Pain Management Physicians Accused of Drug Pushing
June 18, 2007
by: Stephanie
KevinMD brought to my attention an interesting article in the New York Times about treating chronic pain - especially through the use of opioids.
Examples of opioids commonly prescribed to treat back pain and other forms of chronic pain include OxyContin, Dilaudid, Vicodin, Percocet, oxycodone, methadone or morphine.
The article quotes research findings that as many as 50% of patients with chronic pain do not get adequately treated for the pain from their physicians. Why? The article postulates a number of widespread factors, such as fear (among both the public and medical community) of addiction.
The point that surprised me most was an increase in physicians' fear of being prosecuted for prescribing opioids. In 2006, the DEA opened 735 investigations of doctors regarding their drug prescriptions, and just being investigated can ruin a doctor.
The article states "an investigation alone can be enough to put a doctor out of business, as doctors can lose their licenses and practices and have their homes, offices and cars seized even if no federal criminal charges are ever filed. 71 doctors were arrested last year for crimes related to “diversion” — the leakage of prescription medicine into illegal drug markets."
A compelling discussion.
Posted by: Stephanie
Source: When is a Pain Doctor a Drug Pusher? - New York Times
Subject: throbbing persistent groin and lack of relief from medications
Thaks for answers in March. I am still suffering from throbbing groin pain when sitting. Medication like neurontin , amitryptiline and tramadol not helping. My doctor suggested my having a neuro stimulator inserted but my neurologist did not agree with that , Don't know what to do.
April 19th, 2009
Subject: throbbing persistent groin and lack of relief from medications
Thaks for answers in March. I am still suffering from throbbing groin pain when sitting. Medication like neurontin , amitryptiline and tramadol not helping. My doctor suggested my having a neuro stimulator inserted but my neurologist did not agree with that , Don't know what to do.
April 19th, 2009
Subject: This is very upsetting, the
This is very upsetting, the system needs to be re-thought, doctors need better protection from such accusations. Perhaps all patients receiving opiod addiction treatment could be monitored someway by a separate entity to ensure there is no sign of addiction and to relieve a doctor of that responsibility.
May 6th, 2009