Yikes! Now what?

[hobbit]

I'm seeing a new neurologist and I had to make an appointment because he or his staff had been ignoring my request for a refill on some pain meds (he had ordered them before).

The appointment was basically him telling me that I need to rip off the band-aid of meds I've been on (?) and start over doing it this way (I've had MS for 28 yrs). He did end up prescribing me different meds. But here's the kicker, he was never closer than 5 ft from me.

Yesterday, I looked at this notes on MyChart, their portal, and while he mentions 1. I don't abuse pain medication. 2. We discussed pain and his alternative medications choices. 3. The report labels a physical examination.....that never happened.

He listed checking my eyes, my gait, measured reflexes, outward appearance, and motor assessment. None of this was done. None.

Other than having to find a new Dr. I don't know too whom to report this to? It will be my word against his although there are things in the report I can prove, who would listen? Any advice is appreciated.

[NoraS]

My doctors have been doing this, too. It makes me mad, but I chalked it up to standard paperwork. Back when I delivered my first child, my bill listed tons of supplies and procedures that weren't used. When I called my insurance company (which paid for the whole thing), they explained that this was just typical of a standard delivery and they'd automatically pay it because that's just how it is handled. I'm assuming that they're doing the same thing now because of Covid.

[loopey]

That's terrible!!! My neuro checks gait, reflexes etc. every single visit. I don't know who I would report it to hobbit but I sure would want to find out. I hope you can find a new doctor very soon!

[pennstater]

You have the right to request your medical records. After you receive the records, ask for correction in writing and also ask for their response in writing, along with any amended record. If the record you then receive contains the exam he never performed, you can also notify your insurer.

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-indivi...rds/index.html

A few words of caution that I can think of:

1. If you are on disability and need the clinical records to reflect ongoing exams and also need this neuro's ongoing support, you want to make sure any process you initiate doesn't hurt your disability claim.
2. The Neuro currently states you don't abuse drugs. I would hate to think a doctor could be vindictive, but you would not want him to change that to appear you do. That's is why important to get record, before asking for change.
3. If you need this neuro for any Rx renewal, I would get the record. Once you have a new Neuro, then I would proceed with getting it corrected.

I am not sure who you can report it to. If you have a good relationship with your PCP, maybe you could ask if you can report fraudulent reporting to the AMA or another organization. My experience with doctors though is they are hesitant to do/say anything against another doctor. So even though you are not asking the PCP to get involved, they may want to avoid the conversation

Good luck.

[hobbit]

Pennstater, those were my concerns as well. In the meantime I'm playing the game and have scheduled an appt with the pain specialist he recommended.

I have an extremely crude motto stating,
"Never slam a dick in the door".

I really miss my old doctor.

[palmtree]

I have experienced many of these kinds of things recently. Ever since the CDC started issuing those guidelines, it has been unreal.

I was reading over the notes from my hospital visits last night. I was horrified to read the things that were written.

”Patient was heard screaming. A CNA came in and found her blue in the face, jerking around violently. EKG demonstrated seizure like brain patterns. This is presumed to be due to benzodiazepines withdrawal.”

What benzodiazepines? I didn’t have any prescribed to me and certainly do not buy things that are not prescribed to me.

The report goes on, “after the fact, we determined that the patient was experiencing sepsis. We should have administered …in ER”.

They are all covering their ‘you know what’s’ by constantly blaming everything on drugs.
They leave no stone unturned when it comes to making sure a patient doesn’t get their medications. I wouldn’t take any of this personally but what they are doing is wrong.

I am going to take some of the advice of Pennstater and write to have my medical records corrected.

[annettyy]

I wish you luck!