Aa
PM dismissal, do they taper?
I've been in pain management since 2004. I have a laundry list of medical issues. I've been going to my current pm dr since nov 07. Never had a prob. Now, due to new insurance we got, which btw Mass attorney Gen fined this company 20mil for various crimes including fraud, my pm hasn't been getting paid and ins refuses to pay. Therefore, if I cannot come up with $2200.00 by mar 30 out of pocket, I'm being released.
My question is: are pm docs required to do at least a 30 day taper for opiates if dismissing patient. And/or what do most of them do?
My dismissal is not related to me violating opiate contract, its because I can't afford to pay bill now that I realize I was sold a crap insurance policy.
Footnote: we are joining a class action lawsuit against this ins company as well as filing formal complaints to the appropriate agencies.
My question is: are pm docs required to do at least a 30 day taper for opiates if dismissing patient. And/or what do most of them do?
My dismissal is not related to me violating opiate contract, its because I can't afford to pay bill now that I realize I was sold a crap insurance policy.
Footnote: we are joining a class action lawsuit against this ins company as well as filing formal complaints to the appropriate agencies.
Contact the office manager and tell her/him that it is just impossible for you to come up with that kind of cash so quickly. They should have approached this in an entirely different manner. Ask can you set up a payment plan and still see your doctor. I would also ask id they are aware of the patient abandonment laws. This is outrageous!
If they will not work with you call legal aide in your area!
They should have brought this matter up when the insurance company stopped paying and not demanded the entire balance months later. This is not right at all.
Go ahead and look for a new doctor but do NOT let them get away with this! Get with legal aide and find out your rights in your state.
If they will not work with you call legal aide in your area!
They should have brought this matter up when the insurance company stopped paying and not demanded the entire balance months later. This is not right at all.
Go ahead and look for a new doctor but do NOT let them get away with this! Get with legal aide and find out your rights in your state.
I agree with everyone to find a dr soon so you can stay on your meds. You did nothing wrong with this PM doctor so going to another PM should be fine if your insurance pays for it. But if your like me it is hard to find a PM doctor.
Jamie
Jamie
So sorry you are being jerked around by your doctor.
First, get copies of your medical records from your old doctor. Then, find out, from your former insurance company, what they have paid him. It seems more than a little odd that he would wait until now to demand full payment.
It could be that this doctor hopes to gain some sort of windfall from you, before you change doctors.
Don't wait for an answer to the payment question to find another doctor, though.
Hope this helps!
First, get copies of your medical records from your old doctor. Then, find out, from your former insurance company, what they have paid him. It seems more than a little odd that he would wait until now to demand full payment.
It could be that this doctor hopes to gain some sort of windfall from you, before you change doctors.
Don't wait for an answer to the payment question to find another doctor, though.
Hope this helps!
Hello and Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum.
It is my opinion that in most states there is indeed a patient abandonment law that requires the physician to provide you with 30 days of medications upon dismissal. This would not be true if you were suspected or charged with diverting medications. Of course by the time you enforce your rights it may well be past the time to help you with your next refill. It won't hurt to ask the PMP if he/she will at least refill your next prescription.
I urge you as TrayCee has to locate a PMP asap. It may very well take you many weeks to get an approval and an appointment with one. Even on the first appointment he/she may not prescribe for you. So please begin a search for a physician that will cover your refills.
I am sorry that this has happened to you. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how things are progressing. I wish you the very best.
Take Care,
~Tuck~
It is my opinion that in most states there is indeed a patient abandonment law that requires the physician to provide you with 30 days of medications upon dismissal. This would not be true if you were suspected or charged with diverting medications. Of course by the time you enforce your rights it may well be past the time to help you with your next refill. It won't hurt to ask the PMP if he/she will at least refill your next prescription.
I urge you as TrayCee has to locate a PMP asap. It may very well take you many weeks to get an approval and an appointment with one. Even on the first appointment he/she may not prescribe for you. So please begin a search for a physician that will cover your refills.
I am sorry that this has happened to you. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how things are progressing. I wish you the very best.
Take Care,
~Tuck~
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