Furious!

[Mossfern]

I was notified by Walgreens that my prescription for oxycodone was ready, so I went to pick it up.

Back story: I have severe spinal stenosis and had laminectomies on three vertebrae about 18 months ago.
The surgery failed, and now my pain is worse and more constant. I can't take NSAIDs because I have been on Warfarin for 30 years (another story).

The person at the counter had me wait a while and the pharmacist came to the window, holding my meds in his hand and informed me that they would not refill my prescription next time unless I got a recent MRI and had my pain management doctor supply a fresh diagnosis. He did give me the meds this time, but cautioned me that unless he had the newer documentation this would be it.

WTF? I am a 5'2" silver haired little old lady (in my mind I'm 35 mind you). Do they think that I'm standing on some street corner hawking opiods? Driving home I imagined this scenario: The insurance company denies my meds and I'm in agonizing pain...all...the...time! I get so desperate that I take to the street to get meds to manage the pain. The meds I get are laced with fentanyl and I die as a result.

These "rules" are not preventing an opioid crisis - they're creating one.

[LeftInTX]

1. Do you think they were speaking on behalf of your insurance company and not Walgreens?

They are obligated to fill it if your insurance approves it. However, doctors need to provide letters of medical necessity. I would think oxycodone would be a med that requires preapproval. Did you change Part D providers?

Check your Part D formulary.

[Mossfern]

3. The doc sent in the script

like he does every month. I usually get messages that they are waiting for insurance approval.

[aggiesal]

7. Easy way to check would be to go to another pharmacy ....

If they fill the refill, then it was Walgreen
If they say the same thing Walgreen told her, then it's the insurance company.

[forgotmylogin]

16. Gotta be careful with that!

That behavior to the DEA and pharmacy network can be interpreted as pill shopping.

When my mom was on Oxy, it was a requirement the doctor sent it to her specified pharmacy - there was no written Rx - and only they could fill it. They warned that bad stuff would happen if they saw she was getting pills from different locations.

[LeftInTX]

25. The only time I've gotten a paper script recently was after hours at the minor emergency clinic.

"Well, the pharmacies are all closed". That's been it.
It's all electronic now.

[aggiesal]

40. I would think that would happen if a person went to multiple pharmacy's in a short period of time ...

Not 1 pharmacy around the time the previous prescription was completed.

[forgotmylogin]

15. This is pretty much right. My mom had spinal stenosis and was on oxy.

I was the one who got to manage her pain meds and her anger when I couldn't get them - that's another story.

But I had all kinds of incidents where insurance wanted "proof" that she hadn't magically healed from her degenerative spinal condition somehow between monthly pain appointments and didn't need the opioid medication anymore. They said she should have surgery but consulting specialist said she only had a 50/50 chance of it working and it could possibly get worse due to her age and lack of activity (she wasn't going to survive any sort of physical rehab) so she opted not to have the surgery.

So many things could go wrong. If she went into the ER for another reason she would often ask for an extra refill of her oxy. They'd write her a week prescription, and the insurance would consider that was "what the doctors had approved for the month" so it was a slog making dozens of calls to get her reapproved.

I was on good terms with the pharmacy and they totally explained this was the DEA trying to curb misuse with efforts that were both draconian and understandable on the paperwork level.

[Mossfern]

29. Thank you!

This is my story, but I monitor my own meds. The surgery was very painful and recovery was a nightmare only to find out that it was unsuccessful. Fortunately I am able ( or was until my surgery) to exercise and had purchased a rower to get in both cardio and strength training. I'm waiting to be allowed to be active again after yet another procedure that didn't work. I usually do a couple of months of physical therapy before I start working out again.

I'm adding in yoga and neurofeedback.
I do not like how opioids make me feel and I wish I didn't need them to function.
Cleaning the cat litter or making the bed is no fun, and I usually wait until I need a pill and wait for it to start working before I attempt these simple chores.

OK - whining over.

[Lifeafter70]

2. My son goes through this every month

He has stage IV Acc Cancer. There is no cure and chemo doesn't work. It travels along the nerve endings. Nerve pain is the worst. He is now in the process of being weaned off of pain meds and told he just have to find a way to deal with the pain
It's hard but he has been using meditation to deal with pain. Cancer sucks.
Hopefully a pain doc can help you through this.

[Mossfern]

5. I feel for him!

My pain is nerve pain. I can't take gabapentin or lyrica as I get nasty side effects from them.
I'm going to start a Keto diet next week, it's supposed to help. Can your son try that?

[elocs]

58. A big thumb's up for the ketogenic dietary lifestyle because we are only beginning to find out

the wonders it can work in so many different areas to make you healthy. It is not a new diet, but over 100 years old,
first used to treat epilepsy until the discover a drug for it.

[Skittles]

8. people who abuse pain meds suck too

they are the ones making it harder for folk with chronic pain to get relief

[Mossfern]

10. Absolutely

I remember having a conversation years ago when they were discussing new regulations bemoaning the fact that the people who will suffer the most will be those who actually need the pain relief. Seems I was right.

[SARose]

30. My Mother died from an OxyContin overdose

She was in chronic pain for years. She saw a psychologist every week to get more pain meds.

She went thru rehab twice. Nothing relieved her pain so she overdosed. Her body finally needed more and more Oxy simply to maintain a minimal pain level. Let’s not talk about the addiction that comes with long term use.

She had spinal stenosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and was a kidney cancer survivor. Nothing relieved her chronic pain towards the end of her life.

Let’s give folks with chronic pain some grace, okay? They live in hell everyday.

[Skittles]

32. where did I trash people in chronic pain?

I absolutely understand people needing pain meds - I'm just saying the people who abuse meds - who keep getting them long after they truly need them, for example, or to SELL them - are the problem.

[SARose]

53. That's okay

I’m just telling you my story. My Mother went from a fun loving, globe trotting, wonderful person to a weak, old woman in a wheelchair from chronic pain. This is different from surgical pain management for instance.

Too many Americans suffer from chronic pain needlessly because physicians are afraid to really treat it.

Light and love

Rose

[Skittles]

55. I absolutely feel for those folk

I once had some bad back pain for short period of time and all I could think about was how it would be to live the rest of my life like that...I honestly don't think I could.......I do understand.

[Ms. Toad]

74. No. It is the response to punish everyone for the abuse of a few

Rather than find a way to address abuse, the response is to impose a pain tax on everyone in chronic or acute pain.

If you are in chronic pain, you now have to pay for doctor's visits every month (or quarterly), or, as in this case - an MRI that will show no more than that a chronic progressive disease is still there and getting worse.

If you regularly have acute pain for a known repetitive condition (my spouse, with her kidney stones), because your doctor may not have same day appointments, and they can't phone in narcotics prescriptions, you go to the emergency room which costs more but they have to see you the same day.

I didn't tolerate punishing everyone for the misbehavior in middle school when my daughters entire class was given a suspension because a couple of kids were acting out. It is no more appropriate in this circumstance. Find a way to address those who are misbehaving without imposing a tax (and on some instances major inconvenience) on a group of people who are already struggling.

[niyad]

18. Whatever happened to, "First, do no harm." One MIGHT be forgiven for

thinking that applies to not seeing one's patients suffering from lack of pain meds.

[MichMan]

4. They are just following the agreed ruling in the settlement that cost them $5 billion.

CVS and Walgreens to pay a combined $10.7 billion settlement for alleged opioid prescription lapses


CVS and Walgreens have agreed to pay a combined $10.7 billion to settle allegations they failed to adequately oversee opioid painkiller prescriptions, thus contributing to America's opioid addiction crisis.

The funds will be distributed to states, local governments and federally recognized tribes and will go toward opioid crisis abatement and remediation programs. CVS will pay $4.9 billion to states and political subdivisions and approximately $130 million to tribes. Walgreens will pay $4.95 billion, plus more than $750 million in fees for attorneys and costs. The payments will be made over time.

The pharmacy chains have also agreed to implement robust controlled substance compliance programs that will require additional layers of opioid prescription reviews and institute new mandatory training programs.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/cvs-walgreens-to-pay-opioid-settlement-how-much-when-rcna61307

[Mossfern]

14. That article was from 2022

Have they changed the rules in the past month? I have been able to get my meds with not much fuss for the past couple of years except for the standard "We're waiting for insurance approval" delay. I have always had pre-approval by the doctor- it's his office that sends in the request.

I'm seeing my pain management doc on Tuesday, I'll ask him.

[MichMan]

17. I guess they weren't enforcing it as much as they should have.

Now they are

[Mossfern]

19. I wonder how often

I will need to get a new MRI. My last one was 2 years ago - will I need to do it every year? I'll ask the doc and the pharmacist. MRI's are expensive, and my condition is degenerative so it's not going to miraculously disappear.

I don't think this policy is well thought out.

[questionseverything]

35. It's a stupid policy but it keeps the dea agents safe from chasing real drug dealers

[SimplyHadEnough]

31. Hi Mossfern

That Pharmacist, over step his license (he's not a physician). He should of just told you to contact your insurance because there's a conflict with your refills. Please get in touch with your insurance company before seeing your physician, so that you'll be better informed. Your medical insurance company should of sent you a letter informing you of the necessity of a repeat MRI and updated Diagnosis before continuing the medication. Hope everything works out for you so that there's no lapse in your prescription. Take care

[tulipsandroses]

36. The rules for controlled medications have been " relaxed" since Covid. They are going back into effect this year with

additional changes. Some pharmacies are already instituting the proposed changes along with their own policy.

[LeftInTX]

41. I did not know this.

My doc called in Tyl #3 on Dec 19. I hadn't taken it since July. I didn't hear from the pharmacy and just blew it off. ("I can live without it and it's better to live without it anyway" is my attitude)

I've been on Tyl #3 off and on since 1996 and have NEVER had to have any preapproval.
However I think I may be on a different Medicare drug plan than I was at the beginning of 2020. Now I wonder if it's a DEA thing?
I guess I will check with the pharmacy to see why the Rx wasn't filled.

I would hate to be in a difficult situation and not be able to get it.

[tulipsandroses]

50. I work in Mental Health. Pain Management has different rules they have to adhere to.

But yes, overall the rules regarding all controlled prescriptions via Telehealth have been relaxed since Covid.
The pharmacies have their own policies aside from DEA rules.
Before Covid, you had to be seen in person and get a paper prescription. DEA rule - The Ryan Haight Act.
Since Covid, E-prescriptions have been allowed after a telehealth visit.
The DEA is still accepting commentary so folks can make their voices heard. But like I said, some pharmacies have their own policies and have already gone back to some of the old rules and made it their policy.

Publix will not fill a Telehealth prescription unless you have been seen in person within the last 3 months.
CVS requires a diagnosis on the prescription for new patients filling with them.
I will add that like with anything else, some folks are more stringent with the rules than others.
Ive been told different versions of Publix policy by pharmacists at different locations. I've heard 3 months from one pharmacist, and in person visit required every month from another pharmacist.

It's best to clarify with your provider as they will know what the rules are.

Pharmacists are within their right to not fill a prescription. Just because the doc sent it, doesn't mean they have to fill it.
Sometimes its an insurance requirement as well.
Given the demand for Ozempic, some insurance companies require a diagnosis of Diabetes on the prescription.

[LeftInTX]

51. None of that describes my little deal. I went to the doc that day and he faxed it in.

Tyl #3 is not "controlled" like Oxycodone. Only once around 15 years ago, my doc said, "The DEA is watching all us. Make sure you fill this exactly on the dates that it needs filling. If you wait longer, they will thing you are hoarding the meds and selling them". So I did as he recommended. After a short while, I didn't hear any thing more about it. It has never needed a triplicate and he always been able to called it in. I've been with the same pharmacy since 1994.

I need to ask them what gives. For all I know, they may have been low on stock. When that's the case, they often just don't fill it.

[tulipsandroses]

56. Yes, it's possible they may not fill if they are low in stock

There’s been a shortage of ADHD meds since Covid. It’s a nightmare.

[andy_smalls]

70. tylenol 3 is indeed a controlled substance though.

it is a schedule 3 controlled substance.

[DENVERPOPS]

48. It would appear

There is a whole new onslaught of pressure from the DEA

And Pharmacists and Doctors are running scared..................

It is sort of interesting, in my opinion. The DEA is still using the last opioid epidemic to fuel all of this!!!!!!

The feds own information they distribute is most interesting: Currently, the FEDS are reporting that 95% of all opioid OD's are from the STREET DRUGS BEING BROUGHT IN FROM MEXICAN CARTELS, AND SHIPPED IN FROM CHINA. (the one's being dispersed with fentanyl, not from prescription Rx's)

It seems the reason for this is that the DEA lost all it's "Low Hanging Fruit" (Marijuanna) when all the states legalized grass.
You can be sure that this is the reason they have kept grass illegal at a federal level.......So all the DEA agents looking for something to do have to invent something to do.
Messing with the REAL sources and REAL Criminals is much more difficult. It takes a great deal more time and effort to nail the REAL opioid problem coming in across the border, and that REAL work is far more dangerous.

It is certainly & incredibly easier to go after the legal and Legitimate Chronic Pain Patients that the doctors legitimately prescribe the drugs to.............than the Mexican Drug Lords and Chinese manufacturers........

You would think that with this upcoming "Government" that they would actually relax all laws and regulations on the use of drugs by the citizens.........We certainly are gonna need them, big time, to dull our senses for what is coming folks............

[Skittles]

6. actually, it's not unusual for folk who look like you to sell such meds

alas it's easy money for economically distressed seniors

[Elessar Zappa]

11. I'd rather people who don't need it get the drugs as opposed to those who need it being denied.

This war on opiates is RIDICULOUS. My father has severe chronic pain that only opioids help. He’s never taken extra and has never asked for an increase in dose in ten years. It barely takes the edge off the pain but without it, he’s immobile. So I don’t care if some people use it for pleasure. It doesn’t justify leaving people in pain.

[Skittles]

13. the abuse of pain meds is why they've "cracked down" so hard on them

people who really need the meds are paying the price

[Mossfern]

22. Ding Ding Ding!

Exactly. What is the percentage of people who illegally get opioids from pharmacies not black market?
I'd wager that the vast majority are legit.

I log every pill I take and I don't take a pill unless I am experiencing pain. But when the pain is not addressed in a timely manner, it gets worse and worse to the point of needing to get into bed and thrash around and rock back and forth until the relief of the meds hit. It's not a pretty sight!

[Keepthesoulalive]

38. Addicts will get their supply no matter what

People who suffer from chronic pain deserve some relief it changes every part of your life and then to be treated like a criminal makes it worse. Please don’t justify draconian rules that do not work , have compassion for people who hurt and want to live with some small comfort.

[rubbersole]

9. Florida pressures doctors and pharmacies to not prescribe opioids.

Politicians trying to be relevant the only way they can. Illegal imported/smuggled drugs are the cause of the vast number of overdoses and deaths. Over prescribing opiates has been a problem in the past and required new rules and government regulations. The patients who require pain medication to function are forced to jump through hoops monthly to just get refills. If we just had our own Dr. Ronny to avoid these inconveniences....oh, wait.

[grandpamike1]

20. Who you gonna call

Call Luigi.

[grandpamike1]

21. There is a

need for more Luigi's.

[Skittles]

33. NO

there is ZERO need for gun humping psycho killer cowards - NONE

[murielm99]

61. That is hell to the no.

How did this person get in here?

[Skittles]

76. people acting like that freak is some kind of hero

it is disgusting - WTF - there is ZERO honor in ambushing someone and shooting them in the back - NONE

[Bluetus]

23. Does your insurance cover a doctor's visit

to get an updated diagnosis?

I don't understand the outrage. Medicine is evolving all the time. If it has been a while since you got the last diagnosis, there might be some different therapies that your MD would want to consider. And if not, at least you will know where you stand, and have no problem with the pharmacy.

[Mossfern]

24. Yes and the very expensive MRI is as well

I speak to my doctor every three months ( it's the law).
If there are any new treatments, he'll let me know - he is a pain management doctor.

Ultimately who pays for the extraneous doctor's visit and MRI's ?- We all do in increased insurance rates.

[Evolve Dammit]

26. I'd be furious too. The ins. cos and pharmacy chains are interfering with you and your doctor. It gets worse every year.

[calimary]

72. So am I!

Why must they stand in the way when you have a valid prescription and a valid reason for having it?

[Evolve Dammit]

75. It used to be you and your doctor. Period.

[CrispyQ]

27. A pharmacist can demand you need an MRI before filling a script? -nt

[SheltieLover]

28. It's always this way with controlled substances. I would say call your doctor's office - maybe they can give you a

fresh dx to circumvent the MRI. WTH, does the pharmacy think your back is going to heal itself?

Sadly, they do not provide treatment for addicts, they only seem to know how to inconvenience patients who legtimately need the meds.

I used to have to drive almost a 3 hr round-trip to pick up Ritalin rx for grandson because at the time (IL), the paper copy was considered "safer" than an electronic one.

I have a friend in NC who had photo ID stolen and cannot get ADHD meds because of a stupid law in that state that the person needs a photo ID to pick up their meds.

WTH???

[krawhitham]

34. That's what happens when people are allowed to sue pharmacies like Walgreens & CVS, for DOING THEIR JOB, filling scripts

https://www.walgreensbootsalliance.com/news-media/press-releases/2022/walgreens-announces-agreement-in-principle-for-multi-state-opioid-settlement-framework

https://www.cvshealth.com/news/community/cvs-health-reaches-agreement-in-principle-for-global-opioid.html

[ClaudetteCC]

37. sorry to read about your experience and pain

I wonder how many regulations the pharma stores are under such that they can't even keep track and survive with paranoia.
My DR once suggested some medications with ephinephrine (?) that was over the counter. The pharmacist asked for an id which I presumed was a visual age check but she scanned it! I'm paranoid about identity theft and i don't trust (in this case CVS) to not get hacked. Writing to CVS got me nowhere.

[proud patriot]

39. I'm so sorry

My husband has spinal stenosis , early stages .

so scary

[ForgedCrank]

42. Politicians and

lawyers got involved and have ruined general medicine.
According to my actual doctor, the strict guidelines are often paranoia level, and far beyond what even the laws require. Everyone is afraid of getting sued or prosecuted. And, the strict guidelines more often than not, deny the drugs to people who actually need them, and they resort to the black market to get those.
Meanwhile, people who rely on these drugs to continue a normal and productive life and left to suffer, no matter how much they would rather not need them. All of this so they wouldn't have to focus on the people who are actually abusing the crap, and the sacrifice is made by those who actually need the crap.

[Conjuay]

43. Your description of yourself reminds me

Of my wife and the TSA. The 60 something year old woman using a walker needs to be swabbed for gunpowder residue.

[Skittles]

44. if they don't do that

they'd be accused of profiling

[Joinfortmill]

45. I hear you. Prayers.

[Cheezoholic]

46. I quit going to the local CVS and started driving 20 miles to the closest Walmart for that very reason

I originally went to a local independent pharmacy when I moved to where I am but CVS basically put a 50 year old business on the trash heap. CVS started grilling me on everything my Dr prescribed me demanding reasons to the point my physician called them and went off. I understand pharmacies are the last guardrail but it's bad enough insurance companies step in to try and regulate your treatment pharmacies need to back the hell off once they are told. I have been going to the same Walmart for 11 years, never an issue.

I agree about them creating a problem. Many pharmacies not only constantly harass you but they make you wait, lecture you like you're a strung out heroin addict right there in the store in front of people. Walgreens and CVS are notorious for this. Opioid prescriptions are severely regulated in my state at the physician level. It is almost impossible to find a family physician that will prescribe controlled substances here. My Doc told me he has 20 patients out of over 500 he prescribes monthly pain meds. If he would take on many more than that it flags his corporate practice with the state for a prescription audit.

Many must go through "pain management" clinics. While some may be legit, if you're looking for pill mills thats where to look. I know people that spend the outrageous amount of money those places charge, piss clean, then get pain meds that would knock me out and I know for a fact they don't need them. There's an obvious kick back chain with those places right there. I've taken a friend to one and the place was so packed there was nowhere to sit and that was just 6 months ago.

It sucks because there are legitimate chronic pain sufferers that some of the opioid pain meds provide real relief and greatly benefit quality of life. Your story is why a knife will never touch my back.

[Mossfern]

49. My pain management doc

is part of a practice for spine issues. The people in the waiting room usually have walkers or braces, etc.
The practice is orthopedic, surgical, physiatrist and pain management.

Urine is collected and tested to make sure that it's NOT clean - meaning the patient is taking the meds, not selling them.

[intrepidity]

64. Which state is this? nt

[SheltieLover]

47. DOJ sues Walgreens, alleging it 'knowingly' filled millions of prescriptions that lacked legitimate medical purposes

https://news.google.com/read/CBMieEFVX3lxTE13UUFqVHR6YkFmS0VLTndQck9CSFZDaXEyVHBFcGJoT21EemtXVmh2clhGWkxvQnZwSW5TMWFTNE40TFgyc19GbUZWeVdyTkdiZWpyNnBvQWhFeTVmenpzVVJkQ0lmM0dpZFhrM2FWQnRia1dqNENJRNIBfkFVX3lxTE1sdTV4aDBUbV9DOGIwNWFVQUhHUU1GLTNIMG42VjJBZ0JZdC0zTDh2TDduVTZxRURsbnE5ckxDcUI2ajRnQm13eEZObVpTc0d5RVFrVFdCMEpqR3J2UHpvQVIxNU8zWTNtOE82S3BBY2s3TVhrMnlVWmZLNi1QQQ?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen

Opioids.

Not saying you fit this category.

[keithbvadu2]

52. The nurse friend at the VA hospital said they would come in with various excuses

The nurse friend at the VA hospital said they would come in with various excuses for an emergency refill of pain meds. The dog stole the bottle. I forgot it on the bus. They fell down the sink. A blood test showed they were clean. They were selling the pills.
I heard one guy saying he could not get pain pills because he tested positive for pot.
The VA is really tight on giving out pain pills.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

54. Profiling based on best gender and age estimates is optimal.

But, I'd rather they treat everyone the same.

[summer_in_TX]

57. Before the pandemic, the crackdown on pharmacies and doctors was scary and costly.

Around 2018 a friend who took oxy regularly after a very serious accident that happened years before, got cut off after his doctor's office was raided and records seized. Not that the oxy was a great solution; sometimes he was obviously too stoned to record his radio show. Eventually our station wouldn't record his show anymore.

The DEA's penalties threatened his doctor with having his license taken. So Ricky was cut off completely.

He was bedridden with pain after that. But he appealed and persuaded the board that heard the appeal that he would never be able to manage his pain without painkiller or one of the new tech solutions – which he certainly couldn't pay for. His plea somehow convinced the medical board to arrange for a pro bono procedure to implant an electric nerve stimulator. That made all the difference in the world.

[Blue Full Moon]

59. That's the new thing to make more money

Health care providers have been now demanding MRIs which are expensive. Then the trap. The insurance will deny the claim for the MRI then they can't treat you

[elocs]

60. Sorry to hear about your laminectomy experience. I had one 25 years ago with an L5/S1 rupture. I'm 72 now.

Mine was work related and except for one incident was mostly free of severe pain. I went home the next day with a bottle of oxycodone which I never used. Years later the negative downside has been a weakness in my right leg, but no pain. My pain never manifested in my back, but down my right leg. I received a 10% permanent partial disability since it was work related missing 3 months of work but getting a worker's comp check each week that was almost equal to my weekly check.

[usaf-vet]

62. Based on your scenario, they are not also creating a drug-seeking behavior, but with the addition of fentanyl hundreds..

..... of overdose deaths for our EMTs, Paramedics, and ERs to deal with. One or two a week in this small town of less than 10,000 is ordinary.
Listening to a scanner is my source of the data.

Between my military service as a USAF Medic and my final decision to use the GI Bill. I bought and ran an ambulance service. I sold it to a former medic that worked for me.

With that as background, the aging population, and the failure of adequate medical insurance coverage, I have to say this country is facing an emergency service overload that will only be exacerbated by the Trump administration threatening Medicare and Social Security.

[OMGWTF]

63. My late brother had broken his back while fishing in Alaska and it was rebroken by a physical terroapist (sic)

He was on oxy for his constant severe pain. In WA state the politicians told doctors they could not prescribe it any longer and so my brother killed himself with two guns to his head because he couldn't live with the pain. The "Seattle Times" newspaper did a report on my brother.

[Mossfern]

66. Im so sorry that happened!

I can't imagine the pain for him, for you and for your family. After my surgery the pain was so bad that I thought that if it didn't get better that I would certainly prefer death. Chronic pain leads to profound depression. Sometimes even the most constant and strong emotional support cannot allay the agony, both physical and emotional.

Yet, there are those who sit on their high horses making thoughtless regulations causing the vast majority to suffer while going after the few who abuse the medication.

[dlk]

65. If you call the member services number on the back if your Part D insurance carrier

And ask to speak with someone regarding a prior authorization, you will learn if the testing is a requirement from them.

Once you have more information, you can decide next steps.

The pharmacist statements were rude and unprofessional. They are not a licensed doctor.

You could also make a complaint to pharmacy management or file a grievance with Medicare, who will reach out to your insurance provider to respond.

Your pain management situation is difficult enough without this added aggravation.

Good luck!

[Mosby]

67. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are a crucial component of federal and state governments’ response to the opioid epidemic. Evidence about the effectiveness of PDMPs in reducing prescription opioid–related adverse outcomes is mixed.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7947593/

State and federal agencies have decided what level of opioid and amphetamine prescriptions are allowed to be filled at a given pharmacy, if they get near that level, they will transfer scripts, "run out of meds" or do what they did to you to by disinclining using their pharmacy. This is being driven by lawyers, not doctors. The DOJ and state AGs have no right to insinuate themselves into health care decisions between a doctor and their patients. It's an overreaction to the opioid crisis, imo.

[OldBaldy1701E]

68. "These "rules" are not preventing an opioid crisis - they're creating one."

Truer words were ne'er spoken!

Their desire to appear to be concerned about the opioid crisis has led them to go in the opposite direction. Now, they have effectively removed the substance from general access.

Now, the wealthy won't have any problems. They don't have to worry about such things. It will be the majority of the country that will be suffering more and being taken care of less. After all, old people are not prone to be effective wage slaves, so why worry about them?

[radical noodle]

69. How do they know you need another MRI?

That sounds more like an insurance issue than a pharmacy one. Seriously, how does the pharmacy know what kind of tests you've had? Possibly your insurance company won't pay for the prescription again until you have the MRI. Ask if they can give you what the doctor prescribes if you pay for it yourself.

[Mossfern]

73. Yes

I wrote a detailed answer to you but forgot to hit "Post"

The pharmacist was most likely frustrated by several issues with insurance companies for several customers every day and my prescription was the straw that broke the camel's back.I don't think he went into his career planning on doing this - denying people their meds.

[radical noodle]

81. I went through something similar last summer

My daughter had knee replacement surgery and the doctor had her on a strict schedule of pain meds that he did not want her to alter. Since they will only fill a small prescription for Oxycodone at a time, I was perpetually fighting with the pharmacy about the prescription. I finally told them that I'd just pay for it if the insurance denied it and I never had any more trouble with them.

Good luck! My husband has a lot of back pain, so I can imagine what you're going through.

[Jit423]

71. Lots of people who voted for Trump will have a day of reckoning. Not just with meds, but pay and benefits too. nt

[CentralMass]

77. I fractured my llower left distal fibula back in August. They prescribed me a pain killer at the urgent care.

My pharmacy is the Walgreens right across the street from it. I was not ready to be mobile and I have stairs and drive a stick shift.
I have no family members out here and Walgreens would not deliver it because it was a pain killer. So I sucked it up with nsaids for two weeks until I had surgery on it.. They system doesn't discriminate with application of "the rules". You might might end up in severe pain, but it's a sacrifice they are willing to make.

[Henry203]

78. I have received the epidural

Cortisone shot and I am considering one of two surgeries. One being the one you got. I am getting another shot on the 28th and I go to see the surgeon on the 11th. My stenosis is l4 and l5. What can you tell about the surgery?

[Mossfern]

80. My surgery was L3,L4 and L5

They had me up and walking right away, it was an overnight stay at the hospital. I did have pain down my leg after the surgery. My pain management doc warned me that I would have two weeks of hell after the surgery, and that was true. I was told that it was my nerves "coming back on line" If anything even slightly touched the path of my left sciatic nerve (this includes my toes!) it felt like I was being disciplined with a cattle prod - not that I know from personal experience how that feels.

Mind you now, the person with whom I shared my hospital room with had no pain at all from her spinal surgery, but it was a different procedure for her.

That's the pain part.

There are specific things that you must not do after the surgery - that is twist your body in any way.
There are instructions on how to get in and out of bed, how to sit how to do just about anything. It would be good if you have someone living with you who can help you get dressed, shower etc.

I suggest that you do what I did and do a search on laminectomy recovery and there will be sites - even Reddit that will have people describing their experiences and some handy tips. I learned that wearing satin pajamas and having satin sheets will make it easier to slide into bed because your allowable movement is limited.

I was able to walk a couple of miles soon after my surgery, but the relief didn't last for me. I don't know WTF I did to mess it up. My pain now is worse than it was before but now it goes down both legs - and I've become much weaker. Guess I need a new MRI anyway

[Henry203]

82. I think mine

Is only laminetomy. I only need l4-5. Your back is much worse than mine and a more difficult operation. Mine can be done with a local anesthetic. It is outpatient. I do feel for you. It is my legs that hurt.

[IbogaProject]

79. That is Wallgreens and/or his liability insurance

I bet there is no such legal requirement. I'd suggest trying for an independent pharmacist.

[Catzer]

83. Seems Like a Walgreens Pharmacy Issue

Walgreens could be the issue. Got my pain med prescriptions filled for years at Rite Aid. When they closed, everyone was sent to Walgreens. Every single month, Walgreens would hold up my prescription saying there was an issue with insurance. Insurance said no, it was the pharmacy. Still, every month they would say insurance was holding it up. Had to call every month and explain insurance is a go. Finally switched to another pharmacy and there was no problem. Would suggest a change of pharmacies and see if that makes the difference.