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Law requiring new test

Is there a new law requiring an NCV to get refills of pain meds?  After 4 years my doc says everyone has to have one.
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hello  Michelest,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum.

I don't know in which state you reside. Laws are changing everywhere. They call it the War on Drugs but sometimes it feels like the "War on Ppl with Chronic Pain"!!! States are attempting to stop deaths of our young and the abuser through clamping down on the physicians that are prescribing them. We all know that approach hurts us, the chronic pain patients. There has to be a better solution.... but until one is found we have to jump through hoops, such as repeating nerve conductivity tests.

Physician's are afraid of losing their license or being disciplined by the DEA or medical board. Therefore they are "documenting" pain to the best of their abilities. They look to these tests to confirm that the patient has a "real" reason for pain and thus their prescription of opiates is legitimate.

It's my guess that is what has occurred in your situation. My new PMP in my winter location said if I had  pain that could not be documented he could not prescribed for me. He also said if I had Fibro or a similar condition he would tell me to return to my home state as he could not help me. That's so sad. Fibro patients have real pain.... It's not their fault that medical science has not yet found a definitive way to diagnosis this painful condition.  

I hear your frustration and would feel the same .... but I would have the test and hope this is the "poof" needed and the end of it.

Please let us know how this goes for you. I'll look forward to your updates.

My Best to You,
~Tuck
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Avatar universal
I'm quite sure a Nerve Conduction Velocity test is elective.  I think he is telling you a whopper.  Is it required in your pain meds contract perhaps?  If you are a WC patient, the WC insurance company may be requesting it in order to continue your benefits.  If that is the case, you had best speak with your attorney.  Good Luck.
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