Hickboy,

I think it is worth it to try to get stronger meds out of your new doctor. But you would have do it in person.

Can't you just make an appt w/the doctor directly, bagging the referral service? I know it is a long drive, but I think it's your only chance.

Docs will do more during an appnt than any other way. Plus the doc has to know what the implications are for the job they signed up for, doing F2F.

Why, thank you Hickboy. You are also always sweet. It is appreciated.

I'd go to your regular pharmacy. It would not be all that unusual to not remember a new doctor's name. However, not being able to contact the doctor at an office would be. Still, sometimes you must do what you must do. I have learned the hard way to make my own way. Doctors, pharmacists are human beings just like we are. You are entitled to proper medical care. It is unfathomable to me that you cannot contact this "medical professional".

There are definitely limits on what you can demand with scheduled meds, yes, but I feel that being an "innocent" - just ask for the info as if this is most natural thing in the world.

BUT, you must do what you are comfortable doing. In years past, I received a prescription (from a local doc), not scheduled, and the info was not on the bottle. I simply could not remember the name of the doc or even where she was. I called my regular pharmacist and she gave me the info (and we had a good laugh).

If this advice backfired on you, I would feel terrible. But if you have a good relationship with your pharmacist, I would think it would work out well. The pharmacist has no dog in this fight....right? Why would they mind giving you the info? Laugh at yourself. I said I had early onset dementia (with a laugh). Dementia is no laughing matter, but the comment relaxed the pharmacist. I think you have the skills to get the cooperation you require.

I have always cared about personal relationships. Grocer, pharmacist, doctor, the folks next door. Altho my motivations have never been for manipulation - only because, to me - life means interacting with people on a deeper level. And the truth is, most everyone wants those connections too.

So, Hickboy, if you have a good, personal relationship with your pharmacist, it is entirely possible that you can obtain the info you need. Hope I'm correct.

The setup of this doc is another issue. It does not encourage confidence. And Eclinics resistance to providing info is...well, bad.

I'm pulling for you honey.

Thanks PNWRAIN!!
Yeah your right, like you said I have nothing to hide, and I do know them over there and like I said they even knew I was getting a new doctor.. It's funny how I sometimes scare myself Like I'm a bad guy taking these, but I need them, I don't over do it, my refills last the whole month so there's nothing wrong here at all!!
Anyway I'll keep you posted.

meonlyits, I think your right once I get the number I'll make another appointment directly, the only problem is I don't think he is from around here?? I really think he's just using another doctors office for these appointments but Eclinic said he is there at the end of the month so I'm gonna get something together here...
We'll make it work somehow someway!!

Well get a mass email from eclinic for:
male testosterone deficiency

Said some of there doctors are gonna start prescribing a cream for it...
Sounds like there f to f isn't going the best that they need to go towards other avenues...

Anyway anyone who's thinkin about seeing the doc in Wisconsin just be careful and do some research.. If you do I hope it works out for you and you get the treatment you deserve but just be careful....

Hickboy - so do they also want to prescribe this for women??? A while back a service contracted with an OB/GYN. WTF? These services are stretching the limits of common sense.

Could it be.....the money (lol)? But it leaves CPers in the lurch. Oh, just send the patient to a totally inappropriate doctor, charge enough to buy a first born and "I'm done". It doesn't have to be this way. There IS such a thing as ethics. And these services should (and could) institute ethical policies.

I hope they do. Mean while we must all navigate with care. Hickboy, I send you blessings on this wonderfully sunny Tuesday.

Sigh.

I tried eclinics doctor this week, and it was a complete waste of $285. I am not in Michigan as I have seen complaints about, but saw another one of their doctors and they were absolutely worthless. I was told, "you should get into a pain management program somewhere", "maybe another round of injections might help", and "maybe a less invasive surgery is something to consider". Duh! I would have been better served going to my GP for the same outcome. I got a 30 pill script and even that took a great deal of effort.

I haven't ventured into the online world in a long time, but my local pain doctor retired and I've been left flat. I remember why I stopped so long ago as they are incompetent as the day is long. They (eclinic) rescheduled me 3 times forcing me to juggle my schedule, and then a measly 30 pills. What a waste.

It's pretty clear that eclinic lies to the doctors they sign up, and doesn't tell them exactly what their patients are dealing with and hoping to achieve with their service. I can go to an urgent care facility and spend under/around $100 for 30 pills.

Please save your hard-earned $285 and further your pain doc search elsewhere.

Lexmark - I am SO sorry you've had to deal this. I mean, on top of everything else. Yes, I completely agree - either the docs have not examined the records and/or the OCS hasn't been up-front with them. Either way, it is the patient who pays (both in dollars and emotional pain).

I wish I knew what to tell you. Do this or do that. But I do not. What good am I, lo.?

And, well, you were AT a pain management place. Right? You had every reason to believe that. So, one a day? Yeah, that's going to help.

EClinic, as so many of you know, is NOT turning out so great. The "short cuts" they take are hurting real people.

Lex, I will undoubtedly return before I haul myself to bed, but I cannot stay awake. Sally (my laptop) is great, but she whispers "go to bed, go to bed".

Honey, I wish your appt had gone better. Injections? NOT! NO! Please don't even consider it.

In the meantime, do whatever you can to make you life enjoyable.

I got the same mass email and responded that they are wasting there efforts on this new venture....I was actually more offended by some OCS offering a referal service for something I can discuss with my or any Doc.

Lexmark,
sorry to hear about your experience also., but I'm so glad you posted because I was begining to think it was only me that had this problem. Then I start questioning myself, "Am I just a wimp and I really don't need this medication to live a normal life, kept thinkin maybe its just me??"

Anyway there's gotta be something we can do I'd just hate to see more people lose there money!!

an update on my stuff, a friend helped me find the doctor's info. The email eclinic gave me was correct and it was connected to the doctor the info also gave me his address and a phone number. Do you think I should try emailing him first and explain or should I try calling him. If it's his home phone number or something I don't wanna bother him at home he'd think I was a freak LOL!
So I dunno maybe just try the email first???

Hickboy - I'd email. IF you do not get a response, I'd call. After all, he is providing healthcare....right? Bad enough that you've had to spend all this time and emotional energy. The least this doctor could do is respond.

I hope to read in the very near future that your issues have been resolved.

Hickboy - be bold. Remember, you PAID for the service and deserve said service. If this doc doesn't want to talk to patients, maybe he ought to find a different profession.

If they have to limit their alloted prescriptions per patient per month then they should only allow so many appointments. If you pay 3x the amount and drive a few hours to see a doc, then you should get more than 3 minutes of his time and a thorough evaluation. These are supposed to be compassionate doctors.

The rude response to Hickboy's concerns is just uncalled for and pathetic, especially the Old-Hippie.

dharma6666, The second part of your post is really unnecessary. Anyone with serious pain issues could go to a local doc and spend a third of the cost to get T3 or Darvocet.

This is a PRIME example of what the US health-care is turning into. We will be controlled by the whims of the government and political powers of the big drug companies to be top dog in pushing the latest greatest synthetic drug that will be exponentially more harmful to the organs than the tried and true drugs of the past. This war on drugs is what needs an overhaul not the health-care system.

Hickboy should have some recourse and the F2F should help him resolve that issue. The whole F2F thing is a joke if it is based on the same or worse care than just finding a local doctor at a third of the cost.

And a final and important question, doesn't the laws stipulate that the doctor is required to provide his number or contact info to the patient in case of an serious reaction or change of symptoms, etc.?

Thank you so much Butterforlunch, Very well put..
When I first started this thread I thought if other people were in my shoes they'd be just as mad.
Anyway thanks for your post!! I would think the same thing that I should have the doctors phone number so I can get a hold of him. I just hope others don't get suckered in like I did...

Hickboy.....This Unfortunately is a learning experience for Everyone doing a F2F...Now we all know to ask ....And make sure that ....We as Patients will be able to have Contact/ Communication Directly with the Doc or the Doc's Staff!!!! ...Just like you would have with your PCP or Neuro or PM Doc!!! I can also see this as an Excuse for the DEA/LE to use as an example as to why a F2F referral service or Doc would not be following the Rules set out for a Proper Doctor Patient Relationship!! JMHO

I think any F2F company or Doc that will not let you contact the Doctor or his Office is not complying with the Required Standard for a Doc / Patient Relationship!!!

Hickboy, for me, I did not think you were making it up. I also do not think I posted anything nasty to you. I think I try to play devils advocate and look at both sides. I disagreed with you filing a charge back, because you did recieve the service and it is up to the Doctor what he prescribes, what bothered me was how eclinic treated you. Remember lol according to them the referal comes from them, all they apparently guarantee is you see a Doctor, from there it all is a luck of the drawl and for that I think is wrong, and again, I think all these services tell Doctors one thing but let patients think another. I hope they offer you at the very least a discounted rate for another doctor. and you do have a right to speak to the Doctor. I would email him though, not sure i would risk calling him at possibly his home. best of luck to you

Hickboy,

So what happened? Did you email him, call him, get anywhere with him or just leave it alone until you can teleconference with him.
I'm so curious of the outcome.
K

haven't heard a word from the email I sent.. Kinda bummed about it.. I dunno if I wanna do a teleconference I think it's gonna be another [censored] shot, is he gonna prescribe me what I need or not.. I'll keep you posted, right now I'm not happy that I'm not getting a response.. Stupid me was gonna call that clinic last saturday when he was there but ended up getting busy so didn't make the call, I'm kickin myself for that.. Soooo We shall see...

I think if you want to put the money out, this is the chance to speak to him and question him. also tell him what eclinic told you. and remind him of your records and what works for you, that was why you went there. also ask him if all your records are there with him and in order and if not you would be glad to send them to him personally. also play it cool with him. let him know you understand he is doing what he thinks best but on the other hand this has what has worked for you in the past, and why stop why change what, only other thing i can suggest is stop in there to talk to him when you know he will be there and explain in a very very nice way your concernes

Yeah see and that's how I put it in the email I just said this has been what I've been on for 9 years, I'm not an abuser I don't even drink, I was gonna try the patches till I did more research and they cost so much.
And I also told him that I understand he is the doctor and it's also up to him..
So yeah I don't know what to do part of me wants to pay the money and talk to him when I'm due for a consult and part of me is saying Hmmm forget it.. So I'll keep you all posted..

My experience with Eclinicmd is 4 consults. And if you had records and had been prescribed the meds before you had no problem. I know it's that way at the 4 Eclinic Doc in Texas my frinds gp tp them and all are satified.

Well I'm glad they were taken care of and that eclinic's got good docs down south.. Unfortunetly this was up north, and now I can't even get a hold of the doctor. My records are great, even brought in my MRI films and he didn't even look at them, barley even looked at my records. So Yeah I guess it just depends on the doc. Just hope everyone does a lot of research before they go ahead and just pick a company because they have a doctor close by..
Good luck to all I'll keep you posted if I hear anything..

Well, Still haven't heard anything from the doctor or eclinic. Not even a teleconsult... Kinda makes me wonder if other people didn't have the same problems.
Anyway I sent them an email to let them know I haven't heard from the doctor so we shall see. I'm still working at this because I'm still a little mad about paying that much money and this happening..

According to everything I have read about the various OCS, I thought the doctors just want to prescribe what you have already been on that worked, not start a new treatment plan. I was my understanding that they are looking for chronic pain patients to continue exsisting medication. I wouldn't want an doctor I found through an OCS to start from scratch on my care and put me through all the different tests, meds, etc. That is the whole point of using an OCS isn't it?

If I get a referral to a pain clinic from my own PCP, then I would expect to start from scratch.

On a side note, my doctor from Eclinic as moved to another state, so while I can continue with telephone consults until next year, I ultimately will have to start over with yet another doctor.

During my F2F the Dr had my records but he went over all the meds that i was on. He really didnt like Soma.As far as he was concerned, there were better medicines. He also wanted to try a couple other things. HE took his time and explained in great detail what was going on. He said that if i was not happy with the klonopin we was switching me to, he would switch back at my 1 month consult. He really took his time, and treated me mostly with respect. We talked about alot of issues that could be contributing to my problems. He told me that i did not have to take the meds he was rxing, that it was my body and my choice. I told him i was willing to do whatever works. He gave me his cell phone number because he has multiple offices. The day i went to the pharmacy, i found out that one of my meds had to be pre aprroved by my insurance company. They sent a fax to the office i had just come from, and they faxed it right back. No problems.

Thanks SheBee that was my issue.. I guess I need to drop it though because nothing's getting done with it.. Haven't heard from the doc.. Eclinic has said they will get a hold of him and forward my message so we shall see.. eclinic is at least answering my emails so hopefully something will get done.
Dixiechick,,, See that's what I wanted I wanted a doc to go over everything with me talk to me about my problems give me a REAL appointment but it was like 5 minutes I felt like I didn't have a chance to talk to him about meds or anything.. Well we shall see???

I decided to try the Dr. in Portland. No feedback and no one has seemed to have used them yet. The Seattle Dr. has never been replaced so now I have to take a train to OR. Wish someone could tell me their experience. Hope it doesn't turn out to be a big waste of time and money. I can't believe they still charge you $150 if you don't get a prescription. Just have to take the leap.

Hi, Havefaith. I am an Oregonian. My son lives in Seattle, so I have been there many times. Welcome.

It is not too much of a drive (altho something local would be better). AND if you can get the care you need - well it's worth it, right?

Hopefully you will get the service you deserve in Portland (a wonderful city). Let us all know how it goes.

I hope everyone gets the service they deserve because to continue the story they gave me the doctors email, which I emailed the doctor a really nice email. He never emailed me back. So I contacted eclinic and they said they would forward the email to them... so I waited for another week..Nobody ever got back to me.. So I emailed Kristen at eclinic and she emails back and pretends now that she never talked to me and says well you can't talk to the doctor unless you pay for another consult.. I said but you said you'd help me with my issue and now your saying you can't So now I think I'm gonna start some trouble...

BTW, I have emailed them for a partial refund of my money since the service did not work out for me and that I cannot contact the doctor. She kept telling me how they are just like a doctors office in that they cannot tell a doctor how to prescribe, well if they were supposily running like a doctors office they'd be able to let me talk to the doctor about my issues.. As you can tell I'm not going to let this go. Like I said if there not willing to work with me I WILL talk to the better business buero (SP) I know someone laughed at that but you know what I HAVE nothing to hide I am a ligit pain patient I don't abuse the system and we don't need companies out there that are going to screw with people and not at least try to fix the issue.
I just hope nobody else gets screwed over and hope they find the help they deserve!!

I'll keep you posted if they resolve the issue!! I'm not afraid to say the good things but I'm not holding my breath I have a feeling I'm gonna have to have my attorny take care of this and he's very well known in the big city down from me he doesn't take no for an answer, he laughed at me when I gave him the overview of the story he said don't worry we'll take care of it... He's good and the best thing is I don't have to pay for him LOL!

Well if you think about it you have to start over every year anyway and it gives you incentive to get you records up to date. Good news is your getting your meds. How many people in this group have gotten burned. Good Luck in the future

Hickboy - you and I are alot alike. I wouldn't let it go either. It's bureau, BTW (lol).

You paid for a service that you had every reason to expect positive results.

I don't know if contacting the BBB would help, but one has to do something. I understand that. Completely. I wish you luck. You may not get any satisfaction from this company, but just maybe it will comfort you a little.

I'd tell you to let it go, but I know I wouldn't. So I won't.

Sweetie, I truly hope you get some results.