One critical thing to understand about pain doctors is that they prescribe large quantities of schedule 2 drugs (opiates); therefore, they come under strict scrutiny of the Drug Enforcement Agency, a federal government agency mandated to control the distribution of controlled substances. Pain physicians must account to the DEA any change in prescriptions and prove they’re not writing prescriptions for drug addicts. A doctor’s license to care for patients is therefore always on the line.
There are tips on what to ask and what not to ask when talking to your doctor about your pain issues:
1. Always begin by telling the doctor something that went well. Reason: pain patients were rated “worst patients to treat” as stated by a large multi-hospital outpatient survey. Why? They never get cured! Remember, doctors wish to help. Therefore, they can get burned out on an individual who never shares anything positive or makes any progress.
2. Doctors often ask patients to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10. Never start off by telling the doctor your pain is over a “7″. Reason: Studies show that physicians do not believe that pain can get that high outside the hospital. When physicians are told 7 or above they medicate at a 5 or 6 level. When they were told pain was a 5 or 6 they medicate at a 7 or 8 level. It’s human nature not to believe in the extremes. Tell the truth – but not initially – if your pain is extremely high. You want your MD to believe you.
3. Never display emotion during your visit with a pain physician. Reason: Studies demonstrate that expressed emotions significantly increase the chances physician will judge a patient as a “head case”. Always calm yourself emotionally ahead of seeing your doctor to increase the chances you’ll be taken seriously.
4. Never mention the name of a drug without being asked. Reason: The doctor might interpret that patient as a drug seeker.
5. Not wise to tell the doctor your dog ate your drugs, they were stolen or the pharmacy didn’t get the amount correct – even when those things happen. Reason: The physician will have to justify another prescription to the DEA or they may think you’re abusing the medication.
6. Prior to your appointment, write a short paragraph describing the facts of your condition since your last visit. Make sure you mention something positive. Then list a couple of questions you may have. Give this note to the receptionist and ask them to put it on top of your file so that the doctor can read it before he sees you. This helps the doctor get a bead on your condition before they sit down and discuss your pharmaceutical options.
Dr. Hawkins received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 1979. Dr. Hawkins began consulting with doctorsand treating medical patients in 1982. He is a member of the American Academy of Pain Management, American Psychological Association and Oklahoma Psychological Association. He is a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers. Dr. Hawkins is Past President of the Oklahoma Health Service Providers. He has conducted workshops about pain management cognitive behavioral therapy for both professional and patient populations.
http://chronicpainrecovery.com