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Does anyone go to Jefferson Hospital Pain Center in Phila., PA - I'm new and need help!

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Posted 5/17/2012 6:54 AM (GMT -5)
I just started going to the center, (last month was my first appointment with an Anesthesiologist), and was surprised to get my medications right away and not even any blood work or a urine sample. Do they give UA's at all? or when there is a problem? The pain management I went to out of state before moving here handled patients differently. Can anyone help? I also have a few more questions, but do not want to put it out there all at once. Thank you!
Posted 5/17/2012 5:13 PM (GMT -5)
Hi StarDraqon and welcome to the chronic pain forum. I know you were surprised that the dr gave you medication which I would be very glad he did especially if you were already receiving medication from the previous treating dr. You have to keep in mind that each office has their own protocol on how they operate. I have been under the care of PM drs for 7 yrs and have had two UA's and one set of labs. Some drs do them on every appt, some will do UA's and labs only if the dr is suspicious of the patient. It just depends on the dr, so I would not be alarmed. Did you have to sign a Contract that sets our what is expected of you as a patient and what the dr will do for you as your dr? My current dr does not do UA's or labs, and just Jan 1 had all of her patients sign a Contract to put in our charts because it became a law effective Jan 1 for PM drs here in Tx. Prior to that she did not have us sign one, she does not believe in them.

I noticed in your heading that you put the name of the facility but please do not list your drs name here at the forum. The administrator does not like for us to list drs names here at the forum.

I am not sure what kind of help you are needing but if we can help in any way let us know. Take care...Susie
Posted 5/17/2012 6:27 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you very much! I'm aware of the possible consequences that would result from listing any doctors names. In normal circumstances, people naturally brag about and recommend their wonderful doctors. We as a community of pain sufferers need to protect what small percentage of the medical profession is willing to give us in quality care. There is much, too much stigmatized disrespect and damage we deal with from the general public, government, medical community and last but not least, addicts.

I did sign a contract. The reason why I am curious about the lab work is due to the doctor needing to check any levels or how your body metabolizes your medications especially if you are on several narcotics. I am assuming here, but like you said, it depends on the doctor. I am sure also it depends on hospital regulations if part of one, or state laws, etc.
No worries, I am not alarmed, just had expectations of how my first visit would go.

Again, thank you for your support and the importance of your reminder not only to me, but everyone in the forum that reads our posts here to not list doctor names.

Well, since this is my first post here, I guess it's my intro! Hi everybody, I look forward to being a part of this community! Have a good evening. Aelita

P.S. I still would like to hear from fellow patients at Jefferson Hospital Pain Center in Philadelphia.

Post Edited (StarDragon12) : 5/17/2012 5:37:10 PM (GMT-6)
Posted 5/17/2012 6:39 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome to the boards...

As you've written...it's really dependent on the state regulations and/or practices of that particular Dr.

Many will do random UAs so that a patient is not planning ahead.

I haven't heard of them doing a UA just to specifically see how you metabolize your medication though because the sophisticated tests are very expensive. That would be done if there are specific problems that the patient has mentioned about the medication not working as it should.

In my state, starting last year they have now required all PMs or any Dr. prescribing opiates to do a UA each year...(or more if there is suspicion)...As well as doing pill counts...

Same thing with most states now (40) having a Prescription Monitoring Program which allows ERs and Pharmacies to track all opiate usage to be able to more quickly find and flag those who are trying to fill different prescriptions from different Drs.

It's really no bid deal to all of us on here who take our meds as prescribed. I actually think it's good thing to be able to help weed out those trying to abuse the system so there is more time/energy for Drs. to focus on us....the real chronic pain patients.

I am very blessed as I do not have health insurance and my Dr. is working with the lab who does the yearly test and he "writes off" my test which is over $1100!

We look forward to getting to know you better on here!
Posted 5/17/2012 9:29 PM (GMT -5)
Hello and Welcome!

I had one dr who would make me do a UA just about every month before she would script my meds for the month (but this only lasted about six months because I think she got the picture that I was following directions to a T) and after that it was occasionally for the UA and blood work every so often.

My current dr has not required me to do a UA or blood work as of yet. She explained that she does the testing based on circumstances and any suspicions she may have.

Also, the reason why you may have not gotten any testing on your first visit was because it was your first. They may do testing on subsequent visits rather than the initial one. It really depends on the dr and the state and the patient.

For some reason, I was always a little nervous about the tests, even knowing I did absolutely nothing wrong. I was more worried about not being able to "go" on the spot and that being seen as suspicious, or crying during the bloodwork (I HATE needles).

Do you feel comfortable with the way your first visit went? That's the most important thing, being comfortable with your drs.

I hope you stick around so we can get to know you better; hopefully you'll find this is a really nice place to be, good days and bad!
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