearly. I've been in and out of the hospital many times since then, about five year ago in fact. I have a card that I printed up with all my medications on it, dosages, times I take it, and the amount I take. It printed it in red, at the top that I have this agreement with my Doctor so they are aware of it. The ER took a copy of my card, and told me it was a great idea to have this on me. They phoned my Doctor and let her know what was going to be done, and I didn't have any problems receiving medication at all!
I know some Doctors can be a bunch of Dweebs about this stuff, making it harder for some folks to receive the medications they need desperately.
In an emergency situation, I would pop a cork if they dropped me over this type of thing, and I would call every radio and tv station I could find and let them know also.
PsychoMajor, you're not too far off base, many people I've heard have been dropped for lesser things , and not even given a decent explanation.
How frusting this all is, keep in mind the insurance company and the people who control the narcotics, are keeping doctors from being human also, so it all starts at the top, and rolls down to us, the consumer, and the person in need of help. How sad is our world now days? The drug seekers do not help our plight either!
Keep calm, don't get narcotic meds from another doctor with out first consulting your primary care of PMS. Just don't fill any script, if it's a narcotic from anyone but the one whom with you have the contract.
God help us all. Keep the faith... life is too short to sweat this one, it's workable, not happy about it myself, but I must get on with life too, and this is not going to get my undies in a bunch, not today, tomorrow, and the next million years don't look too promising either. LOL...
Have a good folks, (((hugs)))
Votes: +12
MI
midwestma
14 Feb 2010
Psychmajor, sorry about misspelling your "name". Have a good day!
CH
chronicpainhurts
15 Feb 2010
THANKS GUYS FOR ALL THE COMMENTS! Wow I guess its more common than I thought..i was getting pain meds from him for 3 years without any contract, then , boom, everyone must sign it... just want to know why if they send me to a pain management dr to get pain meds, they say they will not allow the PMDR to give me pain meds, even when my PCP Won't because I am going to a PMDr? HUM? So pain management can't give me pain meds because PCP giving me pain meds, but PCP won't give me pain meds cause going to PMDR? HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHH? Thats what I don't get? So, I won't get ANY pain meds if they send me to PMDr? SO confused!
CH
chronicpainhurts
15 Feb 2010
let me explain further, had a brain fart... ok... pcp will send me to a pain management dr for pain meds so pcp won't give me pain meds right? BUT, they say {my primary care dr} that they won't let pain dr give me any pain meds either..so no pain meds from pain dr and no pain meds from primary dr..IF i go to pain management... thats what I understood..so primary dr will drop pain meds if i go to pain dr and primary dr will tell pain dr not to give me any pain meds either..but, if I don't go to pain dr, then I can still recieve pain meds from primary dr... really crappy, i think..does anyone get this?
MI
midwestma
15 Feb 2010
Ok, I hope I can make this clear for you. Once your Primary Care Dr. has had you sign a contract, you can no longer get pain meds from another Dr. You must disclose the fact that you have a contract with your primary care Dr. most ER doctors will contact that Doctor to find out what you've been getting as far as narcotics go. However, if you need something stronger than the "percocet/vicodin type meds, and you need to move on to the harder drugs like Morphine /diladid/oxycontin etc. Your Primary care doctor will after a year or two, say it's now at a point that he can no longer prescribe meds for you and you need to move on to something much stronger and more controlled atmosphere like the "pain management clinics" or pain management Drs.
He then refers you to the PMC, and lets them take over your medications that are the heavy duty "Narcotics", he will recieve a copy of the medications the Pain clinic is prescribing for you. Now you still have a contract with your primary care, however he lets the pain clinic over see the Heavy narcotics and he will no longer give you any, because the Pain clinic is taking care of that part of your care. So, no matter what, you will get releif from your pain, but only from one place, such as the "Pain Clinic".
You can discuss this with your Doctor, and if you feel they are not taking care of your pain, and you're afraid to mention this to the pain clinic. Your Primary care Dr. can act as your "mouth piece", and help you get more balanced in the pain meds you need to have.
I hope I have not "Confused" you further, I just want to help you understand, and sometimes, conveying spoken words into written ones, only serve to make that matter worse. I hope I have not confused you. :)
Have a good day, and I hope you can get the help you need. God Bless
NL
NLighthill
12 June 2010
Where did u get the card you had made with a list of all your meds? Thats a good idea.
It's insane what all these drs' are making us do to cover their butts,'need the meds follow the rules',that's their big thing.I know alot of people abuse narcotics like crazy,don't know how many of them started out like us,in alot of pain and looking for some relief,your g.p. hands you scripts for vics'and percs',30@month if you're lucky,you complain and get sent to a p.m.s.
and he gets you addicted to the really hard core stuff,and your body keeps building a higher and higher tolerance so you need more just to control the pain enough to live,and suddenly you're an addict!!! I'm new to this web site,its helped me alot to know there are so many people out there in the same boat,and I feel ashamed cuz I complain then read about someone whose pain is so horrendous they have virtually no life except counting the hours between meds.But I also went on a different discussion board and people were writing info on how to extract the tylenol out of percocet so you could get straight oxy,even telling insane ways to then use it as an enema or snort it to get high!!! Wonder if they worry about signed pain med contracts and what the dr. will think??? We're all a little crazy I guess
Votes: +6
MI
midwestma
15 Feb 2010
zephandi, Those people on the other websites/ forums you mentioned, are the very people that make it diffucult for "us" in true pain to receive medications to help make us comfortable and live a near to normal life. And don't for a moment think that some of the doctors out there are also reading the same or simular web sites to see just what people are doing with the narcotics they receive! It really angers me that people do this, when I've suffered so much over the years, continued to work, raise a family and some of my own grandkids too, and then have to fight to get a few pills to help me make it through the day and not feel like someone ran me over with a mack truck. Those are the folks that need re-hab, and Doctors are having a hard time drawing the line on who is "drug seeking", or who is "real Pain", So no wonder it's making us all a little "crazy", no truer words have been written!! Have a good day!
CH
christineATU
19 April 2010
zephandi... I always enjoy reading your posts!
LA
lakin04
12 May 2010
i guess i am almost in the same boat as you. i have bluging disk an went to a back dr an he gave me 120 lortabs a month 10/500 mg for 15 months then i go back an tell him there not working so a nurse told me the lortab 7.5 is better so i ask to b put on them well i have been on the 7.5s for 3 months an went back to my dr an told him there not working an he says i am addicted to them an he is going to take me off the pains meds completely unless i go to a pms. why wont the lortabs work anymore? is it my tolerance an i am ashamed to go see him everytime.
DB
db53
2 Aug 2010
I just had to sign a pain med contract which to me is ridiculous.I also have seen alot of people take alot of pills and sell them.I choose not to do it so what do I get?I went to the doctor not worried about a thing and had my blood taken.I had a positive for oxycotin.I told my doctor I must of gotten it second hand.The doctor said "No you didn't get it that way you had to of taken them".I know I did not take those pills and I couldn't even tell you what they look like.My doctor said I have to go to treatment.I will be so embarassed going and having to make up a story about my addiction that I don't even have.If I tell the truth nobody will believe me because alot of people say they didn't do it.I might be looking for another doctor.It makes a person not even go to the doctor.I have high blood pressure and cholesterol and have to be treated for those but I want to stop going.SIGNED:One day your a normal patient and the next day your a drug addict.
WI
wildbrat
11 Dec 2010
Well said!!!
DE
deedee1773
16 Jan 2011
i've been living with chronic pain past 10 years 24/7, between disck/thorn shoulders etc, seen drs from A to Z all kinds of mri's, all the dr's did put me on pain killers & valumes for my enxity & panic attacks, now that i moved back home to ny i was getting my med untile my dr left, i was going to difrent drs,the last dr i saw called me michale jackson,i was gonna slap her,i couldent believe it!!! i tryed to get a pain mangment, but he told me i must be off of all drugs,my pain was SOO bad & still is that i decided to go cold turky i sufferd for 3 weeks,but i got off, i also have bad case of fibromyalgia & ensomnia, it is a shame that drs dont tack the time to know or have compation to know who is a drugie? & who is really sick!!! befor thy just cut off thire med or called them names!!
at least befor i was able to move around a littel but now without any med witch is over 2 months i'm SOO scared that i'll be bedridden soon, i cant leave my house cant shop dont even socialise!!! & cant sleep at all any more i am lucky if i stay a sleep 1 full hour!! what a person like me suppose to do?? i dont know how much longer i can tack this pain? this is not living, you are not good for your self or your children, first drs give pills,then thy call you names what a dam shame
DE
deedee1773
16 Jan 2011
i've been living with chronic pain past 10 years 24/7, between disck/thorn shoulders etc, seen drs from A to Z all kinds of mri's, all the dr's did put me on pain killers & valumes for my enxity & panic attacks, now that i moved back home to ny i was getting my med untile my dr left, i was going to difrent drs,the last dr i saw called me michale jackson,i was gonna slap her,i couldent believe it!!! i tryed to get a pain mangment, but he told me i must be off of all drugs,my pain was SOO bad & still is that i decided to go cold turky i sufferd for 3 weeks,but i got off, i also have bad case of fibromyalgia & ensomnia, it is a shame that drs dont tack the time to know or have compation to know who is a drugie? & who is really sick!!! befor thy just cut off thire med or called them names!!
at least befor i was able to move around a littel but now without any med witch is over 2 months i'm SOO scared that i'll be bedridden soon, i cant leave my house cant shop dont even socialise!!! & cant sleep at all any more i am lucky if i stay a sleep 1 full hour!! what a person like me suppose to do?? i dont know how much longer i can tack this pain? this is not living, you are not good for your self or your children, first drs give pills,then thy call you names what a dam shame
CH
christineATU
16 Jan 2011
dee dee, Please don't give up hope. There is help for you, believe this. I know how frustrated you are, I can tell by your comment here. Join in the community and ask/answer lots of stuff! Maybe some members can help steer you the right way. You aren't alone in your pain or discouragement of some of these doctors. Please keep posting! :-)
MO
Momma2Many
20 May 2012
Zephandi - You pretty much descibed me. My Neuro has me on Oxycontin, 80 mg twice a day and I have been at that dose for a year. It NO longer works. He wants to send me to Pain Management and I WILL go, but the only one within 50 miles is one who used to give me my Steroid Epidural shots. I have a new doc I get shots from now because he really messed up my leg doing it wrong. Same PM doc told me that he didn't believe I am in as much pain as I say, as does my Neuro now, today as a matter of fact. I dont WANT to take opiates, I DO want relief and a LIFE other than again as you said, counting the hours till my next dose because my pain IS so bad! I have grandchildren living with us I want to ENJOY. I have SO much to live for and no life outside of suffering. (I have other painful illnesses besides just Fibro) I am frustrated, I just want to quit.
Looking at my grandson's face - he is my universe - I raised him since birth - I know I MUST keep fighting but honestly, I don't know how much more I can take. Sorry to have rambled, I guess indeed, this pain has made me a little (?) crazy!
IN
Inactive
8 Dec 2012
Lets face it, with or with out pain... physical or emotional, we are humans who want instant pain relief . I have never come across someone who has bad pain: motorcycle crash to broken arm, first response is relief. what in western word will satisfy that temporarily: pain killers. from that first experience on its between the doctor and patient how much more to be administered or not. I am of thinking doctors have plenty to treat and rx,so why waste time after healing a hurt man on getting him strung out. very paranoid in my opinion! RC
Your PCP won't jack you up over emergency analgesia, just don't have any narcotic scripts filled by another doctor.
Votes: +6
PS
Psychmajor
13 Feb 2010
yeah but as far as i have seen from other pain managment pts. i would still do what i said in the prevous msg... pcp's actually do some stupid things that i dont agree with...
LI
lilbay
8 April 2010
I agree While True in a emergency situation that is one thing i would however Still if able let the ER doc know you have a Pain med contract and you need him to call such and such doctor and inform them that you will be prescribing these meds i agree with the response about the info in the wallet as well as make sure it is known by whomever is called in a emergency as well as if possible add it to your Hospital records They can in fact add it to the top with a red flag. I look at it this way YES it can be a pain in the bum but with so many people abusing these meds and so few doctors even willing to give them properly and treat pain properly this is something we need to do. I take methadone for pain. If i am ever given certain drugs it will make me sick as a dog i know this and I have that as a RED flag on my medical charts with all doctors and the local Hospital i also have a card in my wallet that states not to prescribe them and to call my prescribing doctor should I be brought in. Just really part of caring for yourself.
CH
cholemarie
29 Nov 2010
how do you get a medical card?
JA
jaywuugirl
4 May 2011
i have a bunch of medical problems i signed a pain contract to have a ua when the doctor calls me to do so then they added in pill counts etc i have followed my contract to the letter then i had to have an emergency hystorectomy and because the surgeon gave me diladid and knew in advance i was on a pain contract with my pc and i called my pc office 2 weeks before my surgery to ask what i should do the nurse said the surgeon will take care of your pain meds i was cut off of my regular pain meds for taking the pain meds that the surgeon gave me how fair is that and when i reminded my pc nurse that i did what i was told to do the nurse lied and told my pc i called for a pain med increase and they stopped my meds how fair is that and now i dont know what to do and i cant even get to my pc i just had the surgery 2 weeks ago and if i had waited any longer i would have died for i was bleeding ever week
GU
guitarv5
24 Oct 2011
Wow, dont know where to begin on this one as everyone seems to be making some good points and I'm new here, but I will say this. I've been on Methadone for about 4 years for chronic pain after taking fast acting opiats like percs and morph and what have you and switching over was the best thing I ever did while still taking a percocet for breakthrough pain here and there. I had to sign the doctor patient trust form and I get randomly pee tested every once in a while and I mean like twice a year or less. I have no complaints guys because I have a good relationship with my doctor and i understand she has to protect herself and my wellbeing as well.
Lets face it, we all know that people who dont take there meds the way there supposed to is the way it all gets on the streets by them selling it and others abusing it, so if I have to tell my doctor the next day, "hey doc I was in the ER last night for kidney stones and they shot me up with some morphine to get it under control". I have no problem with that and neither does she as she knows I'm honest and we have a good doctor patient relationship and I'm also honest with the hospital ER staff and tell them what I take. When they offer to fill me some narcs to take home, I tell them I dont need the script as I'm already on these meds for pain. Anyhoot, we have to realize that they have to protect there interest because of all the addiction thats out there. Unfortunately it is that bad and thats why its hard for folks who do suffer from real chronic pain issues to get the medicine they need and find doctors that are willing to take care of us. Just my thoughts guys. Mike
I was admitted from the ER to the hospital twice last year due to pancreatitis. I was honest and told them what I was taking as precsribed by my doctor. I don't know if you have ever known anyone with pancreatitis, but it is rather painful. I would put it up there with childbirth. Maybe more painful. But I was given morphine, diluaded(sp) and lots of it. I was not dismissed from my doctor for that. That is an unexpected emergency. I don't know if any doctor would say that was doctor shopping. This is getting ridiculous.kimmie1
Votes: +15
PS
Psychmajor
13 Feb 2010
i like this because its something that actually happens to people HOWEVER some people will be dropped... you were lucky that you were one of many (meaning there is a minority that got dropped for a problem like this) that kept your PCP (hey did you guys know PCP (C2) and coke (C2) are legally prescribed but weed is a C1 and isnt!!! ) while some others just didnt get ths chance. Some doctors are in it for the money and not for the caring of others and to me it shows psychiatric illness but thats just cus of what i have seen and i relate anything that happens to illness
IN
Inactive
19 April 2010
Woawoawoa, what? ^are you saying that 'PCP and coke' as in... COCAINE and PCP? Like the street drugs? This is news to me, explain please.
OX
oxyaaron
30 Oct 2010
doctors dont prescribe pcp or cocaine except the gel for toothacthes were did you get this info? are you retarded? pcp was once an animal trank but i dont think its no longer used, but pscyomajor is wrong
WI
wildbrat
11 Dec 2010
My Dr. told me to just let her know if i go to the ER and am given any narcotic.s
IN
Inactive
12 Dec 2010
AGAIN psychmajor you are wrong!! As long as you are honest with the ER, or a doctor doing a procedure on you that will require pain meds, and make them CALL your PMS, there will be no problem. I just had a major tooth pulled, (took over an hour of pulling, drilling, cutting, and stitches), and a biopsy of a growth on my tongue that was pretty big (to me at least), and required stitches there too. I had the dentist contact my PMS, who told her what pain meds to prescribe. NO PROBLEM. I have had four PMS over the course of 17 years, and I have NEVER had a problem as long as I am upfront and honest with them. Even if I have to go to the hospital for a migraine, and need a shot of Demerol and phenergan there is NEVER a problem, and I go at least four times a year. I am NOT a drug seeker, nor am I an addict. I do know that I am physically dependent on narcs, but I have taken myself off of them three times in my life, by MYSELF.
I do not believe that drug addicts would be able to do that. I freely lower my dosage, and have no problems if the doctor is doing an opiod rotation. I might be in more pain for a while, and even though I have other narcotics in the house, I don't use them. I ONLY follow doctors orders, and that way you never get in trouble. An addict would hoard drugs and ask for more all the time, over medicate themselves to the point that the family and/or friends know that there is a problem.
PS
Psychmajor
12 Dec 2010
they found that addiction is a mental thing by watching which parts of the brain light up. -When an addict would talk about the drug of choice dopamine would be released confirming that you physically feel better by thinking about the drug. -your PMS may be different from others PMS's so your experiance isnt the case for everyone -your right in the sense that they dont prescribe coke and PCP but legally they "have medical relevence" hense why its a C2 not a C1 -Physical dependance and addiction are 2 different problems so comming down by yourself shows physical dependance is more likely but addicts can stop the same way in the minority of cases. - and for anything i missed, i probably wont respond to for a long time. thanks for reading
DY
Dylanfan
4 Feb 2011
I'm wth you! This is getting ridiculous & way out of control. Please, everyone, let your voices be heard to your State Reps, Congressman, & your State Govenor & even write to the President. Be candid & honest. Express your concerns & fears very clearly. Too many doctors have their own rules that are not even laws. That is abusing authority & hurts far too many innocent people. What is the first oath a Doctor takes when they become a Doctor? "FIRST, DO NO HARM". Have they forgotten? Remind them! Never just stand back & take anything you are not in agreement with or uncomfortable it. It is your right to speak up. Please use it. Best to all, Dylanfan
AN
annette
5 May 2013
I am on the pain contract. My doctor sent me to the university to see a different doctor. He ordered me a different medication for a couple of days. I called my doctor's office right away. I reported what the doctor had percribed and there was no problem. Just be sure you inform your doctor.
one of the best things you can do is keep a list of all the meds you get with a note saying "if pain medication is needed PLEASE call "___-____ (+ reason why)" in your wallet or near where ever you keep your license. they can do this but if you have a doctor or nurse call then they will be aware of the condition (obviously if you need a cast then they will know but otherwise this should help from being droped.) i dont agree with this drug testing forcing people to be droped (thats taking a physical problem then promoting a mental problem in some people -addiction isnt a disease in my opinion i believe it is a coping mechanism- then penelizing them because of the 2 problems... this is why i would like to be a doctor but there are other things that go with it i dont agree with.)
Votes: +9
IN
Inactive
19 April 2010
Well you are wrong. Its scientifically proven that addiction is a mental disease. Yes, it is a coping mechanism, but it goes far beyond that, into the genes of a person. That is an ignorant thing to say, and you could definitely offend someone going around talking like that. Its like saying that i dont believe in autism, its irrational.
BN
bnagoh
19 Sep 2010
Are you Kidding! What did people do 100 years ago 200 years ago 300 years ago? Drugs did not exist. They are a by product of globalization and a modern society. Sure you can say whats in a persons genes but what ever the original purpose of such genes is lost in prehistory. Mental disease? So next you will say skin color and racism is a mental disease? Psychmajor you are correct to answer the way you did. We must adapt our lives to receive the best medical care possible. That is the overriding issue. I should know I am disabled and have what I consider the best PMS specialist around and he immigrated here from Egypt and no he won't turn you into a mummy:)
OX
oxyaaron
30 Oct 2010
gey cypress i believe you are correct
DD
ddhdch
18 Nov 2010
@bnagoh Mmmm sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder. Settle down a bit. People can be wrong and not be YOUR enemy.
WI
wildbrat
11 Dec 2010
I'm not sure how this pertains to this question but, how many feel that Dr.s take their degree as a Dr. too far??? How many find that they think they know how you are feeling because of the Dr. degree. Are you kidding me i told my Dr. when she said oh you cant be in as much pain as you say. How in the F--- k do they know. i told her she cannot possibly know and just because you have a degree doesnt give you the right to tell me that. this is my body and i live it every day not you but would gladley give it to you for a day so you would know. She backed right down.As far as the pm agreement, It is to protect the Dr. not you. There are so many people out there ruining it for the people who really need them. If you take your medication as perscribed you should not run out. I am currently going thru a PM course which is offered at many clinics. I have high expectations that i will learn to try something else before i reach for that pill to releive my pain from Fibro.
These meds are doing more harm than good. Narcotics are rotting my teeth and make me tired and i feel funny on them, HATE THEM!!! so i really hope that some of you will get something out of what i just wrote. always take with your Dr. about knew things going on and make them listen. Thank god for this sight. Wendy
IN
Inactive
12 Dec 2010
Psychmajor: Obviously, you have not read the DSM IV or you would KNOW that addiction is a physical problems, not a coping mechanism. Thank goodness that you said it was only your opinion, but you have a terrible response to people who are actually in pain. In answer to the next response, yes they DID have pain meds 100-200 years ago, and can find evidence of pain meds back to the earliest time we can find communication. For instance, alcohol is a pain med. They used that in the Civil War to dull pain and the senses when they had to do surgery etc. Keep studying psychmajor, you just might learn something if you keep your mind open.
BR
brenda fain
12 Feb 2011
i have been on some sort of pain meds since 2000 and i haven't became addicted !is this 1,cause i take them as it says ?2,i don't abuse them?3,i listen to my doctors and try to do as they say! pain isn't fun and i kinda of agree that addiction isn't disease ,just like drinking isn't one .it's when we over do drugs and drinking that we have a problem! but we all have our way of thinking but this doesn't always make me right are you wrong!!! i just know that if you have problems with things then stay away from them!!!
because of people who have problems with addictions it makes it hard on those of us who suffer from chronic pain!
and most all pm doctors ask you to sign a agreement with them this covers them and helps you lnow what is expected from you !
and if you need strong pain meds like i v meds then as soon as you are able call your doctor and tell them what has happened !you will found out that if you have a good doctor they aren't in a hurry to cut off your meds !it's when you have a problem with handling your meds that they are likely to drop you !
and i think that most on here will agree with me about pm's and dropping us!
DE
Debbi Haughey
14 April 2011
Narcotics have been used for thousands of years. They are not a new occurance. Opiates have been used by many cultures, and for many reasons. The give them a shot of whiskey came from being out of a supply route. Opiates have been misused for as long as they have been known. ie Opiam dens!!
BH
Bhedge
21 May 2011
You guys are totally nuts. Please don't speak of something you have no knowledge of. If you have a family member with an addiction, you'd know it's not only a disease, but a genetic inclination. Just see how many alcoholics come from alcoholic parents and grandparents. Drugs are similar to alcohol, they can be used or abused and people with the disease cannot help themselves. Those of you who eat when you feel stress... how many of you feel you could really change your behavior if you wanted? Yes, food is addictive as well.
I myself have been on pain meds for 2 years, and my body is addicted to the pills. I go through withdrawals if I don't taper off. And even though my doctor said I shouldn't, I will go through withdrawals if I change from one opiate to another and don't taper the drug I'm stopping. It doesn't mean I have a disease. I can easily taper off and stop taking them if this pain would go away. However, if my brother takes one drink, he won't be able to stop without going through a huge effort. My grandfather was an alcoholic as well. My aunt has 3 children with addiction problems. I wouldn't list my username as a pysch major if you are going to assume without the statistics to back it up.
DA
daspyz
18 July 2011
I agree with psychmajor--first of all drugs WERE around a couple hundred years ago--opium!! it was even put in baby's bottles as "Soothing Tincture" pharm manufacturers realized there was money in this miracle drug and good ole Bayer produced the first heroin--narcotics weren't illegal til late 1800's only due to racism (flaxen haired blue eyed women began cohabitating with Chinese men) withdrawal never existed until all the damn processing and is actually a hangover from additives such as ethyl alcohol--the DEA needs to back out of our lives and leave the doctors alone--there is no illegal prescription problem, the problem is doctors afraid to treat patients properly due to DEA harrassment
AN
anickstairs
13 Aug 2011
They suffered
BU
butterflylynn
22 Nov 2011
My Pain Dr. is a strong believer that if someone is in Chronic Pain and is on Narcotics to control the pain they are not a "Addicted" but rather they are considered to have a chemical Dependency. If you have Chronic Pain and are taking Narcotics yourself & are taking your medications per the Dr. You are "Maintaining" & "Managing" your pain to give you relief. Drug Addicts take this medication to get "HIGH" to get some kind of "Rush", But because the people with REAL Chronic pain need these meds to keep us so we can live without being miserable. Also WE would NOT even have the "Pain management Contracts" if it wasnt for the drug dealers and people selling there prescriptions for money.
Unfortunately the Drug Abusers & dealers have made it SO difficult for US the people that ACTUALLY need them!!! And even worse than that is that these drugs are being SOLD to kids and others that have NO idea what happens when you take too Much... We have so many people Dying or Killing people in this world due to illegal drug Use.
MO
Momma2Many
20 May 2012
There is a difference between being addicted and being dependent on a medication to control your pain issues. I know it sounds the same only different so to speak, but that is how one of my doctors described it to me.
MO
Momma2Many
20 May 2012
I hope this works: TO WENDY -- My Neurologist has said this to me a few times, about my not being in as much pain as I said I am. You're right, HOW do they know? I called him for an emergency today - cannot cope with this horrid pain! (I have other issues with the Fibro) and he said it yet again. I'm so frustrated!!
IN
Inactive
3 July 2013
I know this is an answer to and old answer, but, I like your attitude. My pain doc requires me to take urine test b4 they will give me rx's. I peed hot twice for THC. I had been vomiting for weeks, had been hospitalized for dehydration so bad my potassium was so low I could not move from neck down, until they figured out the problem and put potassium in my IV bag (30%). A month later I was violently vomiting again and a friend offered THC. (I am NOT a user). It helped me stop vomiting. We only used half of one, and she left the other half w/me. A few weeks later I was vomiting again (severe Crohns Disease) and remembered what I had in drawer. It had helped b4, so I tried again, with the only and last I ever had. Now I am labeled a "drug user". I know this is a contraversial subject, but, there are exceptions to every rule. 2 times in my whole life and now this will follow me to every Dr I see.
Like you said, they are using my 2 time coping mechanism against me, then turn around and prescribe 5 Xanax (1mg) a day, 100mcg Fentanyl patch every 48 hrs, and 40mg of liquid Morphine, 4 times a day as needed for break thru pain. I mean really, is there a bad guy here??? Psychmajor, i wish you were a doctor!!!
JA
jamie222411
11 Aug 2013
This is @ bnagoh, drug use is not a modern or "new" phenomena, Asian opium dens?, Indian bhang?, coca? Ayahuasca? There are statues of Demeter and Venus holding Poppy pods dating back thousands of years. I'm a clinical master herbalist and I specialize in ethnopharmacology. I'm sorry sir, you are wrong!
GD
gdcrosser
18 Aug 2018
People have always used some type of pain medications, whether it was herbs, or plants picked. The book Lost Ways is a good example.
any dr if they pescribe you narcotics will have you sign a agreement that you will not get narcotice from another dr ; you will not sell ; give away ; or abuse narcotics . it is to protect the dr .
Votes: +11
DY
Dylanfan
30 Jan 2011
harleyhoney2130 is exactly right. I have found that a Neurologist can perscribe a narcotic & an orthopedic specialist can also perscribe a different narcotic/pain medication. Doctor's do not want their patients abusing narcotics, selling them, or using them for things other than what they are perscribed for. A lot has to do with the huge Meth problem that is just about everywhere. It's almost come down to a zero tolerence policy. Nobody wants to get a law suit against them, so Doctors are very cautious. If a person is really in pain, the Doctor will order tests,such as a CT Scan or MRI to see the actual problem & they will give you medication. It is those that abuse the system that cause problms for those who really need help. Pharmacies keep track of what you take & they will report anything out of the ordinary to your doctors. Most doctors that perscribe narcotics will have you come in for blood testing every 2 or 3 months to check for anything abnormal.
It's like this everywhere & it is for your own protection as well as your doctors. Best of luck to you. Dylanfan
DY
Dylanfan
30 Jan 2011
I had to re-read your post. Some of the things like you being in an accident & needing strong pain meds right then & there is common practice. They are there to make you better, not scream in agony. A Paramedic is not going to call your Primary Care Doctor when a dire emergency is happening. If you have drug allergies, carry a card on you at all times listing them or wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace. This really helps. Some of the things you have been told do not make sense. Get a second opinion from a good doctor & write down all the questions you have. Make sure you understand their replies. If you don't or have questions, then ASK again. It is your body, & you need the correct replies to your concerns. Just remember, all Doctors are watching out for those who abuse medcations. It is not meant to be an insult to you, they just need to protect themselves & you as well. Good luck! Dylanfan
DA
dankelleymcbride
3 Feb 2011
Not entirely true. The pain medication contract is a normal, expected agreement between the Provider and patient, but it is to protect the PATIENT. It assures the Provider that the patient understands that all opioid medications will be written by one Provider, so what is being prescribed will be appropriate and safe for the patient.
CA
caringsonbj
12 Feb 2011
My doctor say down and thoroughly went over the form she said now some of this sounds one way and I mean it another, ofr instance if I were in an accident and something had to be done to me she said the thing I want is for you to contact me (or whoever is taking care of you) as soon as the office is open, so that I know what has happened, it basically protects me and it protects the doctor, If she refers me to another doctor and he wants to prescribe a pain medication I am to explain to him the situation between my doctor and I ask him to sontact her and allow her to know, as a matter of fact that happened I didn't just let it go once I was home I called her at the office and told her I ghad a prescription and I wanted her to be aware of what it was and reminded her of the doctors name, I think its a common sense thing, at least in my case it is with my Dr.
who treats me for the pain, I hope you are fortunate enough till if you have any questions approach this doctor and tell him/her there are things you do not understand and you want him or her to clarify things for you, your doctor needs to talk with you when it comes to things you don't undertsnad, I wish you the very best!!
AU
auntbilliegail
2 April 2011
I was in just this situation in February. My Pain Management Doc had me sign a form a couple of years ago and even took blood to check what was in my system. She Fired dozens and dozens of patients when all of her test came back. She is very strict with medication administration.
Anyway, I had a bad wreck in February and was given pain medication in the ER. My family knows about the agreement between my doctor and me and when I came to I found out that my husband had already told the doctor to notify my PMP. The surgeon was also in contact with her after the surgery. It is unbelievable how close they pay attention to this now.
My ex-s-n-l has been addicted to pills for years and years. I don't see where people get the pills to sell to people like her.
To answer your question... You can get medication from another doctor if you have permission and if the medication is not a duplicate of what your already getting.
God bless Billie
SH
sheila7281
8 April 2011
That is very normal for most pain management practices. It is there way to make sure you do not abuse the narcotics. Also expect randon urine tests to be sure your not abusing the pain medication. At first it bothered me but then I realized too many people abuse the medications and they need to protect themselves even though they are tryinng to help us manage the pain. if you have nothing to hide then it is not a big deal..:)
TO
toodoo
11 April 2011
My doctor hasn't made me sign any agreement like that. In fact, I ask for what I need and he gives it to me. He trusts me because I have shown him that I am not dependent upon these medications and I have demonstrated how aware I am of the dangers they pose. Believe me, it wasn't fun, I was hospitalized with a bowel obstruction, and have had four bowel related diagnostic procedures-all due to the use of pain meds. I routinely have my bottle of 90 expire with 1/4 of the bottle left though, and I have shown him when I ask for another. If you don't have that trust with your doctor, find a new one and be proactive in showing him or her that you are committed to your own health and use drugs sparingly and appropriately. I have fibro and OA. I know it sucks, but we can't kill all the pain without doing other damage, that's just the way it is.
MA
MACE1010
10 May 2011
It is not law that they do this in some states and mine is one of them. I only take pain meds from on doctor.
JA
jaywuugirl
10 May 2011
if someone can answer this for me i would be forever in your debt i have ra and fibro and cysts in my spine and in my sciatic joint i have rotated scoliosis tons of back and bone problems i finally found a doctor who was willing to help me if i signed a pain contract i didnt know what one was i had never had to sign one before so my doctor explained it to me she said it is to just check your urine every now and then to make sure you are taking the right amount and the correct medications i dont drink i dont do illegal drugs i have never had a dirty ua and i have never been short on my pills and when they call you have 24 hrs to get there to have the test done i am there 30 minutes after i get the call anyhow on the 18th of april i had to have emergency surgery i had to have a tlh total laporoscopic hystertomy i was bleeding weekly stop a few days and start again for a week every month it got so bad i was tired all the time i was in pain all the time anyhow i called my pcp office 3 ...
weeks before my surgery and spoke to one of the girls that answers the phone i asked if my pcp or the surgeon is supposed to give me pain medication she said my surgeon would i then asked her to let my pcp know that on the 18th i was having the surgery i asked my obgyn surgeon to please send over all reports and test results to my pcp and that i was on a pain contract and if he was gonna give me pain meds to include it in the reportsthe girl at my doctors office said dont worry i am sure your surgeon will send over all reports ohalso for an adult female hemoglobinit is supposed to be 14-16 mine was 8-10 i was bleeding to death and didnt even know it on april 29th i called my pcp to get my meds filled for the 4th of may and i asked the girl on the phone if my fiance or my son could pick my perscriptions up for me for i had just had surgery and it was going to take 4 to 6 wks to heal the girl said sure just have whoever bring their drivers licence and everything will be ok 2 hrs later a nurse from my pcp office called and went off on me saying i broke my contract because the surgeon gaveme pain meds i said yeah i just had a hysterectomy her reply was millions of women have them eberyday i said yeah but mine feels like they ripped have my body out she was very rude and said i am gonna talk to your doctor about this what did the surgeon give you and where did you get it filled i said a 5 day supply of diladid and i got it at my regular pharmacy then she said you mean if i call your surgeon he is gonna tell me he gave you that pain med and he knew about your other pain meds and i said yes she got angrier and called me on monday to say my pcp was weaning me off of my pain meds because i broke my contract i said how did i do that i talked to your staff and did what i was told to do and then she said you asked for more pain meds i said no i asked for my regular pain meds becsause they are due i finallly got very upset and demanded that i speak to my pcp that was my right and i didnt want to pseak to anyone but her my pcp called me had no idea of what was going on and asked me if i filled the scripts i said yes because i had nothing and was in pain she told me if i had waited until i had talked to her she would have taking the weaning ones back and given me my regular scripts i said what do i do now she said i dont know let us see what we can do i had to write an appeal letter and i have to wait to find out what can be done and go through withdrawalsd and hope i dont pop any stitches from my surgery it has only been 3 wks anyone got any ideas please write me back asap thanks going crazy i havent slept in 4 nights i have been in way to much pain
IN
Inactive
13 June 2011
I have two Neurologists and two pain management specialists and I did not have to sign an agreement that I can not get narcotics from only one doctor. If fact, I see 18 specialists and I never had to sign any kind of agreement. I recently stopped seeing one pain management doctor on my own because he left the practice he was in in the city, so now I see one. It helps me enormously to get more than one opinion. I don't even see my PCP on a regular basis because he is not educated in Fibro, Migraines and the other ailments I suffer from. He himself prefers to farm me out to a specialist.
AN
anickstairs
13 Aug 2011
• Well, what to do? I am a person with 31 Op’s already past. I have pain all the time. REAL pain… So, I was prescribed oxycodone and oxycontin by my “Pain specialist” MD. So, you think I am an addict? My Doctor must be an idiot…Wrong answer. I am a Person in pain and so far, in the last ten years, have NOT achieved being near comfortable. Easy for you, you are comfortable. If I don’t take the medication, I can’t walk or even want to speak. DO YOUHAVE THAT? No, you don’t and when you do, God help you. I was unfortunate and I see you people saying some awful things about us. I want you to have your leg re-connected, go blind, have both shoulders re-vamped, 4 broken bone areas, partial colon removal, disc 3, 4, l1 removed and decompressed, extra bone growths removed, carpal tunnel, 5 hernias (to name a few) and yes they are all painful areas to be treated. I have stopped the opiods many times.
I am a provider and even bed ridden have my income still coming in. I am no slouch. You perceive us to be “Lousy” people, I am an Engineer, Commercial artist, Comedian, and once singer (lost my voice to a vocal cord virus), materials Fabricator and so forth. Who are you to Judge? Get a hold of yourselves and understand that this is a grave disturbance for us and NOT for you. Have some pain, on me. Let’s see how you fair? Thank you for your time! I think. Omni
BU
butterflylynn
19 Nov 2011
Depending on what state you live in (which eventually all states will be included) I was informed will start requiring anyone taking Narcotics to sign the contracts. My Pain Dr. is head of board in Missouri and he explained this contract to me completely. This contract is there to protect the Dr. and also there due to all the pain clinic's out there that have been getting busted. Unfortunately Again due to the people that ABUSE drugs we (All of that have to take pain meds just to make it through the day) have to pay the price. Several states have busted illegitamate "pain clinics" for just writing scripts for $$$ and then they and the drug dealers make BIG $$. But for the people like us that REALLY NEED these pain meds have to worry about this.
The break down is basically this.. Your pain management Dr. will actually get printouts of EVERYTHING you have a prescription for Every month. If they see that you are receiving large amounts of pain meds from other Dr.s they will then have to review with you and the Dr. that prescriped addl drugs. I have had several surgeries and been in the hospitals Many times since i signed my contract. There has NEVER been an instance that my Pain Dr. has even asked me about the other pain meds. On the report they receive it shows the Doctor or Hospital name and type of Dr. that is prescriping addl meds. It is the Pain dr. that will review if something looks funny. But even when I was in the hospital several months ago I was taking 120 mg Opana and on a Morphine continous drip plus addl amounts as needed. This was never questioned by anyone the hospital was aware of all my meds i was taking and they actually have there Pain Mgmnt specialist there that is responsible for reporting this to the Dr. I have never heard of the patient being responsible for having to contact the pain dr.
The pain Dr. should go over all of the contract with you and if you do not understand it DO NOT sign it !! Have someone else look it over as I know myself and many others have issues with retaining info when in severe pain. If your DR. is threatening you find another DR. that is your right.
IN
Inactive
25 July 2012
Just a note to toodoo, it isn't a matter of if your doctor trusts you or not. Even my PCP has had to ask me to sign a contract for a benzo like xanax so I just had them sign it over to my pain management doc so they didn't have to do the screening & all the paperwork involved. You may not have to yet, but it is a new law & all docs will have to have you sign a contract, & do twice a year urine screenings to make sure you have this medication in your system. The DEA has made this come to a new law for ALL doctors. If they aren't following it yet, they could be in for it if they are ever checked & could lose their license to proactice medicine. A lot of doctors already have had this happen to them. My doctor knows me personally, & with all my problems knows I am responsible taking my meds, but the law is the law... Mary
TU
turner4eva
9 Dec 2012
@jaywuugirl- first I am sorry about all your illnesses. I am horrified for the lack of communication at your doctors office. Your doctor can give you a new script with new orders on it that you can fill. There is no appeal expect a call to the insurance company to explain that there was an issue on their end and are trying to fix it. I would be telling them admit me for pain control or help me control it. You must be your own advocate. It is best to speak with only one doctor and one nurse at an office that has bunches. The nurse becomes an advocate if they are good and knows your story so they will go to bat for you. You are in control. You can always if its really bad go to the Er and demand to be admitted for pain control until your doctor gets this under control. I would call them first and see what they are going to do for you and tell them your considering it because this is more than yo can deal with home. Goodluck.
ME
MeggieGirl
2 Jan 2017
I learned the hard way about how to handle things in an emergency room. I had a pain management contract and understood that the medications they gave me were the only medications I were to ever take. Then one day I was thrown off the back of a motorcycle and completely blew out my knee as well as shattered my forearm and had a number of unknown injuries. The emergency room kept trying to give me morphine or dilaudid but I kept insisting that I couldn't do it because I had a pain management contract. They kept looking at me like I was crazy because they knew that I was in an insane amount of pain and that I needed IV pain medication, but the only thing I would allow them to do was give me a shot of a steroid in my knee and put on a temporary cast until I could get an appointment with an orthopedist.
It wasn't until the office hours opened at my pain management doctor that I called, and my doctor was very understanding but also upset with me for letting myself go through so much unnecessary pain. She explained that the contract is there to protect myself and also to make sure I understand what boundaries are, but it's not there to leave me in a situation where I am in an emergency and I can't get help. She said that in a situation like that, I should go ahead and receive treatment, including pain medication, and then at the earliest possible time I can contact the pain management doctor, I should do so and explain to them what has happened and come in for an appointment. I was also told that it would be OK to fill a prescription as long as I was clear with the PMD and immediately transparent about the circumstances. I did come in for an appointment that first day they opened, and they prescribed a number of different narcotics for to help me manage the pain for the accident, and I gave them over the bottle of the prescription that have been filled by the ER doctor. They handled any issues with the pharmacy. I actually thought in my head that I would only be allowed to ever take the narcotics that I was taking and that was all I would ever be allowed, not understanding that when you have an injury, you take your standard dose of daily medication and then add additional medications on TOP of that to compensate for the additional pain.
I once went through a surgery where, upon release, the surgeon gave me about the equivalent of what I had been taking previously for normal pain management. I was in the most horrific pain and, after one week of terrible suffering (I thought it was just a normal byproduct of the surgery because it was such a major surgery), I called my pain management specialist and was crying and and asked for any help possible as it was a 12 week recovery from the surgery. He was so comforting and couldn't believe the incompetence of the doctor, explaining the concept of taking over what you normally take because of the additional pain. He prescribed when he normally prescribed for me and then additional medications on top of that and I recovered well.
From that point forward, any surgeries I have had, I have the pain management specialist manage the pain aspect of the surgery and, to be honest with you, surgeons are quite happy to hand that over to them.
PA
pammy1949
29 May 2017
Most pain contracts include an emergency clause. You must let whoever is going to administer the medication is told that you have signed a pain contact. This has happened to me several times. Once in the ER with a broken arm and for a few surgery's.
