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Ending a Narcotic Contract that was Never Used...how to??

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Posted 5/30/2014 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. Thanks for all of your suggestions for dealing with my c-spine issues and the issues with my records.

I would like to know the best way to terminate a narcotic contract. It was never used, but I understand if I receive meds in the future (due to possible post-surgical pain) I could get "in trouble".

Do I need to get a document from this doctor stating that it is terminated? Thanks so much!
Posted 5/30/2014 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
It is understood that so long as you inform the doctor with whom you signed the contract that you have or will be getting pain medication from another doctor and the reason for the medication that you are Ok. The purpose of the contract is to keep a person from doctor shopping for drugs.

If you do want to end it then you should write a letter to the doctor explaining why you want out of the contract. That should do it, but it may make that doctor want to no longer treat you for pain with anything stronger than tylenol.
Posted 5/30/2014 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Jim61938. I am perfectly fine with this doctor no longer "treating" me. She never "treated" me in the first place. She only refused me treatment, after they failed to diagnose two pseudoarthroses within my c spine. They called it "arthritis". Duke University Medical Center ortho surgeons have diagnosed me with the pseudoarthroses, and feel that revision surgery is in my near future. I only want to be "clear" of the contract so that I don't run into trouble with pain meds after said surgery. In my state, they "track" any and all prescriptions, especially if you are under contract. That's a good thing, because, as you said, doctor-shopping, malingering patients will be held to the contract. I hate being in this mess. Thank you!
Posted 5/30/2014 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
In your case then I would write the letter to the doctor. Just do not be shocked if another doctor ends up presenting you with a pain contract somewhere down the road.

As far as state's tracking people on pain medications this is getting to be pretty common in a lot of states. What they are looking for is people getting multiple scripts filled and different pharmacies, often times within days of each other.
Posted 5/30/2014 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Poplar, I had suggested in your other post writing a letter terminating the dr & be sure to date the letter. It can be mailed or dropped off at the office.

All pain mgt drs nowadays have patients sign a Contract. It is just part of pain mgt. The DEA thinks this helps protect the drs from patients that are out getting scripts from multiple drs, the same with having to do the UA's & some drs do pill counts.

If & when you decide to get a pain mgt dr please know there are 2 types out there. One will do injections & procedures only, no medications, the other will do the same plus will write scripts for meds if needed.

Take care.
Posted 5/30/2014 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
There is no way for anyone but your dr to know if you've signed a pain contract. State Prescription Monitoring Programs do list certain meds, and other related info, in their datebase, depending on individual state laws. The drs that have a patient sign pain contracts rx the type of meds the PMP's keep track of, but it isn't because you signed a pain contract, it is because of the meds you're rxed.
Posted 5/31/2014 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
I would go a step further and get receipt of the letter of intend especially if this is a anti opiate kinda Dr as they can sometimes get really ridiculous about those patients with signed contracts and even if they are not treating you.
Make a copy of it as well and spend a few dollars to send it registered.
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