Can your doc make you use a DME?

Robespierre wrote:FWIW, when I wanted a new mask, my doctor's office mailed me a copy of my prescription along with copies of my sleep study results. I took the copies to the DME and got my mask -- no problem.

It appears Michigan is one state where an original is not required. The pharmacist merely has to believe it is legitimate.

http://law.onecle.com/michigan/333-heal ... 17751.html

Drug dealers take notice! pack up your ream of copied 'scripts and head up to Michigan for a shopping spree.

@Gumby: Do you really think this is "how life 'should' be? Why even require 'scripts for anything??

LinkC wrote:

Robespierre wrote:FWIW, when I wanted a new mask, my doctor's office mailed me a copy of my prescription along with copies of my sleep study results. I took the copies to the DME and got my mask -- no problem.

@Gumby: Do you really think this is "how life 'should' be? Why even require 'scripts for anything??

I do. You somehow think it's wrong that the doc complied with a patient request? That was exactly how it should be YES.

Are you seeing words that aren't there? Was there something else in your record you haven't mentioned?

Please cite the language of HIPAA that entitles you to a copy of your prescription form.

(And let me know what your DME says when you bring in a copy of your record detailing what was was prescribed.)

[quote-"Gumby"] If you ask for a copy the doc will likely write the script on a blank form for the reasons you have stated.[/quote]

Yes, he/she LIKELY will! And that is the way life SHOULD be. It will be a usable NEW original, not a copy. But there's no HIPAA requirement that he write a new one for you.

GumbyCT wrote: You somehow think it's wrong that the doc complied with a patient request? That was exactly how it should be YES.

The doc SHOULD have written a new original and sent it. It was illegal for the DME to honor a copy in most states.

My doc knows I visit my folks out of state in the spring......I said I needed a copy because if I had an issue out of state on a friday (especially, but any other day!!) My home DME could not get me with a loaner in hand fast enough. I walked out with a signed Rx I could use....

Felt no need to go through all the other potential uses of it, because the reason I gave was a good one to keep me sleeping properly, regardless of chosen vendor.

J

So, when I give cpap.com or the auction site my prescription, which I have to do if I want to order something or place a bid, would it be a copy of my prescription or maybe a copy of a copy of my prescription.......................

rosie

@JayC And that's how I believe things should be.

@rosie Well, it's not an original. And that's what matters. CPAP.com operates in Texas. A copy is acceptable ONLY if they contact the prescribing doctor for verification. I assume cpap.com does that.

http://www.tsbp.state.tx.us/consumer/broch4.htm wrote: Are pharmacists allowed to give me a copy of my prescription?

Yes, a pharmacist may give you a copy of your prescription. However, a copy of a prescription may be used for informational purposes only. A pharmacist may not dispense a drug from a copy of a prescription. A pharmacist can use the information on a copy to contact your doctor for a new prescription.

--Texas State Board of Pharmacy

I just thought I'd point out that CPAP machines and masks are not drugs. I don't know for sure, but it may be possible that prescriptions for DME items are handled differently than those for drugs.

Under the law, they are the same. In practice, apparently some providers are more lax in their procedures.

There are "Class II controlled substances" which have more stringent procedures. Those are addictive or commonly abused drugs defined by the FDA. But there's no legal distinction between equipment and drugs.

William Shatner is credited with writing a novel (Tekwar), which is centered around an illegal, addictive electronic device which induces euphoria.

chunkyfrog wrote:William Shatner is credited with writing a novel (Tekwar), which is centered around an illegal, addictive electronic device which induces euphoria.

Larry Niven had those in his novels well before Tekwar was written.

I used the term, 'credited', as I am aware of derivative, or ghosted works--not uncommon among celebrities.
(I do not know if this is the case with Shatner.)
Thank you for reminding me of Larry Niven--truly a genius.
Back on topic; however, my feeling from using my electronic device does occasionally approach the sublime.

But are they prescription devices?

Probably available if you have the right insurance.