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In order to better serve our patient
population as a whole, we have found it necessary to put some
long-standing “unwritten rules” on paper. It is our hope that by
doing so, our patients will better understand the rationale behind
these rules.
Narcotic Agreement:
In your new patient information packet you probably read and signed
an Informed Consent for Narcotics. This is a contract between you
and Pain Consultants of the Rockies. The purpose of the contract is
not to convey mistrust, intimidate or make us appear inflexible.
Rather, it is a tool used by our office to help us efficiently
monitor and treat your pain.
By requiring patients to call before
increasing their narcotic usage, we are able to assess the situation
and possibly make other suggestions or order tests such as x-rays or
lab work. By requiring patients to decline narcotics from other
providers and to use only one pharmacy, we are better able to assess
your narcotic usage and therefore your requirements. We also remain
in compliance with State and Federal laws pertaining to prescribing
narcotics.
Compliance Contract:
The purpose of this contract is to make clear our expectations
regarding appointments and behaviors. We have designed a program
that requires input from different specialties like Psychological
Services and Physical Therapy. We rely on these services to aid in
our assessment and treatment of your pain. We understand that some
of you may come to us having already attempted some of these
services and may have had less than desirable outcomes. However, we
are confident in our referrals and ask that you comply with our
recommendations. (**NOTE: Matters discussed with Psychological
Services are confidential. Pain Consultants of the Rockies is
provided a report from them that addresses only your pain issues.)
There are
certain behaviors and/or actions that will not be tolerated by our
office. First, we will not abide threatening words or acts. Our
“zero tolerance” policy states these are grounds for immediate
dismissal from this practice. Second, we can understand that
problems, concerns and questions come up which require our
attention. We ask that you call the office and leave a detailed
message for Holly or Annemarie. Messages are answered as quickly as
possible. Please do not stop in to speak with a staff member
without an appointment, as this will delay our interactions with
patients scheduled for that day. Multiple telephone calls for the
same issue will not change our response time. Problems or concerns
are handled in order of severity.
Primary Care Physician
Requirement:
Pain Consultants of the Rockies is a referral service only;
therefore, it is mandatory that you have a primary care physician
(PCP) prior to your first appointment at our clinic. We will inform
your PCP of our treatment recommendations after your initial
evaluation and of your progress thereafter. At the time of your
discharge from our service, your care will be referred back to your
PCP.
Medication Management
Policy:
The number of telephone calls received daily for medication refills
has grown immensely. Please read the following before calling the
office for a medication refill. The main goal of treatment with
narcotic medications is to improve your ability to function and/or
work. With that in mind, you must agree to help yourself by
following a healthy way of life including exercise, weight control
and limiting/ceasing the use of alcohol and tobacco.
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It is
important to take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you
need to change how you take your medications, you must contact
our office first. If your medications are taken other than as
directed and you run out early, please do not call for a refill,
as we will not be able to honor your request.
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Please call
your pharmacy if you need refills of your non-narcotic
medication. Once you have called your pharmacy, please do not
call the office. The request will be dealt with as quickly as
possible.
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We require 2
business days’ notice when requesting a refill. It can take
this long to obtain approval from your doctor. Please plan
accordingly, taking holidays and weekends into consideration.
Refills of narcotic medications will not be made as an
“emergency” because you suddenly realize you will run out
tomorrow. You must keep track of your medication and plan
ahead. PRESCRIPTIONS WILL NOT BE REFILLED AFTER OFFICE
HOURS, ON FRIDAYS OR ON WEEKENDS.
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Refill
requests will be taken Monday – Thursday from 8:30am to 4pm.
Requests received after 4pm will be addressed on the next
business day. Some narcotics require a handwritten prescription
that you will need to come and pick up. NARCOTIC
PRESCRIPTIONS
ARE NOT
FAXED, MAILED OR OTHERWISE DELIVERED TO YOUR PHARMACY.
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Medication
changes (switching from one to another) will not be made over
the telephone except in a dire emergency. Please wait until
your next appointment to discuss these changes.
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Medications
will not be refilled if you did not keep your last appointment
or did not make a follow up appointment as requested by your
doctor.
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Violation of
the above conditions can lead to termination of your association
with our clinic. If the violation includes obtaining controlled
substances from another practitioner, we may also report this
action to your PCP, local medical facilities and other
authorities.
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