Thread by @ChadDKollas

Latest opioid idiocy:

I prescribe opioid analgesics for a 30-day supply, taking patients' individualized care into account.

Pharmacies & health insurers are now ALTERING my Rx instructions, so that the quantity prescribed fits their auto-calculation. #hapc #hpm (1/_)...

For example, if I prescribe oxycodone 5 mg orally up to every 4 hours AS NEEDED for severe cancer pain (QTY #90 for 30 days, based on the patient's usual usage), then the health insurer or pharmacy calls to request we change to a quantity of #180 or TID dosing. #hapc, #hpm (2/_)

This means that the patient either receives an excessive quantity (i.e. over-prescribing) or incorrect dosing instructions, just to accommodate the auto-calculation used by the health insurer or pharmacy to fit into the state PDMP. Neither option is correct! #hapc #hpm (3/_)

So a misapplied state policy that requires PDMP checks on all opioid Rxs actually ENCOURAGES overprescribing or ERRANT prescribing as interpreted by pharmacies & health insurers!

TAKEAWAY: Bad things happen when legislators try to be physicians! End of rant.

#hapc #hpm (4/4).