I’m testifying as an expert witness this morning in Phoenix at a medical board hearing on behalf of a physician who was recently audited by the DEA.
The audit was initiated after a local pharmacist alerted the DEA, suspecting the Dr was over prescribing.
After I conducted an audit of the physician’s clinic and performed a chart review, I prepared a report in defense of the physician.
While I feel confident the physician exercised reasonable efforts in monitoring
His patients, I did note some areas in need of improvement.
Typically, a patient agreement , UDS monitoring , and State pdmp checks are adequate to protect a physician, but medical boards across the US are applying stricter standards, especially in States such as Arizona, Arkansas, Texas, and Louissiana lately.
I’m advising Drs to incorporate stricter policies adding pill counts, pain management referrals to specialists or addiction centers, enrolling in advanced seminars or presentations dealing with prescription monitoring, better documentation in their treatment plans citing “life goals” for the patient and plans to reduce medication within a set time period. Paying close attention to a patient’s UDS results and taking prompt action with respect to the results is critical as well.
Here’s just one example of a recent board ruling in Arizona.
You will note that the Dr took some basic measures but it still wasn’t enough for the Arizona Board.
I’m hoping for a better outcome today for my client in Phoenix.
Robert Saenz
VIP MEDICAL CONSULTING
www.vipmedicalonline.com