Pain Management Appointments

[Ryder_1]

I was just wondering how often everybody that has a pain management doctor has to go to appointments? From what I've been reading it seems like most people have montly appointments. Do you see your doctor montly, or just have to go monthly to pick up your prescriptions? I had my first appointment last month and was told I have to see him once every 3 months but that I also have to go monthly to pick up my prescriptions. Once every 3 months seems somewhat long.......especially if the treatments arent really working. Also, when you go for your monthly pick-up do you just call a day or two ahead of time and just run in and get them or do you have to spend a little time there (I was curious about that part because I have to let my work know if I'm going to be gone for a while). Anyway, I was just curious because I didnt really get much of that info when I was at my first appointment for some reason.
Thanks!

[tresa47]

I live in NJ and have a pain management dr. When I first started seeing him it was every two weeks until my medications were stabalized. Now I see him once a month for my medication refills unless they have to be adjusted. I have to go into the office and see him to get my scripts...they are always typewritten. No refills on mine...some you can and some you can't. I'm not sure which are which. I had to fill out a very detailed patient history and bring in mri and any medical records I had. Also had to fill out and sign an opoid contract..with the name of my pharmacy and that. Best wishes to you! Tresa

[sandee1818]

This sounds very odd indeed. He id not ask for MRI results or even x-ray results? While I am gald as I am sure you are that he is treating your pain there is more to pain management than just prescibing medications.
If you feel uncomfortable with this doctor perhaps you should look into other in your area.

[Ryder_1]

Thanks for the replies guys. When I had my first appointment I was just happy to have gotten in and out of there without any problems because I have heard horror stories about going to pain management. But now that a month has gone by and I've thought about it......nothing was really done.......literally. I went in, the didnt check my blood pressure, they didnt weigh me, they didnt ask for any records, they didnt take blood, they didnt take a urine sample......nothing at all. He just asked how I hurt myself and what still hurts, what medications I've tried in the past and he asked if I wanted to try oxycontin or ms contin. Then he wrote me a prescription and told me to come back in 3 months to see him and to come in monthly to pick up my refills.....that was it. Its a little strange now that I think of it. And this isnt a clinic or anything, I have really good insurance and this is a private doctors office where he is the only doctor. He and the staff where really really nice, but it doesnt seem like I was even treated.

[sandee1818]

Alot of doctors have gone to seeing them only every three months since most Pt's only come in for refills. This does not mean you can not see the doctor. if you do need to see the doctor call them ahead of time so they can schedule you for an actual appointment. if your going to just pick up your prescriptions then you will generally have to have weight , blood pressure and pain levels checked.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ryder,

I am sorry that you did not receive more information on your first visit. I would think that a first visit would be filled with information and there would be a small question and answer time.

In our state we (chronic pain patients) are followed by our PCP instead of a PMP. I see my PCP every two to three weeks. I do have other medical issues but I also receive manipulations to help treat my pain. I can call for pain meds or if I have an appointment she will give me the RX at that time.

If you have questions I would call the clinic and ask. I assume you had to sign a contract. Does that contain any information in it regarding frequency of visits or how to obtain your monthly prescriptions?

Peace,
Tuck

[nurseaudrea]

Every doctor is different in how often they want to see you. I see mine once a month and more often if I am having problems. However, saying that I do know of doctors who do only see their patients every couple of months when they are stable in their treatment and when they don't expect anything to change in that time. I did have a doctor several years ago I saw every other months when I was stable on my meds. I just went in to pick up my rx and had to call a couple days ahead to remind them.

If you are having problems I would mention it to the staff to make sure you can speak with the doctor sooner. They should not have any problems with that hopefully.

Good luck and take care.
Audrea