Spine surgeons help their patients recover and rehabilitate after an operation. Often, this includes prescribing pain medication for severe back pain. What can doctors do to ensure their patients do not become addicted or abuse their medication?
Becker’s Spine Review outlined several steps that doctors can take. First, it is good to create tests that are very specific to determine the pain medication compliance of each patient in real time. Dr. Bryan Oh, an orthopedic spine surgeon at BASIC Spine in Newport Beach, California, explained to the source that following up with the patient is extremely important because “criminal behavior” can occur if a doctor does not keep tabs on his or her patients.
Another major step in the right direction is determining whether one’s patients have seen other physicians in the meantime to obtain another prescription. California surgeons have access to the CURES report, which provides all patient visits in real time.
“Look at the CURES report before the patient is in your office so you have all their information available and you can hold them accountable,” Dr. Oh said. “The goal is to improve patient healthcare and at the same time minimize criminal activity. If we can do that, we can clean up a lot of problems.”
Before assigning the first prescription for painkillers, it is imperative to educate patients on the appropriate use and potential for abuse of pain medication. Additionally, it is necessary to explain that pain medication should only be used in the short term and not considered a permanent solution.
Surgeons who follow these guidelines will have a better relationship with their patients and be able to combat the issues surrounding prescription drug abuse.