Chronic illness and doctor-shopping accusations

Living with one or more chronic illnesses can make each day a struggle to achieve tasks for work and at home difficult and increase the everyday pain some of these conditions may cause. Prescription medications can ease symptoms, especially those that directly interfere with your overall well-being. The National Library of Medicine notes that while recent advancements in health care technology, such as improved record-sharing practices among physicians, can improve patient care, your chronic illness and the need for medication may lead to accusations of doctor shopping.

What is doctor shopping?

Doctor shopping occurs when individuals visit several doctors or health care facilities to obtain multiple drug prescriptions. Some individuals try to obtain opioids or medications that cause a psychotropic effect; however, when your primary medical doctor cannot find ways to ease the symptoms of your chronic illness, you may visit another physician or specialist for a second opinion.

What might cause a doctor shopping accusation?

If you search for a medication that reduces chronic pain caused by inflammation, such as arthritis, then you may visit several doctors within the span of a few months. This could lead a physician to suspect you seek painkillers to either abuse or sell. Speaking with each doctor you visit about the pain levels you experience daily and offering documentation regarding your history with a chronic illness may reduce the risk of doctor-shopping allegations. Keeping accurate records of the prescriptions you take and providing new doctors with a complete medical history may prevent any allegations of doctor shopping and the consequences it can cause.