Prescriptions

 

Prescription refills frequently may be made by phone and can be hastened if you have your pharmacist fax us. However, regular office visits are still necessary for long-term usage of most medications, and we prefer to refill your medications when you are seen in the office. Therefore, we ask that you bring all medications needing to be refilled and we will ensure that you have enough medication to last until your next visit. Long term prescriptions are to be refilled at time of annual examination.

  • 1. We want to make sure your Routine Medications for your condition are working. Some of these conditions include:

    • Blood Pressure

    • Diabetes

    • Cholesterol

    • Thyroid

    • Asthma Medications

    2. Controlled substance medications can also lead to serious risks and potential complications. Safe and active management of these medications is necessary in ensuring your health. Examples include:

    • Pain Medications

    • Some Mental Health Medications

    • Testosterone injections

    • Sleep Medications

    Most often, though, your doctor may want to reassess and determine whether that is still the best medication to treat your condition. Medication guidelines change and evolve, and a periodic visit is the best way to be sure your treatment is current and safe.

    Some medications require a kidney or liver function blood test to ensure safe prescribing because these organs are important in how your body processes medications; others may need a test to check the therapeutic level of medication in your bloodstream. You may also be due for some routine preventive health screening or vaccinations, which can be updated at your visit.

    3. Episodic Medications. We cannot prescribe episodic medications without an appointment. Symptoms alone and prior History of Conditions may not be a clear indication of the appropriate prescription for you.

    • Antibiotics

    • Inhalers

    • Behind the Counter Cough suppressants

    Prescriptions for UTIs also require an office visit. Seeing a doctor for a urine culture is the best way to figure out which bacteria is causing your UTI, and subsequently which antibiotic will work best for treatment.

    4. Medication Reconciliation is important to review at each visit. Patients often see more than one doctor and a medication prescribed by a specialist may influence their primary-care treatment choices. All clinicians should routinely check for drug interactions before prescribing, but your primary-care office is your medical “home,” where monitoring all aspects of your health and treatments is a standard goal.

    ** Please bring all medications to your visit