A recent article in the American Journal of Bioethics said opioid treatment agreements, meant to legally protect the physician, can harm relationships with patients, according to a report by American Medical News.
Pain specialists are asking their patients to sign the agreements out of a concern about possible prosecution if the patient misuses the drug. Pain agreements often involve urine screening for medication levels and specify the number and frequency of prescription refills.
The agreement essentially says, "If we're going to treat or prescribe controlled substances to you, these are the conditions under which we'll do so -- and sign this document, and if you fail to do so, then we'll fire you from our practice," a coauthor stated
"It's basically a document that says, 'You do this, or I've gotcha,' " the other coauthor said. "That's basically interfering with what should be a trusting relationship between the patient and the practitioner."
The American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society and the Federation of State Medical Boards have recommended that physicians consider using opioid treatment agreements, but the agreement should be used without coercion and for the purpose of promoting the patient's health, the president of the pain medicine academy said.
Read the American Medical News report on pain medications.
Read more coverage of opioids.
-Are Hidden Costs Hurting You: A Regional Anesthesia Approach to Reduce Complications and Cost at ASCs
-Study Finds IV Lidocaine Can Help Post-Surgery Pain After Ambulatory Surgery
-Study Finds Endoscopist-Directed Propofol Sedation Is Safe
Pain specialists are asking their patients to sign the agreements out of a concern about possible prosecution if the patient misuses the drug. Pain agreements often involve urine screening for medication levels and specify the number and frequency of prescription refills.
The agreement essentially says, "If we're going to treat or prescribe controlled substances to you, these are the conditions under which we'll do so -- and sign this document, and if you fail to do so, then we'll fire you from our practice," a coauthor stated
"It's basically a document that says, 'You do this, or I've gotcha,' " the other coauthor said. "That's basically interfering with what should be a trusting relationship between the patient and the practitioner."
The American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society and the Federation of State Medical Boards have recommended that physicians consider using opioid treatment agreements, but the agreement should be used without coercion and for the purpose of promoting the patient's health, the president of the pain medicine academy said.
Read the American Medical News report on pain medications.
Read more coverage of opioids.
-Are Hidden Costs Hurting You: A Regional Anesthesia Approach to Reduce Complications and Cost at ASCs
-Study Finds IV Lidocaine Can Help Post-Surgery Pain After Ambulatory Surgery
-Study Finds Endoscopist-Directed Propofol Sedation Is Safe