I have been a patient at this clinic…
I have been a patient at this clinic for years for chronic pain from multiple spinal fractures. I am 100% disabled, and my pain is managed with prescriptions this clinic writes. I filled my last prescriptions on July 6 — a 30-day supply that ran out on August 5. The pharmacy had nothing new on file. When I called the clinic, I was told nothing would be sent until I was seen, and the earliest appointment offered was August 18 — nearly two weeks after my refill date. No bridge prescription, no telehealth option, no earlier slot. Their suggestion was that I go to the ER or urgent care, which do not refill chronic pain prescriptions — something a pain clinic knows better than anyone. To keep from running out completely, I have been rationing my doses below what my own doctor prescribed. I will still run out days before the appointment. A long-term, compliant patient with a documented spinal condition should never be put in that position by a scheduling gap. Both the FDA and CDC specifically warn providers against abruptly cutting off long-term pain patients. All it would have taken was a short bridge prescription or a ten-minute telehealth visit. If you are considering this clinic for long-term pain management, know that if their scheduling slips, you are the one who will pay for it.
By Lloyd F.