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Posted 8/28/2012 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
hello!

i am new here but glad i am here and i really could use some help on what to do...

i have been seeing the same doc for pain mgmt. since 2007, and loved everyone there and they all treated me wonderfully, but

sadly the officer manager passed away in june, so she had to be replaced, and then the other woman left (not sure why)

so my doctors had to replace them...

here comes the trouble,

for the past 5 years i have called on day 22 of a 25 day prescription to have a refill written  to be picked up the next day, sometimes a day before depending on the doc schedule and day of week.  i called last month and a new lady called me back and said it was way to early that i filled them a few days ago and she would be telling the doctor i called early, so i get a message from my doctor later how we need to have a meeting about my medicine and why i am calling 2 weeks early.  i try to call the doctor back and the machine so i left a message saying that he must have me mixed up with someone else.  the message never got to him because the same new woman pulled it off the machine and called me AGAIN, so i waited till after hours to page him because i do not need this type of stress and that he can call the pharmacy and verify.. he looked through my charts and apologized and i had it filled with 2 pills to spare.

fast foward to this week,

my script is on its 22nd day on sunday and monday is a holiday, so i called to see what his schedule is and if he was going away could he post date it.  the same woman calls me and says you had that filled the 17th, i said noooo the 13th, she gets very rude and said NO it was the 17th, and she starts counting days OUT LOUD, i wanted to cry and yell and hang up but i am not rude (as i worked with patients for 16 years before i got sick) so i said i picked the script up on this date.....

she comes back at me with well it must have been post dated..... now i am mad but still calm and i say i am looking at the date on the bottle, she gets quiet and starts counting from the 13th, she gets to the 25th day and says you will be out here and you can pick it up the following day (the 26th day) AND she says don't bother calling till next week.  now my script will run out at midnight and my doctors offfice does not open till 10.

i need medicine to function in the morning and being it is a friday she wants me to come what if theres a problem with insurance or the pharmacy is backordered (it has happened).

what should i do- i am afraid she will say i called too early, when in fact i get worried because of a holiday (i have had the same routine for 5 years) then my doctor gets mad because he cannot remember the exact day of my script without my chart.

i want to call but she retrieves the messages. i also feel like she is trying to get me in trouble OR she thinks i cannot count...

someone like that should not work with people.  i mean my doctor can call the pharmacy ----what benefit am i going to get by lying about the date when he can call the pharmacy to ask and dismiss me if i was lying.

 

Posted 8/28/2012 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Oh my, I think everyone here got off to a wrong start. Could you call the office administrator and explain your problem including how organized you are and by communicating with one another work this out so you get your medications and she feels like she controlled the situation telling you when they would accept your calls.

It's always a shame when a system works for years how somebody new steps in and everything you have done for years is suddenly wrong. Try not to get upset, I know this must be more than frustrating, and I can not imagine the doctor having to handle all of the upset patients, because if she is doing this to you she must be doing it to others.

All the best
Posted 8/28/2012 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there...I am sorry that you are having so many troubles:(

It is really hard when there is a change in staff and they do not know you...

I have to say that I haven't heard of someone getting 25 day prescriptions as my PM and other Drs. for the last 11 years have always used a 30 day prescription....I am surprised that your insurance has been ok with this as well.

But it sounds like this is what you, your Dr. and insurance were ok with all these years.

I can see where the office manager is now being a stickler with you picking it up exactly on the 25th day as this is how my prescriptions are written for the most part.(on the 30th day)..give or take a day or two here and there because of a weekend/holiday.

The only thing I can suggest at this point if you can't reach the Dr. beforehand...is going first thing on Friday morning to pick it up and go over to your Pharmacy. If you have been using the same pharmacy for these years....most of them will allow you to partial fill a prescription if they only have a certain amount....but then go back and get another prescription for the remaining amount (if it's a Schedule 2)...So this way you wouldn't be without medication if they don't have the total amount. I have had this happen a few times over the years.

And then next appt. with your Dr....just calmly discuss this issue and see if he is still ok with the 25 day prescription being picked up earlier than this as you say has been ok in the past..(day 22 or 23)...or if he is wanting to move you to absolutely waiting until the 25th day. Get this in writing..whatever it is...so that you can show the office manager if needed.

As well as you can try to squirrel away a few pills here and there over the next few months..(obviously not a lot so that if/when you have a urine test it is the expected amount)...

This way, if you ever run into this again with an upcoming holdiay weekend...you can have a few extra pills to use if you can't get a partial fill at the pharmacy and need to wait...
Posted 8/28/2012 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
i forgot to add, my doctor is busy so he does rely on the staff to let him know if its time to fill, etc. i do not want this woman to keep saying i called early repeatedly because my doctor will get tired of that, also i do not want her to say its early when in fact its responsible to things a few dayes before to have some leeway in case of an emergency. i mean i want to ask her do wait till the day after due date to pay your bills??? or inspect your car??
it just makes me upset i have to deal with that, i mean obviously i have medical problems do i really the stress of worrying on top of it.
Posted 8/28/2012 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
i would be okay if it was to be filled on the 25th day but she told me to come on the 26th day because i will be fine on the 25th day.
i will be out after my bedtime does :(
he writes for 25 days because i was paying out of pocket because i was denied ssdi and my cobra dropped me.

but yesterday i got a call i was granted ssdi retro and medicare, i was super happy that i won 1 battle for the day.
Posted 8/28/2012 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Is this Friday day 26?

I don't know what else to suggest this time around unless you try to contact your Dr. again to see if you can pick it up earlier...Then as I mentioned...you can speak with him at your next appt. to work out the details..

I don't have any insurance and have always had a 30 day prescription...but again...it's really about what you and your Dr. have worked out...

Although I will say that it may change to a 30 day prescription now that you are going on Medicare...but either way...it's about following the prescription as it reads which it sounds like you do.

Good luck and congrats on the SSDI!!
Posted 8/28/2012 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
sorry i keep adding. i means alot to have someone understand what kind of stress it is when you have a set way, and his office is like a 30 minute drive, so its not always easy.
i guess i am just shocked that she talks down to me, as if i didn't go through years of that when trying to get to where i am today, it kind of makes me feel like i did in the beginning of this journey.
: ) thank you!!

JENN

snowbunny- i have a yellow dog that sleeps under the computer desk. she's a golden retriever but i call her yellow dog--thank god for pets, i would be nuts if i didn't have them.
Posted 8/28/2012 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Believe me...I totally get how degrading and upsetting it is to have someone like that treat you poorly!....I had a terrible time with my last Neuro and PM...they accused me of picking up my prescription when I was out of town in another state!!! They tried to say I was doubling up on prescriptions and the nurse swore up and down that it was me who already picked it up. I was furious as this was a complete lie and unfortunately this was years ago where this Dr. office did not have you sign your name when you picked up prescriptions...

So it was downhill from there...I was in excruciating pain from a botched cervical fusion...and nowhere to turn...Thankfully a few months later I found my now PM and Neuro who are the best Drs. anyone could hope for. They are so amazing and my first appt. my Neuro hugged me saying "We will not let you get in that much pain again".

My Dr. is 30 minutes away as well....same thing with my Pharmacy as they are closer to where I used to live across town but I continue to go to the same Pharmacy for the past 11 years as they know me and if there are ever any issues...they always help me out.. They know I have no insurance and have to pay cash...so a few months ago the Sam's club started using a new lab for their MSContins...well it is more expensive and my Pharmacist felt bad since I didn't bring enough money as I had budgeted for my normal amount...so he just wrote the rest off and said no worries..!!!

So...just wanted to share that I understand how awful it is...I just suggest if you are staying with this Dr. that you try to be as calm and nice as possible to her...but then calmly speak with your Dr. when you see him next about the situation. Try not to "blame" her per say...but just speak of it being a misunderstanding as she is new and not used to your way you have always done things with this Dr. and how he let you pick up prescriptions early...

This way...you try to be the "better person" here and work it out logically with him. As I wrote...get it in writing so that you can then go out and show the office manager and say that you realize she was just following protocol but because of your distance to drive there...and how you and the Dr. have this worked out differently for you than for other patients.

I just try to kill them with kindness!!! LOL

That's great that you have your fur baby to snuggle with you!!! I would be lost without my pup as well...He has helped me through my divorce and surgeries....
Posted 8/28/2012 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Oh next friday is day 26. i called because i wanted to find out about the holiday, because i wanted to have my bases covered because i wanted to know what the office's holiday schedule was. my cardio doc's office is closed from friday to wed. for the holiday, and its always crazy at his office on a holiday (he also is the doc for a nursing home) so i figured safe bet would be to call and have it postdated.
Posted 8/28/2012 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
So if I am reading things right...she won't let you pick up the prescription Thursday....which is day 25...or tomorrow...and have them post date the prescription:(...

Not knowing what your prescriptions are...can you take one or two less pills the next two days to have them for Friday? And will you be able to go first thing Friday am to pick it up and take it to the Pharmacy? As I mentioned...I hope that they would fill your prescription partially if for some reason they don't have enough...
Posted 8/28/2012 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
yeah, they make us sign a book too, which makes it even more annoying because my signature is there plain as day. i really hate being talked down to or kind of being lookeed at like liar.. i had it happen after i had my pacemaker put in, the day of discharge my pain was bad and something was not right, she basically said well no more iv for you and you have your medication at home so take that when you get home... to make a long story short --- i went home and was really sick and in alot of pain, but somehow my family got me to go over for easter, where i collapsed because the pacemaker punctured the sac around my heart, i had a pericardial effusion and my organs were failing and my bp was like 60/29, i had emergency surgery. thank god for easter because i would have been at my house all alone when it happened. AND guess who was my nurse 2 days after emergency surgery.....
Posted 8/28/2012 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
the thing is i never really requested a refill i was seeing what the schedule was like to see when i should call, but when i called to even inquire as to when are they going to be in she shut me down and said do not bother calling till the 25th day. i hope the dr. really sees how she is on the phone because like someone said it can't just be me, and he's bound to get angry calls of ppl that absolutely need their prescription filled on "said date" because ms. pantiesinawhad at his office blocks people until they run out of medicine :/
Posted 8/28/2012 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Once I have an issue with a staff member and especially when they get snarky with me I go straight to the doctor. It's not worth it messing around with staff. Some of them have a doctor complex and want to run the show. I would take all your bottles or paperwork showing that you have always done it this way and tell him she is actually making you wait until your meds have run out.

I had something similiar happen when my doc was going on vacation and they had me come in like 3 days early. Well the NEW nurse said it was a week early and when she made my appointment I said I would be out of meds. Well she immediatley jumped on me, got me all discombobulated and I ended up agreeing with her just so she would stop snapping at me. Well I was like 2 days short of meds. I had extra so I let it go but I try and build up a few days extra for emergencies, not snarky nurses. So I will never let that happen again.

Speak with your doc!

Posted 8/28/2012 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jenn
Welcome to our cp forum. Sorry you are having so much trouble getting your meds. I just can't get over how many stories are hear about the trouble of getting one's meds. It's crazy and i don't get it. I am in Canada and it doesn't happen. I hope you can get all this straightened out soon so you get your meds that you need. What about making an appt with your doctor and talk directly to him about the trouble you are having.

Keep posting with us. We do care.
Suzane
Posted 8/28/2012 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
I agree that it's important to tell the Dr. about her actions...I would just make sure though that you do it in a way that is respectful and without as much anger/emotion even though I know it's hard.

And if there is any way possible to try and make nice with her when you see her and just explain things to her (after your appt. with the Dr. and he writes down your schedule) about how you appreciate her being thourough....something to that effect! LOL..

This is just my personal thoughts because as I said...if you are going to want to stay with this Dr....the better relationship you can have with her and the staff the better. Again...I am NOT excusing her behavior or saying you shouldn't speak up for yourself....I just think that doing it in the best way possible will benefit you in the long run.

It's the same with my Pharmacy...I have a great relationship with the head Pharmacist....but when a new one was added on...she didn't know anything about me and was questioning all my meds...paying cash....etc. So it took quite a few months for me to finally get to know her and vice-versa. I would call her by name...ask about her family....vacations....etc. Everything that I could do to get on her good side.

I truly hope it all works out well for you! Keep us posted...
Posted 8/28/2012 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Memee and welcome to the forum. Wow, what a mess you are dealing with. I guess this new nurse thinks she is going to come in that office and whip everyone into place, sure sounds that way.

First off, as a patient you should be treated respectfully. Being talked down to is not acceptable. If you have not done anything wrong then you should not be treated in this manner, period. I would tell the dr on my next appt how rude and ugly this person is on the phone and remind him that until she came on the scene you never had a problem one with his office. Remind him that you two have had a perfect patient/doctor relationship all of these years and suddenly it feels as if you are being attacked by this nurse and that you have done nothing to be treated this way. Let him know this happens every time you call and that she has gone as far as to tell you not to call. This is just wrong.

If you don't step up and tell him then he will not know. Also, try your best not to get mad or emotional when talking to your dr about this.

Good luck and let us know how this pans out...Susie
Posted 8/29/2012 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi memeedog and welcome to Healing Well Chronic Pain Forum! It is uncalled for that a nurse should treat you that way, and be so disrepectfull to you. I know you are frustrated with her, and I can understand how you must feel.  I know the temptation to tell her off must be extremely high, but like the others have told you, it is best to be polite  and tactful. Along time ago, very early in my military career, I had a old Senior Master Sargent tell me this when I was really mad at this new first Lt. that took over our detachment. Anyway, he said. When ever you are mad or frustrated and want to tell your commander or boss or any one for that matter, if you want to tell them to go to "Hades" just make sure you tell them in such a way, that they will look forward to the trip, and will enjoy the stay while they are there! If you can't tell them that,  in that way, then it is better that you not say anything at all! This bit of wisdom has served me well, not only in my military career, but also as a nurse, and in allot of situations in my personal life.  I would have a good conversation with your Doctor about her,  and  be honest and factual, but do not be critical or show any distain for that nurse.  I am sure that your Doctor would like to know about it, as this affects his practice and his patients!

 

I wish you well with this and hope you can get this all resolved!

 

White Beard

Posted 8/29/2012 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Memeedog, Welcome to the forum.

I had a similar type thing happen with a Doctors receptionist. Anytime I called the office or went in she was always rude and acted like she in charge of the whole place. I had put up with her disposition on many occasions but got to the point I was ready to go somewhere else to keep from dealing with her. I finally decided to talk to the doctor. He appeared to be oblivious to the fact she was treating her patients disrespectful. I let him know how I felt. He was very receptive and assured me he would take care of the matter. I had a recheck appointment a few days later and apparently he must have had a talk with her. She was a completely different person, not only to me, but to every other person who walked in the office, as I sat there waiting to go back.
Sometimes Doctors are so busy they do not always see what is going on in their office and it does take us patients to keep them informed as to how we are being treated. If you have had a good relationship in the past, I believe a good talk with him about everything going on should help you to get your meds timely. If it doesn't work I would make sure the doctor hears from you as to why you left his practice to go elsewhere.

Good luck
D.
Posted 8/29/2012 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
I have read all your accounts here, a terrible story and something that never should have ever happened.

The solution is real simple. You go straight to the doctor, period. You lay out the facts of the case and situation, expound upon how you have been treated, etc. A good doctor would not tolerate for one minute what you have relayed here.

I had one episode only a couple of years back with my long term urologist/surgeon. His nurse talked down to me and made me feel like an utter piece of crap. I relayed the story to my doctor. He walked right out of the patient room I was in, and called her into his office, and absolutely tore into her. The walls were thin and I heard everything he said to her. She almost lost her job over it.

To this day, everytime she sees me, she treats me like royalty and with respect. Obvious she valued her job.

Also, I have used the same drug store for more than 10 years, perhaps 6-9 months ago, a young pharmacy clerk riducule the amount of Loratabs I was picking up (my monthly supply) in front of a crowd of customers. He actually dangled the bag in the air in front of me, and remarked, "That's an alwful lot of pain meds there, Mr. Riley".

I knew I didn't have to answer him, but I told him that I was suffering from cancer pain as the result of advanced prostate cancer.

On my next doctor's visit, I casually told the story to my oncologist's nurse. Unknown to me, later that day, she told the doctor, and jumped on the phone to the head pharmacist and ripped her a new one, and told her that he never wanted to hear about one of his patients being treated that way, etc. He also wrote a letter to the drug store chain, and so did his nurse.

On the next visit to the drugstore, the pharmacist took me to side and told me what happened. She felt so ashamed and was actually crying. She fired the clerk, and assured me that it would never happen again.

Morale of my story, go to the top. Take this right to the doctor and stand up for yourself, you have to be your own best advocate. If you don't take that role, no one else will.

Good luck, and never give up hope,

David
Posted 8/29/2012 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I would make sure to mention this problem, in as calm a manner as possible, to the doctor himself during your next appointment. He needs to know if his desk staff are unprofessional and making patients feel bad.
Posted 8/29/2012 7:50 AM (GMT 0)
Don't worry about SSDI and Medicare when you are going to fill your scripts. I am on SSDI and medicare for my prescriptions and Dr's appt's and always fill my scripts on the 25th day. Just take your time when you pick out your pharmacy plan, Make sure your meds are on there formulary (you can find this online). Also apply for extra assistance to help pay your monthly premium on your pharmacy plan.. It's a big help..My plan is $46-monthly but I only pay $16 a month and the government picks up the rest.. Take Care Beck
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