Quote:
Originally Posted by teamC
Two parts to this issue with solutions:
#1) re: New Dr.
Since 2014 The VA can refer pts to outside physicians (called CHOICE Program). The VA sent him to this Doctor. The veteran could request another physician at the VA
Local VA Spending $70M To Send Vets To Private Docs
BUT
that may not solve the problem because of
#2) Opioid prescribing laws:
See attached rules for chronic pain treatment:
https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/patients...esentation.pdf
These prescribing changes were made b/c of the opioid crisis in this country. It is not just Veterans or the VA who are affected. Ask anyone who had a hip or knee replacement 10 years ago who had to get a 2nd knee or hip surgery in the last 7-8 years!
So writing letters will not help. Pharmacists are not even allowed by law to fill scripts for >30 days (or even refill them early). Paper/written prescriptions are required-no calling in scripts for pain meds that are classified as restricted.
To save $$-the veteran should fill prescriptions at the VA (the VA can only fill non-VA doctor prescriptions if the VA referred him to them)
Thank you for taking this veteran under your wing!
Please thank this veteran for their service!! |
When I had my knee repair (not replacement) surgery several years ago the surgeon's office would only give me 12 Vikoden. If you take 4 a day (as directed), that's 3 days worth of pain meds. Thankfully, I respond to just half a dose, and didn't need 4 doses every day. So I was able to stretch that 3 day dose to jjuuuuuust about the full 8 days I actually benefited from them. The 8th day I ran out in the afternoon and had a double shot of kahlua instead.