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Negative Test - False Accusations
I hope I can get some assistance with this dilemma. I am currently assisting a person dealing with PTSD , neurological and physical truama and a lot of the pain associated with being a victim of a gay hate crime. For the past year and a half, he has been on several medications for depression, pain, sleep and for symptoms associated with PTSD anxiety and nightmares. Recently, he was asked to submit a urine sample, and his test came out negative for the vicadine that he was taking "as needed", and was accused by the nurse and the doctor for "selling his medication" and not taking it as prescribed. Now, 6 months earlier, this same man being accused of selling his medications, returned 3 prescriptions to the previous Dr. (she no longer works there) because the medications were not working with the other medications he was on. The Dr. informed him that he was a liar, and that he was not going to treat him because if he was taking the medications, then he would test positive. I saw this person approximately 1/2 in my office, shaking, crying and wondering "what he did wrong?"This doctor does not realize that this victim of a hate crime who suffers from PTSD, was just re-victimized, and sees nothing wrong with what he did.
Now, my question is, I know that this person takes numerous medications, and I informed him that he should go to his primary and discuss the situation and ask for both another urine and blood test. He managed to do so the following day, and was administered the tests, but was denied another referral from his primary doctor for another pain management specialist. The Cl is on disability, so does he have a choice, or can he seek another clinic/doctor without the referral? Second, I know that this Cl takes his medications, but for some reason, the vicadin, anti-depressants and sleep meds did not show on either test, or than the "obvious" of not taking them, which in his condition is not likely, could there be a reason for this?
Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I would like to assist this CL in the best manner possible
Respectfully,
Think4u62
Now, my question is, I know that this person takes numerous medications, and I informed him that he should go to his primary and discuss the situation and ask for both another urine and blood test. He managed to do so the following day, and was administered the tests, but was denied another referral from his primary doctor for another pain management specialist. The Cl is on disability, so does he have a choice, or can he seek another clinic/doctor without the referral? Second, I know that this Cl takes his medications, but for some reason, the vicadin, anti-depressants and sleep meds did not show on either test, or than the "obvious" of not taking them, which in his condition is not likely, could there be a reason for this?
Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I would like to assist this CL in the best manner possible
Respectfully,
Think4u62
Has anyone tried getting tested at a lab the doctor doesn't usually use?
Is it possible to bring your own test results in and challenge erroneous results?
Is it possible to bring your own test results in and challenge erroneous results?
I am so sorry this has happened to you. As you see from the numerous post just here in our community at MH it is an ongoing problem with no end in sight.
The test you received is the most advanced. Going by the cost you provided you were tested for each individual drug you were taking as well as other prescription and also illegal drugs as well. This test breaks down each drug in your system and the level of each drug. I used to have these type of test done years ago and I always asked to see the results. It would list each and every medication and the level of each one separately.
The test that most PM doctors use is far less advanced and tels much less than this type of test. The test used most often will detect opiates, benzos etc, but not the level or specific drug.
It seems I have read that McVee had some problems with test being wrong somewhere. I will see if I can find it again.
It is going to be difficult to find a new doctor but it is not impossible. You need to get on this right away. Try and make your medications last as long as possible. Try and make the Oxycontin last longer by extending the time between your doses and save the oxycodone for extreme pain only. It will be hard to do but it will be much better than taking it as you normally do and then be out.
I would suggest seeing a primary care physician and then have them refer you to a PM doctor. I do strongly advise you to write an accurate account of everything that occurred and what medications you took ( time and dosage) that day before the test and have this letter sent to your doctor registered mail and keep a copy for your records.
make sure you make a clear account of what happened and that you do take all your medications as prescibed and you know there was a mistake made somewhere. Ask for a retest to be done in your letter as well. This letter will become part of your record.
The state laws are different in many states but I know in most states your doctor has to give you a thirty day supply of medications to allow you thirty days to replace your doctor. If the doctor does not there is the patient abandonment laws. Did you sign a contract and does it include a clause that if your dismissed as a Pt that you will receive...?
I know it is very frustrating but remain positive and get started on doing what you need to find a new doctor. No one is going to do this as you have to do it yourself, get on this right away and remain diligent in it.
There is hope, do not give up. There are doctors that do understand these test are not infallible and will offer you another chance.
Please keep us posted and we will help in any way we can:)
The test you received is the most advanced. Going by the cost you provided you were tested for each individual drug you were taking as well as other prescription and also illegal drugs as well. This test breaks down each drug in your system and the level of each drug. I used to have these type of test done years ago and I always asked to see the results. It would list each and every medication and the level of each one separately.
The test that most PM doctors use is far less advanced and tels much less than this type of test. The test used most often will detect opiates, benzos etc, but not the level or specific drug.
It seems I have read that McVee had some problems with test being wrong somewhere. I will see if I can find it again.
It is going to be difficult to find a new doctor but it is not impossible. You need to get on this right away. Try and make your medications last as long as possible. Try and make the Oxycontin last longer by extending the time between your doses and save the oxycodone for extreme pain only. It will be hard to do but it will be much better than taking it as you normally do and then be out.
I would suggest seeing a primary care physician and then have them refer you to a PM doctor. I do strongly advise you to write an accurate account of everything that occurred and what medications you took ( time and dosage) that day before the test and have this letter sent to your doctor registered mail and keep a copy for your records.
make sure you make a clear account of what happened and that you do take all your medications as prescibed and you know there was a mistake made somewhere. Ask for a retest to be done in your letter as well. This letter will become part of your record.
The state laws are different in many states but I know in most states your doctor has to give you a thirty day supply of medications to allow you thirty days to replace your doctor. If the doctor does not there is the patient abandonment laws. Did you sign a contract and does it include a clause that if your dismissed as a Pt that you will receive...?
I know it is very frustrating but remain positive and get started on doing what you need to find a new doctor. No one is going to do this as you have to do it yourself, get on this right away and remain diligent in it.
There is hope, do not give up. There are doctors that do understand these test are not infallible and will offer you another chance.
Please keep us posted and we will help in any way we can:)
Thank you for responding to my post. I have not yet went to the site you put in your post but I am going to after I get off of here. I don't no what I'm going to do. Been seeing this Doctor for years and really doesn't know much about me. Comes in doesn't look at me, looks at computer and was printing out prescriptions and then leaves. Not much of talker I guess, but everytime I have tried to talk to him about what is going on in my life he just doesn't want to hear it.
It is often best to approach a doctor with current research, or research they may not be aware of. Print out documents that support your position and make sure copies are in your medical file.
As far as urine testing, I've heard that it is unreliable. Check out:
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/01/pitfalls-of-urine-drug-monitoring-in.html
If you must sign a narcotics contract with a doctor, try to remove the urine test option with a notation that testing will be limited to blood tests. Have the doctor initial and date the change, with you, before you sign the contract. Be sure to have a copy for your own records, at home, and be sure the altered contract is in your medical file.
Hope this helps anyone facing a similar situation. It might not be perfect, but it's better than being completely at the mercy of a lab coat that has no real stake in your condition and is not experiencing YOUR pain..
As far as urine testing, I've heard that it is unreliable. Check out:
http://updates.pain-topics.org/2010/01/pitfalls-of-urine-drug-monitoring-in.html
If you must sign a narcotics contract with a doctor, try to remove the urine test option with a notation that testing will be limited to blood tests. Have the doctor initial and date the change, with you, before you sign the contract. Be sure to have a copy for your own records, at home, and be sure the altered contract is in your medical file.
Hope this helps anyone facing a similar situation. It might not be perfect, but it's better than being completely at the mercy of a lab coat that has no real stake in your condition and is not experiencing YOUR pain..
I had a recent tox screen from my PM and one of my tests came back neg. I have been on oxycontin, oxycodone and valium for about five years now.He has discharged me and now I am in a mess of crap. I have always taken my meds and this is the first test I have ever tested neg. for since I have been seeing him. He is not a very caring person and told me that he would no longer take care of me. I will not even be able to work due to this because of my pain issues. He stated that I must be selling my medication which I have never done. I have called other PM but they all want me to have a referral from him. They will not see me if he sends in any of his chart notes about me that they want. He also called me a liar and said this test does not lie.I will soon be going though withdrawl and unbearable pain. I have degeneritive disc disease along with herniated discs and lots of other physical problems. I don't understand why they automatically call you a liar and that this type of test does not lie. I seen the bill for this test and it was $1904 for a drug test. Has anyone got any ideas for me. I honestly don't know what to do. I do not have a PCP he was my only Dr. The test were done at a lab called McVee. I am so sorry for everyone having to be put through this uncalled for B.S. We should not be let go for one test that comes back neg. then treated like some kind of worthless piece of trash. For god sake we are feeling individuals and should be treated with much more care and respect. Does anyone have any suggestions for me.I have been a nervous wreck since this has happened to me and am afraid I will no longer have any kind of quality of life. Thank you .
Something absolutely needs to be done about this, it's infuriating that people are suffering because of inaccurate tests. I can't believe this is going on, doctors need to be made aware and bring it up at national conferences.
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