Question Why do some doctors are not able to prescribe pain meds?

[DandyDon]

One of my cardiologists worked on my bad leg again today, cleaned out a couple of arteries that he did not finish three weeks ago. Seems the work was great, but the pain was tremendous! I awoke in recovery with my favorite nurse holding the hole in an artery until it'd clog, I guess, me whining and moaning, but nothing either of us could do but live through the agony. I survived thru recovery, wondering why she didn't get me a pain pill, lunch, and a recovery nap - waking to pain in my foot. I called the 24 hour number to request a Hydrocodone script, but was told this doc is not licensed to write those. I have to wonder why a doctor who is licensed to create Hydrocodone pain is not allowed to write the needed script...?!

Fortunately, I saved 5 pills from a couple of years ago in case of emergency need, 20 Tramadol, and 20 Apap/Codiene. There are good reasons why I shouldn't, but I'm glad I did. I am not allowed to take aspirin or ibuprofen now, and I have pain.

I don't want to change heart doctors, but I need an answer to this lack. It's not like I can take my own pain meds into angiograms. I might tho.

 

[chaad]

Docs need to register with the DEA if they want to prescribe controlled substances. Some docs don't bother because it is a hassle and they don't need those medications in their scope of practice. Sounds like yours should reconsider and get a DEA number. You were wise to keep an emergency supply.

 

[DandyDon]

You were wise to keep an emergency supply.

Only if I am controlled, careful, etc - and I have been. Who is going save 5 pills for two years? I need to find a new & legal source tho.

 

[kinoons]

Yes in each state a doctor practices they must have both a state level controlled substance license as well as a state specific DEA license. When I practiced in two states I had to maintain two different DEA licenses.

No DEA, no controlled substances (pain meds, benzodiazepines, etc) may be prescribed by that clinician.

 

[KenE]

The alternative if you are happy with your existing doctor is to find a secondary doctor for pain. My wife sees a doctor who understands her pain threshold and prescribes what she needs when she needs it. Not often, but when she needs it, she is impossible if she doesn't have relief. It was worth the extra cost.

 

[DandyDon]

The alternative if you are happy with your existing doctor is to find a secondary doctor for pain.

I've considered that, but I couldn't take his meds into another angiogram and recovery with my established cardiologist.

 

[VikingDives]

There may be other reasons why your doctor cannot prescribe controlled substances. (s)he may be operating under some medical board restrictions due to controlled substance abuse, or may have had their DEA authorization revoked due to something criminal in their background. . . The possibilities are endless. If you search for the medical board in your state, you can possibly find out if that's the case with your doctor.

 

[DandyDon]

My main cardiologist's name is J.Bradley.
My old Tramadol script is by J.Bradley.
I also have an eye doctor named J.Bradkey so I don't know.
I think that my cardiologist may well be licensed to prescribe Tramadol at least and we will discuss this on June 10. When I am in tears, I do not want to be ignored.

 

[Mrs. B]

You need to negotiate all that before agreeing to any procedure.

 

[MB NZ]

Do you not have a family doctor/general practitioner that can serve your needs? I don't know how it works in the US.