Letter: Can’t jump the hoops of red tape
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
I thought I had good control of taking Vicodin or Hydrocodone for all the pain problems caused by paralytic polio as a kid. When asking my doctor through his nurse for a refill recently, I got a surprise. The nurse said I will have to take a drug test. This costs Medicare and Medicaid for transportation and close to an hour of my doctor’s time, maybe $500. Of course when you are on Medicare and Medicaid through an HMO, it’s difficult to speak directly with your physician on the phone or email.
I told my doctor at the start that I have a little trouble remembering names, since I am 74. I did very well, and it was kind of fun.
I am brave to criticize this state and federal narcotic prescription drug program that I am dependent upon. Apparently my primary care doctor’s assessment of my drug usage is not adequate for Washington state’s drug authority. I did not ask my doctor his personal opinion of the drug testing, not wanting to put him on the spot.
When you are in a wheelchair, it’s hard to jump through all those hoops.
Jerry Daniel
Vancouver
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