Flagged

[hopinforhappy]

I went to the doctor this morning.  I have a very big addiction problem.  He told me I had been flagged and that I wouldn't be able to find a doctor that would see me anymore.  He did get me in touch with an addiction clinic and I have an appointment for tomorrow.  I know I have a big problem and need to have it taken care of but does this mean that I now will not be able to see a doctor or go to a pharmacy?  I realize fully that this is something I have done to myself and will accept the consequences for my actions but would like to at least know what I am up against.  Any help is appriciated.  Thanks!

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

It is impossible to say what your doctor was specifically referring to-- there is not a 'flagging system' that is set up in any state that I am aware of.  There are some states that have laws against 'doctor shopping'-- Florida is one, I believe-- but my guess is that your doc was referring to a system of flagging charts within the health clinic or system your doc is part of.

In my area, pharmacies routinely contact the doctor to let him/her know that the patient has scripts from multiple docs-- I always wonder how they do that without violating HIPAA.  In fact, sometimes I will have a new patient but something doesn't quite 'sound right', and I will call a couple of the big chain pharmacies and ask if they have any flags on a certain patient-- I will get permission from the patient before making the call, or else I would be violating their privacy-- and sometimes, in spite of the patient giving permission, the pharmacist will say 'Oh yes, that person gets percocet from (here), and oxycontin from (here)...'  

As for your ban, your doc can potentially keep you from seeing another doc in the clinic he works (depending on the initial paperwork you signed), but can't keep you from a different office or from a pharmacy.  And if you haven't signed a release, he cannot call other docs and tell them anything about you.

Please get help, sooner rather than later.

[hopinforhappy]

I didn't get help soon enough and landed in jail.  I got out yesterday and today went to a recovery program.  I did all my intake and will start methadone tomorrow.  I am really excited and can't wait to be free of this.  I am scared but know I have to take responsibility for what I have done.  Thanks for your time!