Doctors holding health for ransom

My doctor told me that I need to take my meds every day for the rest of my life, and he at first gave me three refills on my prescriptions. He later reduced it to two, then one, and now zero. If I don't see him every three months I don't get the meds I supposedly need. I think I'll try going without and see if my health deteriorates any. I don't like his forcing me into seeing him more and more often to get what he says I definitely need.

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SW-User

Curious. What type of medication? I see my Dr every three months. But that's because I am diabetic with degraded kidney function. Even at that, my prescriptions are for a year. With the exception of one that my insurance won't allow beyond 6 months.

ronisme1 · 61-69, M

@SW-User i have same problems and im lucky to get 3 months

SW-User

@ronisme1 You get a 3 month supply or the prescription expires in 3 months,

ronisme1 · 61-69, M

@SW-User both, has to be oked through the doctor sfter the 3 months

HollyW · 18-21, F

@SW-User Three month supply for me

SW-User

@ronisme1, @HollyW Who dictates that?

ronisme1 · 61-69, M

@SW-User the doctor and the insurance company

SW-User

@ronisme1 Are you in the states? Do you take Metformin? I no longer do, but that is extremely bad on kidneys.

ronisme1 · 61-69, M

@SW-User i am in arizona. Yes i take metformin. have for years. I also take farziga for the kidneys

HollyW · 18-21, F

@SW-User When I phone the pharmacy they fax the doctor and he then either says yes or no.

SW-User

@HollyW I'm guessing that's to approve a refill. But why is the Dr's prescription for such a short period with no refills. That's my question.

HollyW · 18-21, F

@SW-User A three month supply is considered unusually short?

SW-User

@HollyW It is in my experience. And I have many years of taking multiple medications. Beyond multiple. 13 pills every morning. 9 every evening. And 3 at bedtime. Of course some of these are 2-3 times daily. One medication prescription length is less than a year. All filled by 3 month supply.

LeopoldBloom · M

@HollyW Our insurance pushed us to get a three month prescription by mail instead of once a month in person.