Pain Clinic vx GP

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol,

After the rules changed where a Family Practice MD couldn't treat chronic pain

or anxiety for more than 3 months, I was referred to a pain clinic and am still

their patient - barely.

I had no problem signing their contract: 1 pharmacy, no pain meds from anyone

else, their right to test you any time they want to. I was thrilled to have a

handle on my pain.

They have other rules that drive me crazy and threaten my being a patient there.

The biggie: You must notify them if you can't make an appointment at least 24

hours ahead of time.

I understand the need for them to keep their appointments full and running

smoothly. I have clusters of migraines (they go on for days) and sleep apnea.

The MD's that treat those have told me that it's not safe for me to drive with a

migraine or no sleep because of the meds involved and the pain or lack of

sleep/oxygen make it unsafe for me to drive.

I can't call 24hrs ahead of time for those conditions. I don't know about it

until the day of my appointment. I currently have 'strikes' against me because

of migraines.

The receptionist who makes the appointments talks to me like I am 3 years old

when I make an appointment = " Now you know you have to make this appointment "

She has even begun to lecture me if I change an appointment days ahead of time.

This MD hardly speaks to patients. A physician's assistant does all the

interviewing and computer generates his prescriptions for his signature. He is

with his patient less than 2 minutes.

I actually get more time than most because he and I were born the same day = not

just the same birthday, same year. He's 4 hrs older than me. He finds that

amusing so he always has a comment to me about our birthday producing exempliary

people or I must be good to my elders.

My family MD was very conscientous in prescribing my meds. The state's

'improvement' in the system has not helped me one bit.

Thank you for caring and sharing the info!

; )

Willow