False information on Medical records

Question

My wife has been diagnosed with with arthritis and also some small fracturing in her foot. She also has been suffering from hip pain that has yet to be determined. At an initial visit to a new doctor she was perscribed a low level vicodine for pain which seemed to help more than the 4 ibprofane she was taking every 5hrs (alleve and tylenol do not seem to work for her. She went in for follow up and the doctor told her they could not give her the low level vicodine or any perscription drug and to use over the counter drugs. These do not work for her in doses low enough to be safe. When she questioned why the doctor said that she fully well knew why and pointed to a flag in the corner of the medical record screen. Confused she asked and was told that she was labeled as a substance abuser. Words were exchanged and she left. We found out that her sister was caught double dipping by going to several doctors for multiple pain relievers and when she needed more she told them her sister was stealing them. My wife neither stole or knew of what her sister was doing. What should we do, my wife needs some help for pain but has been Red Flagged because a cunning drug abuser knows how to work the system and the doctors seem to side with a fabricated story from a known and continuing drug abuser. Also her sister has been fired from several medical facilitys for theft of drugs and yet is allowed to renew her NA certificate.

reeny924 · Answer

I thought of a couple other things for your wife's pain that may or may not help her, but are very safe to try. She could soak her fractured foot in hot water, wrap it with ace bandage or I use what is called "vet wrap" ,sticks to itself so it's easier to wrap it. Cheaper than the people product of self stick wrap too, but exactly the same. Keeping her foot wrapped and some weight off from it for awhile should help. Prop it up while she is sitting down, that keeps the blood flow steady. Glucosamine and chondroitin will help with her hips and arthritis, some pill forms also contain MSM, the pills are huge and hard to swallow and take about 4-6 weeks before you feel the effects.  But I use the same supplement in a juice drink called "Elations", healthier joints.  It doesn't taste bad and it works much quicker than the pill forms do.  The draw back is it's very expensive, about $8 for 6 pack, so that's only a 6 day supply.  But she could start on the juice type to get in her system quicker and then switch to the pill form later on. It also might be cheaper where you live. I've also switched to an all oragnic vegetarian diet, sometimes too much protien can collect around the joints. I hope at least one of these tiny things gives her some relief.  Pls be careful with that foot, small fractures can easily turn into full blown broken bones. If she is able some stretching exercises might help too.  Some of the Pilates moves can even be done lying in bed.Hope it all works out for you.  I know right where you are, and I will keep you in my thoughts.

reeny924 · Answer

I believe you 100%!!! I too have seen numerous medical record mistakes, and red flagging in error. I'm not sure what the correct way is to have this corrected, but I believe your wife is not an addict. People "assume", and then think we are all lieing when there are some really ignorant Dr.'s out there. I myself am calling a lawyer and documenting everything that happens. I've even started taking my husband to dr. visits with me for a witness. I understand your frustration. A lawyer should be able to point you in the right direction. As far as the sister, if she is CNA, she can be reported to the State certifying board, which ever state you live in. She should never be caring for anyone! How would you like to be handicapped and stuck in a bed with her as your only help?! Report her as soon as you can. Good luck to you and post to let us know how you make out. I am preparing to sue my doctor, and make a claim to the FDA, and a law suit to the drug company for product liabilty in my own case. For your wife, I too have arthritis in my spine, Thermacare stick on heat wraps do help quite a bit, and drug free, I also use Sport Cream, seems better than aspricream or myoflex cream. Best of everything to you.

candothis247 · Answer

i find it hard to believe they would red flag a chart of a sister of an addict without having any prior encounters w/said wife. addicts are very secretive about their use most of the time. maybe there is something in her past that you are unaware of. i dont know for sure, but my 2 cents worth is all this is. good luck

mondc40 · Answer

Hippaa law has been violated. Contact medical records to let them know that you were a victim of identity theft and to make corrections in the file and speak with the head person at the facility where you see your doctor.

laceylucy3 · Answer

Or her sister has been getting perscriptions in your wifes name and when a KASPER ( or something similar) was run it showed lots of perscriptions filled in your wifes name. Drug addicts make it difficult for the people that really need pain relief to get it.

avisg · Answer

The other possablty is that she has been using and you did not know ....I am not saying that what it is but i hid my use for a VERY long time.

dominosarah · Answer

Does the medical facility that your wife goes to have a social services area?  If they do i would go in and have a talk with them.....I hope you can get this cleared up.....sara

123456m · Answer

Well 
if your story if true it should be very easy for you to get proof on your sister in law being fired for theft of drugs. Simply a phone call or 2 will do it to remove the flag but something sounds very fishy here I will leave it at that.
Peace