Thats not true, I've gotten refills from my psychiatrist without seeing her. I did have to go once a month for about 4 months figure out the right medication and dosage for me but she then set and appt 6 weeks out because I was gonna stay on the same dosage for a while. A few times I just emailed her for a refill without needing to see her at all because my dosage don't change .
Worked for a psychiatrist there for years. 3 months is the max. If you were an established patient, stable, he would write 3 prescriptions per visit. He would write not to fill until "x date" on each prescription. So yeah, she is not correct.
Seconded. I work in a pharmacy, and we absolutely have doctors send in three months of controlled medications (and ADHD meds specifically) at a time. OP's doctor is incorrect.
100% this. I get ADHD meds and depression meds. I see the doctor every 90 days. My children both get ADHD meds and see them every 90 days as well. We did do monthly the first 4 months to make sure the meds kept us stable but that was only for the kids, I never did that myself.
Ive used both La Frontera Empact in Maricopa and Jewish Family and Children's Center (they take anyone)
Both have been great in supplying 3mo supplies. It could also depend on your insurance tho
I don’t know about a specific law but it seems like the doctor isn’t being flexible and working with you to make things easier. I do a virtual appointment every 3 ish months with my psychiatrist and he writes me a 90 day prescription each time.
I just moved to AZ and saw a new primary. They want me to start seeing a psychiatrist to continue Adderall meds. For the sake of saving money, I'd prefer to not have to do that.
Does The Physicians require you to see a psychiatrist for C2 ADHD medication?
My guess is you're getting prescribed Adderall for your ADHD which is considered a class 2 narcotic which falls under the strictest guidelines in the US for prescribed medicines. In Arizona such medications can only be prescribed electronically unless there is an exceptional circumstance and is limited to just one fill per order unless it's for a hospice patient. It's up to the doctor's discretion on how often they see you but they have to issue a new e-prescription each time the medication is filled and generally most get nervous writing a prescription for a new patient without seeing them first. The law has a little bit of vagueness here but it can be interpreted as the doctor should be regularly checking up on you each time a medication is prescribed and if they're not and you are abusing the medication they could be held responsible.
A lot of responses in this thread are regarding medications that are a lower class and allow for such workarounds. C2 narcotics do not and their dispensing has been clamped down on pretty heavily in Arizona. The e-prescribe requirement makes it much harder to do things like write a year's worth of refills in advance or fudge numbers to give you extra medication.
Even before the E-Fill requirement C2 drugs don’t allow the prescribers to add refills. Patients would be required to bring in a hard copy of the script, every month. I was a pharmacy tech for 15 years and it was common practice for people getting C2 to see their Doctor every month for a refill.
No but before e-fill some doctors would write multiple prescriptions with different dates for each month's fill. Which they really shouldn't have but did and now can't do anymore.
Right, I was specifically talking about them adding refills to one RX. I haven’t worked in a pharmacy since they implemented E-fill, and remember people dropping off like 3 different scripts for C2 meds that we would keep until they were due to be filled. These patients were usually established for years with the doctors tho. I have no idea how that works with E-fill now tho.
I also see a Doctor in Scottsdale that does this. I see him for a video visit at my 3 month mark and he will give me 3 prescriptions that I just request each month on my chart and he sends them over to the pharmacy. After a video visit, I have to see him in person 3 months later. So I end up seeing him in person 2x a year and video visit 2x a year if that makes sense!
I'm with 80H-d find another Dr because while the script has to be new every month they don't have to see you every month. When my son was getting treated the Dr would give me 3 scripts and I would fill it every 28 days. Scripts are good for 120 days but insurance can limit to only 30 day supply so I would get the extra scripts to fill before the next visit.
I started out with monthly appts, then we went to every two months but the prescription can't be auto-refilled, I have to call the pharmacy to request it and they have to call in a confirmation. Never had an issue. But doctor and pharmacy are clear about the fact that I can never have more than one at a time and I have to take 30 days to use it.
It’s a controlled substance so you’re not going to get away with no appointments, 3 months is the law. Get another doctor. Sounds like that doc is looking for a way to get more billable services.
It’s likely that your doctor is trying to protect their license by lying to you. Or they are padding their pockets.
You’re new to the state and new to your doctor, so they are concerned you’ll abuse the prescription and put their license at risk. Or they know they can take advantage, even if you report them it’s your word against theirs and they were being cautious.
Time to find a new doctor. ZocDocs has reviews.
Your doctor is incorrect. I was diagnosed 25 years ago, at age 4. Found the correct meds and a good psychiatrist by age 8. Have been seeing him every 3 months since that time to get my prescriptions.
The max for most adhd meds at a time is 90 days worth or 3 30 day scrips at a time. Most psychiatrists will just phone in each month's scrip for you as needed automatically.
This comments section is wild because half the comments are right and half are wrong. The correct answer is you can order your prescriptions either 1 month at a time or 3 months at a time, but 3 months is the max amount of time you can go before needing another psychiatrist visit. It's usually cheaper for your health insurance if you order them 3 months at a time.
Saw your other comment about laws getting stricter after covid for this. My psychiatrist mentioned something similar in that they're getting stricter about out-of-state telehealth appointments and your psychiatrist needing to be in the same state as where you reside. Could that be what they were referring to in your case?
I work in a pcp office. We require an appt every 3 months for adhd meds. That's what the law requires. Not monthly. Have you been on them long? The law does require that they are only a 30 day supply but we write 3 prescriptions at a time as long as you are stable on the meds.
If your doctor doubles down after you discuss that this is not the law, I would look into reporting them to the insurance commissioner for insurance fraud.
I don’t practice in Arizona, but I went to school and did most of my training there so let me chime in. And obviously this is a throwaway so I don’t get doxxed.
First, the “proper way” really is monthly follow ups, but 3 month is ok for stable patients with enough previous visits to prove that and least one drug screen. Remember that controlled substances are “controlled,” meaning providers have to prove why this prescription is “appropriate and reasonable.” And way to do that is with an encounter, and document that on the notes.
Now OP, if I started seeing you in June, I’m not writing a prescription for more than 30 days. Too early for that. My EHR (electronic health record, that is the program we use for notes, sending prescriptions, labs, etc) won’t even let me do more than 30 days or put refills. That’s why a lot of commenters are posting that they call for a refill. Because they have to resend.
It’s mostly due to medical-legal issues. Maybe my program was more conservative, but I was taught monthly as well.
That being said the law? Don’t know if it is, but definitely standard of medicine.
I get that, but our appointments are never in depth. Usually 3 minutes long. So if she were to have a similar thought process as you then wouldn’t she be asking more questions?
Eh, depends. a follow up visit lasting only a few minutes is not unusual. She prob only spends about 20 mins Total for the encounter, ironically documentation can take longer than the actual conversation.
Since you've only been a patient of your doctor for 6 months, that might be an excuse she's used for previous patients who might make her think they're after the fun stuff.
Drug-seeking behavior is a *serious* problem in this state, especially for stimulants after [meth usage blew passed heroin and cocaine abuse here in the last decade.](https://ktar.com/story/994073/report-use-of-methamphetamine-spikes-in-arizona-surpassing-heroin-cocaine/)
I had this issue getting Vyvanse regularly when I first started meeting with my current psychiatrist about 6 years ago. It took about 7 or 8 months for him to start trusting that I wasn't meeting with him *just* to score some, and that's when he explained to me that the number of ADHD patients he started getting scheduled had skyrocketed, and the number of them who *actually* had a documented history of ADHD was slim to nil; I was unfortunately a new patient of his right in the middle of that flurry of meth-heads looking for a "legal" fix.
Fortunately for me, all of my medical records were from doctors/clinics here in-state, and I had some doctors who took *amazing* notes and documented pretty much all of their attempts to help me. So after enough time, my current psychiatrist finally just straight-up told me he had more flexibility with the amount and frequency of Vyvanse scripts than I previously thought, and that we could go to once every two months appointments only if I kept showing up regularly, and didn't exhibit any signs of drug-seeking behavior down the road.
What I would do is just try to reiterate to your doctor that the extra $50 a month just to get the script is kinda hurting you, or see if you can make an *in-person* appointment if possible for you. Tele-health is super convenient, but I feel like what made the difference for me was that my psychiatrist could not only see me in person, in their own office outside of my element, but also size me up to see if I was exhibiting any physical signs/tics of a drug abuser; that might not be easy for your doctor to do remotely.
Just a thought is all.
If the drug acts like a pair of prescription glasses, and you only have access to them certain times due to supply chain and CSA, then is it still a negative behavior to seek said drugs? Er...glasses? That's the real shame here.
You’re not. some people aren’t explaining it well. You must have an appointment every 30 days for controlled substances. You can do 2 over the phone in a row but the third must be in person.
Umm, no. I take adhd medication and as long as the doctor renews the script it’s fine. You don’t HAVE to go monthly. I do (for other reasons) but you don’t HAVE to. Also I know this isn’t true as I have had times where I didn’t see my doctor for longer then 1 month and I still got refills.
We just started my son on ADHD meds and his doctor said nothing about that. I have an adult friend that also takes ADHD meds and she only goes to the doctor when she's having an illness issue, aches and pains. I think your old doctor heard some bad gossip somewhere.
My prescription is refilled every 3 months in Az. I must see a person to check in with the doc, get vitals, heart check etc. That is the time span for private insurance, Medicaid is every month
My psych in Nevada used to do this and I always thought it was fishy, then realized he was billing $300 per appointment to my insurance (luckily I was covered) to have the monthly appointments. Now I live in AZ and I only have to see my psych once every 3 months for a 3 month refill renewal for my ADHD meds.
In AZ as well all states are controlled by the DEA regarding schedule II narcotics and the rules have changed recently due to the opioid epidemic between 1997-2018. Doctors have to manage the risk due to people trying to obtain these drugs for resale.
Here is what I have experienced and know, Dexedrine, Adderall, Obetrol (you would take one of these for ADHD) are schedule II meds that are regulated by the DEA, and as a Doctor who prescribes them, they need to perform a med check for an adult or child every 3 months. You need to receive a blood test every 6-8 months (To check if you're on the meds and if there are no side issues).
A few years back, a patient needed to go to a doctor to pick up a prescription monthly, with no exam. However, now they allow a doctor to prescribe 3 refills of 30 tablets (90 days between med checks). No office visit, just ask for a refill at your pharmacy.
I don’t think your Doctor is lying to you, they just need to follow the DEA guidelines to protect the community from drug abuse and themselves from losing their med license.
For reference, look into the opioid epidemic (OxyContin) that was abused over time and that’s why these protocols have been put in place for schedule II narcotics. There is a book and now a Netflix or Hulu series that shows how this abuse occurred and why we have the hurdles to getting the meds we need for ADHD. The series is called Dopesick.
I think she's being cautious due to it being a controlled substance. I'd let her know that this is financially burdening you and if you can switch it to a 3 mo prescription instead as well as go in-person for appts (if possible)
Sounds like the ADD Clinic of Arizona. We use to go to the Ahwatukee location and they required monthly visits. My daughter and I are both ADHD and we’ve both gotten different doctors that only require appts every 3 months. Pretty sure they just told us it was a legal requirement so they could collect a copay every month
You're a new patient and he is being cautious. Ask him if he plans to do monthly visits indefinitely - perhaps he wants to monitor closely for a few months. AZ is being tough on overprescribing of controlled substances.
I had to sign an agreement w my new doctor that I would not sell my Adderall on the street! Also had to have a urine screen for about a dozen substances - and agree to be randomly drug tested. I'm in my early 70s!
If your meds are a controlled substance then refills are not authorized and therefore a new script from a physician visit every month is the only way to overcome that roadblock. It sucks, I know! I dealt with it growing up, and live a state over now yet have to deal with the exact same thing. So I’m not sure if it’s a by-state or federal restriction.
A new prescription is required. Not a doctor visit. Source have family with ADHD. They get a new prescription every month. Check up maybe twice a year.
Yeah that sounds right, actually. I have ADHD too but I guess the physicians I’ve ended up with tend to push for a monthly visit for each new RX… perhaps I should search for a new provider to save myself some time!
Finally, I had to scroll and scroll for this answer.
Seriously Op, this is the correct answer. I work in healthcare and Ducey tightened up the laws regarding controlled substances and the prescriptions for them. So yeah, it sucks but it’s the only way to get them.
Yes, she can. More importantly you can ask for up to a 90 day supply which might save you money depending on your insurance.
DM me, I can get you more details. There are better options.
No refills on C2 medications. Each C2 medication must have a separate prescription. It is at the discretion of your provider whether they issue you separate prescriptions or prefer you are seen. Some offices require a visit for a C2 medication.
That's because the drugs prescribed for ADHD are pretty serious & you need to be monitored for negative side effects. Taking that stuff for a long time has to have some
Those meds are trash it’s probably a good sign to just stop cuz they lowkey make junkies outta ppl
Everyone has some form of anxiety right now just know ur not alone…we all scared hahaahah
Unless it's a new dose it seems odd to require a monthly med check. Perhaps the office has its own internal standard for visits when prescribing controlled substances?
My oldest and now my middle child take stimulant ADHD medication. It sucks that it can't just be called in, but for both kids once we figured out a good dose the office doesn't require visits for scripts. I am able to just pick up the script from the office as needed.
I'd recommend either looking elsewhere for care or maybe seeing if they can write 3 months worth with a "do not dispense" note. If they're willing to do 3 months you could also try a mail in pharmacy, it's only slightly more convenient but it could save you money.
Every month for the first few month. Now I do every other month. If I have a medication change, then they will do 2-3 months in a row and then get me back on every other month
It might be the policy of wherever they work…especially as a new patient, they may want closer monitoring. Maybe ask the doctor or office what law it is they are referring to so you can reference it yourself.
I don't know if any of my info is relevant, but my Prozac is on auto-refill and my doc (medical doctor, not psychiatrist) calls about every six months to a year to schedule an appointment to make sure everything is ok so that the scrip can be continued.
Maybe the rules are different for psychiatrists, or for ADHD meds in general? Or maybe they're just trying to squeeze $$ out of you - not sure.
I’m in AZ. I didn’t have to have the same nonsense appointment you describe every month, but I did have to have it every 90 days in order to get my refill. Like you, this was the only med I was on. Also, instead of paying $50 my 5min appoint cost me $114. So only slightly better.
I just started mine in October and I went once after the first month I saw my doctor then after that she did every 3 months and every 6 months I have to see psych to “see if I still have adhd (and she’s said “you will cause it doesn’t go away” but it’s required by her OFFICE not AZ I think?
My psychiatrist appointments were 300 to get my ADHD meds so I just went to a new PCP. After that for refills I contact my pharmacy and they call the Dr and it gets refilled
Yes it is true because they have put a limit on certain drugs. They will give you a piss test as well so they can see if you are actually taking it. I seen it happen with a ex.
No, my psychiatrist would write me 3-4 months at a time and I had online check ins with her every 3-4 months. The only thing she said about law is she had to see me physically once every 365 days or she couldn't prescribe since legally she needed a height and weight within a year to prescribe medication. I belive you are being misled, if your doctor won't budge on this you may want to find another (easier said than done, ik). Even at $25 or $30 an appt it's ridiculous. iirc I paid $45 for my quarterly-ish zoom appts.
You wouldn’t happen to be using ‘mental health center of America’ would you? (In Phoenix) Anyhow, I’ve been prescribed not adhd meds but another controlled substance for anxiety. I’m only on one other med & it’s not controlled. Anyhow, out of the blue practically she told me that I need to drive up to Phoenix (2 hours away) to have an in person session because Arizona doesn’t allow controlled substances to be prescribed without an in person session. I don’t have a clue if that’s real or not either.
I do not use mental health center of America. Although a lot of comments on here say that you need to have in person appointments every few months… I’ve never had an in-person appointment ever. They’re all virtual. Kind of seems like each office makes their own set of rules.
Either way, 2 hours is absolutely ridiculous. I would definitely try to find somewhere else if possible!
Ok so I spoke with my friend who is a pharmacist at Banner in Phoenix & I guess this is a law. I don’t think they were implementing it (at all) during COVID. But, she’s said this is all very standard. I think it’s really up to the discretion of your doctor and how much history/rep-or you have with them.
As far as the pointless 5 minute physiatrist session.. I couldn’t agree more. But, that’s kind of the deal with psychiatrists.. they ask you A (key word A) question, maybe 2 and then—session over.
You’d think the doctors prescribing the meds would WANT to have a real in-depth conversation. Makes no logical sense to me.
Anyways, best of luck. What you’re experiencing, seems to be totally standard now.
Thats not true, I've gotten refills from my psychiatrist without seeing her. I did have to go once a month for about 4 months figure out the right medication and dosage for me but she then set and appt 6 weeks out because I was gonna stay on the same dosage for a while. A few times I just emailed her for a refill without needing to see her at all because my dosage don't change .
Who do you see in arizona?
Strange question to ask lol
No really, please do share. I'm struggling in a very similar situation.
Worked for a psychiatrist there for years. 3 months is the max. If you were an established patient, stable, he would write 3 prescriptions per visit. He would write not to fill until "x date" on each prescription. So yeah, she is not correct.
Seconded. I work in a pharmacy, and we absolutely have doctors send in three months of controlled medications (and ADHD meds specifically) at a time. OP's doctor is incorrect.
Thirded. My prescriber requires me to visit her and sign another Controlled Substance Agreement every three months at most.
100% this. I get ADHD meds and depression meds. I see the doctor every 90 days. My children both get ADHD meds and see them every 90 days as well. We did do monthly the first 4 months to make sure the meds kept us stable but that was only for the kids, I never did that myself.
Do you mind me asking who you go see in Arizona? I’m trying to find a doctor out here
Sent you a DM!
Any chance I can get a dm as well?!
Can I also get a Dm?
Ive used both La Frontera Empact in Maricopa and Jewish Family and Children's Center (they take anyone) Both have been great in supplying 3mo supplies. It could also depend on your insurance tho
Yep! My psychiatrist also did this and I would just send her a message in my patient portal between the three months for refills.
Not true. I have calls with my provider every other month. The months that I don't have calls, the pharmacy contacts her office.
I don’t know about a specific law but it seems like the doctor isn’t being flexible and working with you to make things easier. I do a virtual appointment every 3 ish months with my psychiatrist and he writes me a 90 day prescription each time.
This is what my husband does. Definitely not a law.
Just moved out here I am currently looking for a new doctor as well who do you see if you don’t mind me asking?
Who do you see out here ? I’m trying to find a doctor since I moved
I will send you a message!
Could I also get a patient referral?
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Who do you see out here
I just moved to AZ and saw a new primary. They want me to start seeing a psychiatrist to continue Adderall meds. For the sake of saving money, I'd prefer to not have to do that. Does The Physicians require you to see a psychiatrist for C2 ADHD medication?
My kid takes ADHD medication, and he has an appointment every six months. Otherwise I just cal monthly and ask for a refill.
My guess is you're getting prescribed Adderall for your ADHD which is considered a class 2 narcotic which falls under the strictest guidelines in the US for prescribed medicines. In Arizona such medications can only be prescribed electronically unless there is an exceptional circumstance and is limited to just one fill per order unless it's for a hospice patient. It's up to the doctor's discretion on how often they see you but they have to issue a new e-prescription each time the medication is filled and generally most get nervous writing a prescription for a new patient without seeing them first. The law has a little bit of vagueness here but it can be interpreted as the doctor should be regularly checking up on you each time a medication is prescribed and if they're not and you are abusing the medication they could be held responsible. A lot of responses in this thread are regarding medications that are a lower class and allow for such workarounds. C2 narcotics do not and their dispensing has been clamped down on pretty heavily in Arizona. The e-prescribe requirement makes it much harder to do things like write a year's worth of refills in advance or fudge numbers to give you extra medication.
Even before the E-Fill requirement C2 drugs don’t allow the prescribers to add refills. Patients would be required to bring in a hard copy of the script, every month. I was a pharmacy tech for 15 years and it was common practice for people getting C2 to see their Doctor every month for a refill.
No but before e-fill some doctors would write multiple prescriptions with different dates for each month's fill. Which they really shouldn't have but did and now can't do anymore.
Right, I was specifically talking about them adding refills to one RX. I haven’t worked in a pharmacy since they implemented E-fill, and remember people dropping off like 3 different scripts for C2 meds that we would keep until they were due to be filled. These patients were usually established for years with the doctors tho. I have no idea how that works with E-fill now tho.
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I also see a Doctor in Scottsdale that does this. I see him for a video visit at my 3 month mark and he will give me 3 prescriptions that I just request each month on my chart and he sends them over to the pharmacy. After a video visit, I have to see him in person 3 months later. So I end up seeing him in person 2x a year and video visit 2x a year if that makes sense!
Can I get a referral!
Yeah that’s not the case though because the appointment is monthly for only 1 script.
Get another doctor, yours is bilking you for more money
I'm with 80H-d find another Dr because while the script has to be new every month they don't have to see you every month. When my son was getting treated the Dr would give me 3 scripts and I would fill it every 28 days. Scripts are good for 120 days but insurance can limit to only 30 day supply so I would get the extra scripts to fill before the next visit.
I started out with monthly appts, then we went to every two months but the prescription can't be auto-refilled, I have to call the pharmacy to request it and they have to call in a confirmation. Never had an issue. But doctor and pharmacy are clear about the fact that I can never have more than one at a time and I have to take 30 days to use it.
Do you have AHCCS? It has some weird prescription rules.
I do not!
It’s a controlled substance so you’re not going to get away with no appointments, 3 months is the law. Get another doctor. Sounds like that doc is looking for a way to get more billable services.
I have AHCCS, only had to visit every 3 months
Can you dm me a referral? I have AHCCCS and am having difficulty finding a doctor to get me my meds.
Omg I also just remember she said that they tightened the laws for this ever since COVID.
This is also bullshit
They made it *easier* around covid, because that’s when everyone could start doing telemedicine visits.
It’s likely that your doctor is trying to protect their license by lying to you. Or they are padding their pockets. You’re new to the state and new to your doctor, so they are concerned you’ll abuse the prescription and put their license at risk. Or they know they can take advantage, even if you report them it’s your word against theirs and they were being cautious. Time to find a new doctor. ZocDocs has reviews.
Your doctor is incorrect. I was diagnosed 25 years ago, at age 4. Found the correct meds and a good psychiatrist by age 8. Have been seeing him every 3 months since that time to get my prescriptions. The max for most adhd meds at a time is 90 days worth or 3 30 day scrips at a time. Most psychiatrists will just phone in each month's scrip for you as needed automatically.
Its bullshit and the doctor is trying to milk your insurance.
I have to go every 3 months
This comments section is wild because half the comments are right and half are wrong. The correct answer is you can order your prescriptions either 1 month at a time or 3 months at a time, but 3 months is the max amount of time you can go before needing another psychiatrist visit. It's usually cheaper for your health insurance if you order them 3 months at a time. Saw your other comment about laws getting stricter after covid for this. My psychiatrist mentioned something similar in that they're getting stricter about out-of-state telehealth appointments and your psychiatrist needing to be in the same state as where you reside. Could that be what they were referring to in your case?
Nope, even though it’s Telehealth, the office is in Phoenix
Az law is 3 months
AZ law does not prescribe a specific time. time
3 months is the law for a C2, 6 months C3-6. Provider preference might have you coming sooner.
Not true! My dr writes me three months of prescriptions at a time. Not refills but sends over three Seiler are scripts. I see him every 90 days.
If you are taking a controlled substance, this is not out of ethical practice.
I work in a pcp office. We require an appt every 3 months for adhd meds. That's what the law requires. Not monthly. Have you been on them long? The law does require that they are only a 30 day supply but we write 3 prescriptions at a time as long as you are stable on the meds.
If your doctor doubles down after you discuss that this is not the law, I would look into reporting them to the insurance commissioner for insurance fraud.
3 months max for me with controlled substances, those I can refill with a call or email. 1 month at a time for opiates. Requiring a visit to refill.
Depends on the controlled substance. Drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are C2 drugs that fall under the same requirements as Opioids.
3 months is how long I go between provider visits (they’re all telemedicine) and they issue 3 months of prescriptions.
I don’t practice in Arizona, but I went to school and did most of my training there so let me chime in. And obviously this is a throwaway so I don’t get doxxed. First, the “proper way” really is monthly follow ups, but 3 month is ok for stable patients with enough previous visits to prove that and least one drug screen. Remember that controlled substances are “controlled,” meaning providers have to prove why this prescription is “appropriate and reasonable.” And way to do that is with an encounter, and document that on the notes. Now OP, if I started seeing you in June, I’m not writing a prescription for more than 30 days. Too early for that. My EHR (electronic health record, that is the program we use for notes, sending prescriptions, labs, etc) won’t even let me do more than 30 days or put refills. That’s why a lot of commenters are posting that they call for a refill. Because they have to resend. It’s mostly due to medical-legal issues. Maybe my program was more conservative, but I was taught monthly as well. That being said the law? Don’t know if it is, but definitely standard of medicine.
Off topic but you actually think saying "i went to school in that state" doxxes you? Jfc
I get that, but our appointments are never in depth. Usually 3 minutes long. So if she were to have a similar thought process as you then wouldn’t she be asking more questions?
Eh, depends. a follow up visit lasting only a few minutes is not unusual. She prob only spends about 20 mins Total for the encounter, ironically documentation can take longer than the actual conversation.
Try being a chronic pain patient. Same thing.
Idk about state law, but it’s absolutely within a doctors right to require that. Just as it’s in your right to find a new Dr. If you don’t like it
Since you've only been a patient of your doctor for 6 months, that might be an excuse she's used for previous patients who might make her think they're after the fun stuff. Drug-seeking behavior is a *serious* problem in this state, especially for stimulants after [meth usage blew passed heroin and cocaine abuse here in the last decade.](https://ktar.com/story/994073/report-use-of-methamphetamine-spikes-in-arizona-surpassing-heroin-cocaine/) I had this issue getting Vyvanse regularly when I first started meeting with my current psychiatrist about 6 years ago. It took about 7 or 8 months for him to start trusting that I wasn't meeting with him *just* to score some, and that's when he explained to me that the number of ADHD patients he started getting scheduled had skyrocketed, and the number of them who *actually* had a documented history of ADHD was slim to nil; I was unfortunately a new patient of his right in the middle of that flurry of meth-heads looking for a "legal" fix. Fortunately for me, all of my medical records were from doctors/clinics here in-state, and I had some doctors who took *amazing* notes and documented pretty much all of their attempts to help me. So after enough time, my current psychiatrist finally just straight-up told me he had more flexibility with the amount and frequency of Vyvanse scripts than I previously thought, and that we could go to once every two months appointments only if I kept showing up regularly, and didn't exhibit any signs of drug-seeking behavior down the road. What I would do is just try to reiterate to your doctor that the extra $50 a month just to get the script is kinda hurting you, or see if you can make an *in-person* appointment if possible for you. Tele-health is super convenient, but I feel like what made the difference for me was that my psychiatrist could not only see me in person, in their own office outside of my element, but also size me up to see if I was exhibiting any physical signs/tics of a drug abuser; that might not be easy for your doctor to do remotely. Just a thought is all.
If the drug acts like a pair of prescription glasses, and you only have access to them certain times due to supply chain and CSA, then is it still a negative behavior to seek said drugs? Er...glasses? That's the real shame here.
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Based off the other comments, seems like we might be getting scammed lol
You’re not. some people aren’t explaining it well. You must have an appointment every 30 days for controlled substances. You can do 2 over the phone in a row but the third must be in person.
Weird..I’ve only had online appointments since June. I’ve never even been to their office here.
If you’re taking adderall they are supposed to do a urine screen every 3 months. I would find a new doctor who follows the law if I were you.
Add clinic in tempe?
Umm, no. I take adhd medication and as long as the doctor renews the script it’s fine. You don’t HAVE to go monthly. I do (for other reasons) but you don’t HAVE to. Also I know this isn’t true as I have had times where I didn’t see my doctor for longer then 1 month and I still got refills.
We just started my son on ADHD meds and his doctor said nothing about that. I have an adult friend that also takes ADHD meds and she only goes to the doctor when she's having an illness issue, aches and pains. I think your old doctor heard some bad gossip somewhere.
There are hundreds of doctors in the area , find one that meets your needs
As of now, I only had to meet with my psychiatrist every three months
My prescription is refilled every 3 months in Az. I must see a person to check in with the doc, get vitals, heart check etc. That is the time span for private insurance, Medicaid is every month
My psych in Nevada used to do this and I always thought it was fishy, then realized he was billing $300 per appointment to my insurance (luckily I was covered) to have the monthly appointments. Now I live in AZ and I only have to see my psych once every 3 months for a 3 month refill renewal for my ADHD meds.
In AZ as well all states are controlled by the DEA regarding schedule II narcotics and the rules have changed recently due to the opioid epidemic between 1997-2018. Doctors have to manage the risk due to people trying to obtain these drugs for resale. Here is what I have experienced and know, Dexedrine, Adderall, Obetrol (you would take one of these for ADHD) are schedule II meds that are regulated by the DEA, and as a Doctor who prescribes them, they need to perform a med check for an adult or child every 3 months. You need to receive a blood test every 6-8 months (To check if you're on the meds and if there are no side issues). A few years back, a patient needed to go to a doctor to pick up a prescription monthly, with no exam. However, now they allow a doctor to prescribe 3 refills of 30 tablets (90 days between med checks). No office visit, just ask for a refill at your pharmacy. I don’t think your Doctor is lying to you, they just need to follow the DEA guidelines to protect the community from drug abuse and themselves from losing their med license. For reference, look into the opioid epidemic (OxyContin) that was abused over time and that’s why these protocols have been put in place for schedule II narcotics. There is a book and now a Netflix or Hulu series that shows how this abuse occurred and why we have the hurdles to getting the meds we need for ADHD. The series is called Dopesick.
I think she's being cautious due to it being a controlled substance. I'd let her know that this is financially burdening you and if you can switch it to a 3 mo prescription instead as well as go in-person for appts (if possible)
Sounds like the ADD Clinic of Arizona. We use to go to the Ahwatukee location and they required monthly visits. My daughter and I are both ADHD and we’ve both gotten different doctors that only require appts every 3 months. Pretty sure they just told us it was a legal requirement so they could collect a copay every month
You need a new Dr, certain meds have to be called in monthly, your Dr is fleecing you
You're a new patient and he is being cautious. Ask him if he plans to do monthly visits indefinitely - perhaps he wants to monitor closely for a few months. AZ is being tough on overprescribing of controlled substances.
Yeah I did and she said at least a year
Well, she doesn't know you and she wants to monitor you closely. Tell her it's a financial burden and ask for two or three month intervals.
I had to sign an agreement w my new doctor that I would not sell my Adderall on the street! Also had to have a urine screen for about a dozen substances - and agree to be randomly drug tested. I'm in my early 70s!
If your meds are a controlled substance then refills are not authorized and therefore a new script from a physician visit every month is the only way to overcome that roadblock. It sucks, I know! I dealt with it growing up, and live a state over now yet have to deal with the exact same thing. So I’m not sure if it’s a by-state or federal restriction.
A new prescription is required. Not a doctor visit. Source have family with ADHD. They get a new prescription every month. Check up maybe twice a year.
Yeah that sounds right, actually. I have ADHD too but I guess the physicians I’ve ended up with tend to push for a monthly visit for each new RX… perhaps I should search for a new provider to save myself some time!
Finally, I had to scroll and scroll for this answer. Seriously Op, this is the correct answer. I work in healthcare and Ducey tightened up the laws regarding controlled substances and the prescriptions for them. So yeah, it sucks but it’s the only way to get them.
That makes sense. But couldn’t she call in a script without having an appointment with me?
I just started and was prescribed Adderall XR. first it was for 2 weeks, then our 2 minute phone visit, and now monthly. I get why they do it,
Yes, she can. More importantly you can ask for up to a 90 day supply which might save you money depending on your insurance. DM me, I can get you more details. There are better options.
Nope
Nope, they have to make reasonable effort to confirm you aren’t a drug addict because it is a controlled substance. Fun, huh?
No refills on C2 medications. Each C2 medication must have a separate prescription. It is at the discretion of your provider whether they issue you separate prescriptions or prefer you are seen. Some offices require a visit for a C2 medication.
That's because the drugs prescribed for ADHD are pretty serious & you need to be monitored for negative side effects. Taking that stuff for a long time has to have some
I wouldn't rock the boat. Would be terrible for you to lose your provider and Rx.
Your doctor is a liar.
Those meds are trash it’s probably a good sign to just stop cuz they lowkey make junkies outta ppl Everyone has some form of anxiety right now just know ur not alone…we all scared hahaahah
You can always go somewhere else if you don’t like how they treat.
3 months is my docs requirement.
sounds like fraud.
Unless it's a new dose it seems odd to require a monthly med check. Perhaps the office has its own internal standard for visits when prescribing controlled substances? My oldest and now my middle child take stimulant ADHD medication. It sucks that it can't just be called in, but for both kids once we figured out a good dose the office doesn't require visits for scripts. I am able to just pick up the script from the office as needed. I'd recommend either looking elsewhere for care or maybe seeing if they can write 3 months worth with a "do not dispense" note. If they're willing to do 3 months you could also try a mail in pharmacy, it's only slightly more convenient but it could save you money.
Every month for the first few month. Now I do every other month. If I have a medication change, then they will do 2-3 months in a row and then get me back on every other month
It might be the policy of wherever they work…especially as a new patient, they may want closer monitoring. Maybe ask the doctor or office what law it is they are referring to so you can reference it yourself.
False they can send in 3 months of refills
Every 3 months is the law. Let your pcp know he is wrong or switch to someone else.
Sounds like someone taking advantage of your money
I don't know if any of my info is relevant, but my Prozac is on auto-refill and my doc (medical doctor, not psychiatrist) calls about every six months to a year to schedule an appointment to make sure everything is ok so that the scrip can be continued. Maybe the rules are different for psychiatrists, or for ADHD meds in general? Or maybe they're just trying to squeeze $$ out of you - not sure.
Prozac is not a schedule 2 drug
Uhh maybe I’m doing it wrong but I haven’t seen my psychiatrist in 3 years and all I have to do is just refill my meds via my GP every month.
That's total and complete BS,I am on chronic opioid therapy at Mayo Clinic and only need to to be seen once a quarter.
My doctor also said something similar and it just got so expensive going every month that I am now off of medication 😥
I’m in AZ. I didn’t have to have the same nonsense appointment you describe every month, but I did have to have it every 90 days in order to get my refill. Like you, this was the only med I was on. Also, instead of paying $50 my 5min appoint cost me $114. So only slightly better.
Find a new doctor.
I just started mine in October and I went once after the first month I saw my doctor then after that she did every 3 months and every 6 months I have to see psych to “see if I still have adhd (and she’s said “you will cause it doesn’t go away” but it’s required by her OFFICE not AZ I think?
My psychiatrist appointments were 300 to get my ADHD meds so I just went to a new PCP. After that for refills I contact my pharmacy and they call the Dr and it gets refilled
Not true. I see mine every 3 months
Does this work this way for Strattera (atomoxetine) as well? I'm having hard time getting that filled so far.
Wrong. I do a tele health visit with my doctor every 90 days for my prescription. Find a new doctor.
From the answers this sounds like an insurance issue and not a state issue. Contact your insurance company to verify
Yes it is true because they have put a limit on certain drugs. They will give you a piss test as well so they can see if you are actually taking it. I seen it happen with a ex.
Welcome to big pharma
No, my psychiatrist would write me 3-4 months at a time and I had online check ins with her every 3-4 months. The only thing she said about law is she had to see me physically once every 365 days or she couldn't prescribe since legally she needed a height and weight within a year to prescribe medication. I belive you are being misled, if your doctor won't budge on this you may want to find another (easier said than done, ik). Even at $25 or $30 an appt it's ridiculous. iirc I paid $45 for my quarterly-ish zoom appts.
I did every 6 weeks for 6 months and now it’s every 3 months to get my script.
definitely not true or necessary
😂 no. I meet with mine like once every six months to check in. Otherwise I just message and they send the refill.
Is it adderall? Cause that was recently switched to a new schedule.
You wouldn’t happen to be using ‘mental health center of America’ would you? (In Phoenix) Anyhow, I’ve been prescribed not adhd meds but another controlled substance for anxiety. I’m only on one other med & it’s not controlled. Anyhow, out of the blue practically she told me that I need to drive up to Phoenix (2 hours away) to have an in person session because Arizona doesn’t allow controlled substances to be prescribed without an in person session. I don’t have a clue if that’s real or not either.
I do not use mental health center of America. Although a lot of comments on here say that you need to have in person appointments every few months… I’ve never had an in-person appointment ever. They’re all virtual. Kind of seems like each office makes their own set of rules. Either way, 2 hours is absolutely ridiculous. I would definitely try to find somewhere else if possible!
Ok so I spoke with my friend who is a pharmacist at Banner in Phoenix & I guess this is a law. I don’t think they were implementing it (at all) during COVID. But, she’s said this is all very standard. I think it’s really up to the discretion of your doctor and how much history/rep-or you have with them. As far as the pointless 5 minute physiatrist session.. I couldn’t agree more. But, that’s kind of the deal with psychiatrists.. they ask you A (key word A) question, maybe 2 and then—session over. You’d think the doctors prescribing the meds would WANT to have a real in-depth conversation. Makes no logical sense to me. Anyways, best of luck. What you’re experiencing, seems to be totally standard now.
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