Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group ? about docs and meds

I have a question...
Does anyone know if it's regular practice for the state or the feds to audit doctors offices, or is this something just starting lately because of all the problems with narcotics nowadays. Do they just pick out certain docs that they are going to audit or do all doctors who prescribe narcotics have to have to be audited now and then?
I'm curious because my refills for my meds were messed up over the weekend. Saturday the rx was stolen out of their mailbox by FedEx (as far as we know anyway), so a new rx was made, and this morning when it was being picked up...found out it was written for the wrong med.
When my doc found out (he was away all weekend) about all this he was a little upset, because he is being audited next week and has to account for the rx's.
Just wondering if anyone knows.
Don't know why I feel bad when stuff like this happens. It's not like I am the one who made these mistakes. I just asked for my refill and didn't expect all this to happen. But don't want my doc getting into trouble just because I needed my meds.
I think my system would go into shock if anything was ever simple.
Hugs,
Lisa

Lisa, I don't know the ins and outs of the American medical system, but really, you have nothing to feel badly about. As you say, all you want is your meds. If they were stolen by the courier service, and that can be proved, then your doc has nothing to worry about, except finding a different and more trustworthy courier service. So, again, there's nothing for you to feel badly about.

Okay!!?

Hugs,

Kat

Hi Lisa

So sorry about your bad luck. But I agree with Kat. you don't have anything to feel bad about. You didn't tell the courier to steal your meds.
But as knowing if they regulary audit doctors I really can't say and to tell you the truth I never really thought about it. But it would make sense since as in anything it would only take a few bad seeds to cause problems . So by keeping a check on things they may avoid some problems before they start.


Take care
Valerie

I guess the main reason why I end up feeling bad is it always seems like an act of congress when it comes to something I need. It's never simple cause something always happens.
I know I shouldn't feel bad because I didn't do anything wrong, but I don't want the docs thinking every time they see me coming..."uh oh what's going to happen this time" HA HA
I don't know what their plans are as far as contacting the courier service. I don't think they even have plans to, but if it was me...I would.
Like I said though...I just hope whoever isn't stupid enough to try filling it.
It would probably be hard to prove it because I guess it could be said that anyone could have gone into the mailbox and taken it.
Thanks for responding and trying to make me feel better about this.
It's not a big deal and nothing I'm losing sleep over. Yesterday I was just bothered some about my doc having to deal with this audit and it being more difficult for him because of my meds. Oh well! Life goes on!
Hugs,
Lisa

Lisa,
Don't know why, but it seems like once the new "pain standards" got passed a lot of drs. are getting audited. Here, in small town, USA, a very good dr. was written up in the local paper for his "over" prescribing. In his case, apparently a patient complained. He is still allowed to practice, but can't prescribe narcotic meds. Also, I've seen a couple cases where the patient has been investigated and charged with "dr shopping". Seems time and effort would be better served on about anything else. IMHO I don't think too many ppl continue to dr. just to get pain meds. Pain relief maybe, but that isn't a criminal offense.
I think in your drs. case all fedex has to do is provide documentation that meds were in fact, stolen. He shouldn't be held responsible, nor should you, for someone else's behaviour. Peace&Light, Lori

Hi Lori,
I know my doc is very strict about prescribing narcotics and watches his patients very closely, so I was surprised to hear that he was being audited, which is what brought me to my question...wondering if particular docs were singled out or if it's getting to be a regular thing nowadays.
I've been on the same dosage for 3 years and he feels that if I were to ever get to the point that I needed a stronger rx then he would send me to the pain clinic. This is one reason why I am very good at managing my meds.
As long as I have some good days I am ok.
I guess because it wasn't actual meds that were stolen and was an rx which would be hard to fill according to them, then he probably isn't looking at it being a big deal to them, especially if everything else seems to be in place. Except of course the mistake that was made with the other rx written.
I would much rather him be in total control of writing all my rx's out and have it not left to the nurses, but sometimes I have no choice. I feel that mistakes are made when too many hands are in the pot.

Thanks for your input.
Hugs,
Lisa

That makes sense Valerie and I didn't think about it that way. Like you, I never really thought about this before.
Maybe they are just keeping a closer eye on all docs to prevent problems from occurring. This particular doc handles a very large area all by himself so I am sure he prescribes an awful lot. But like I said in my response to Lori, I know from the way he handles my case...he is very careful and monitors me well and I am assuming he is the same way with all his pateints.
Thanks for your response.
Hugs,
Lisa

Hi Lisa

I am sure it is nothing to worry about. The doctors everywhere are overloaded ( I know my doctor must have close to 3000 patients.)and I am sure they are just being carefull But like yours mine is very careful and cares about each and everyone. As long as they do that there shouldn't be a problem. Just relax worry about this isn't good for you.

Take care
Valerie

Lisa, all narcotic scripts filled in the US are required to be reported to one of the federal agencies (I can't remember which one) by the pharmacist who fills it. It may be that the agency does regular audits on physicians or there is something in the system that flags a physican or pharmacy when they write or fill a certain number of scripts in a period of time. Your doctor and pharmacy are required to keep all kinds of detailed records on the dispensing of narcotics and he could be a little jittery about having to issue another script. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.

mimi

aloha Lisa,

I've only been here for 9 months, but didn't you have meds stolen from you last autumn? a burglary or something?
I'm sure your doctor is apprehensive about two double scripts in a year...that's a bad list to get on.

good luck
alohaBen