Office visit just for refill

[dspence]

I take the lowest dose of hydrocodone for pain.  My physician tells me I have to be seen by her every three months in order to get my prescription refilled.  That is 4 times a year and my insurance only allows for 4 co-pays a year.  That means if I get sick and have to be seen by the doctor I have to pay full price, because I have used up all my co-pay visits just to get my prescription refilled.  Is this right?  Oh and I live in Missouri

[philnoir]

Ignore it.

[Stillfrozen]

     I am a bit torqued over this, I received a &14,000 bill in Jan. for 2, yes two mandatory urine drug tests from a pain management clinic here in Alaska. I was looking for relief from insomnia brought on from back pain, both tests were 100% clear of any drugs.

[Stillfrozen]

     Yep, we can all thank the goody-2 shoes who felt they had the moral obligation to " save" all of us that " aren't really in need of narcotics". Sarcasm intended. Even the Mayo Clinic will tell you ( me last month) that pain meds are for cancer patients only...then in their arthritis hand out, for that too.
     Basically, too many people either O.D.'d accidentally or finally had enough. Enough of too much pain, the almost inevitable depression that comes from lack of sleep caused by too much pain or for whatever reason and killed themselves. The out come is uninformed, inexperienced people wanting us to take mind altering drugs, anti this and that, gabapentin, Lyrica because we might die from the opiates.
     So, the laws have changed and we will pay more for less. Legal? Yes. Morally right? Not IMHO.

[ChristNonsense]

Aw geez... I forgot it became a 2. Yep, up to 3 refills at a time. It's a federal law.

And, yes, you're right, that's 4 times a year.

There are geniuses (smarter than me AND philnoir, put together) that work for insurance companies that do nothing but sit around and study, study, study these things, so it's NO coincidence that it works out to be 4 times a year.

Like the car battery with a 5 year warranty.... they have it timed so doggone perfectly that come day 1826, that battery's gonna conk out LOL

[CRSeaside]

I don't understand how ins works. How much to pay full price to Dr & keep other copayment entitlement if you ever need a specialist.

[philnoir]

Hydrocodone became a Sched II controlled substance late last year.

The federal rules have changed for hydrocodone and medications containing the drug including Vicodin, Norco, and Hycomine cough syrup -- no refills allowed, written prescription required, and 30 day supply per Rx only.

Your doctor can write up to 3 months of Rx at a time, with each prescription detailed "DO NOT REFILL UNTIL"

You're fortunate -- I have to visit every month.

[ChristNonsense]

You have to abide by decisions like this; whether or not it is a state/local law, etc., is moot.

At most, you might gently bring the matter up with your doctor in a non-confrontative manner, and see what he/she says.