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Controlled substance distribution is under the regulation of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and also under the supervision of the Medical Practice Board.
Efficient pain medications are necessary after surgery for a reasonable period of time. It is however necessary for the patient to be supervised closely for need and side effects.
Pain medications are prescribed after surgery and the patient must be seen every 4 to 6 weeks for renewals. Renewals can only be done in the office and the patient must be present (it is not acceptable for a family member to come in to pick up the prescription).
The only exception is for patients from out of state who live too far to easily come to the office. In this instance, prescriptions for a simple regimen of pain medications can be called in or sent by mail for a period up to 3 months. Thereafter, the patient must be seen in the office on the schedule previously mentioned. As an alternative, the patient's medications can be prescribed by a local physician or the patient can register with a local pain clinic.
For patients who are on high dosages of narcotics, the early involvement of a pain clinic or pain specialist may be necessary. In general, the involvement of a pain clinic or pain specialist will also be necessary for patients who need pain control involving narcotics for a period longer than 6 months. |
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