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Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 1:40 pm
by LinkC
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??

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 1:52 pm
by GumbyCT
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?

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:14 pm
by LinkC
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.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:19 pm
by LinkC
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.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:26 pm
by JayC
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

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 3:05 pm
by rosiefrosie
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

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:38 pm
by LinkC
@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

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 6:32 pm
by Robespierre
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.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:16 am
by LinkC
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.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 2:26 pm
by chunkyfrog
William Shatner is credited with writing a novel (Tekwar), which is centered around an illegal, addictive electronic device which induces euphoria.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 2:49 pm
by BlackSpinner
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.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:02 pm
by chunkyfrog
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.

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:06 pm
by LinkC
But are they prescription devices?

Re: Can your doc make you use a DME?

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:07 pm
by chunkyfrog
Probably available if you have the right insurance.