Can pathologists write prescriptions?

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2006MD

Beda hell ker 4 Kalifonya
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This may be a stupid question.
Just wanted to know...If I choose pathology (which I'm starting to lean toward) will I still be able to write prescriptions for certain medications?

thanks

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2006MD said:
This may be a stupid question.
Just wanted to know...If I choose pathology (which I'm starting to lean toward) will I still be able to write prescriptions for certain medications?

thanks

Yes, though I think some privileges might depend on the specific state you practice in. My license says "physician and surgeon", just like "real" physicians and surgeons' licenses. I could legally write prescriptions for anything in Utah, though I didn't have a DEA license for narcotics. Usually, when someone asked if I was authorized, I would tell them that I wasn't that kind of doctor.

I did call in a prescription for my sister once to K-Mart, and they absolutely refused to fill a prescription without a DEA number. Apparently, insurance companies track prescriptions by that number and will not reimburse for any kind of prescription, even though I am legally entitled to write most prescriptions. Ticked me off, but I didn't really pursue it.
 
Thanks Ry

I did call in a prescription for my sister once to K-Mart, and they absolutely refused to fill a prescription without a DEA number. Apparently, insurance companies track prescriptions by that number and will not reimburse for any kind of prescription, even though I am legally entitled to write most prescriptions. Ticked me off, but I didn't really pursue it.[/QUOTE]
 
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2006MD said:
This may be a stupid question.
Just wanted to know...If I choose pathology (which I'm starting to lean toward) will I still be able to write prescriptions for certain medications?

thanks

Depending on where you work you might have to write prescriptions. If it is required as part of blood bank or FNAs or whatever. Personally, I do not have to nor do I care to. It would be nice to make some extra cash by selling viagra to college students, but oh well. (That's a joke, if the FBI is watching) ;)
 
Yaah-

Funny that you say that about Viagra and college students. I'm on a Psych clerkship right now and was told that one can now buy, on the street, a Viagra/SSRI pill pack. The SSRI side effect of delayed ejaculation mixed with the effects of Viagra make some guys really popular, I guess. I'm not going to tell my wife about this combo lest she'll have me at the doctor complaining of depression/anxiety and impotence.

Grizz
 
Yes and we can read radiographs as well! Muhahaha a clever plan is forming.
 
If I recollect correctly, I have met a pathologist with a DEA number that was able to perscribe narcotics.

We are/will be doctors, therefore they should not be able to refuse the lisecne, IHMO at least. But you know, this is second hand infromation for you, so take it worth grain of salt...or less.

SexyRepublican said:
Can a Pathologist get a DEA number?
 
ziadp said:
If I recollect correctly, I have met a pathologist with a DEA number that was able to perscribe narcotics.

We are/will be doctors, therefore they should not be able to refuse the lisecne, IHMO at least. But you know, this is second hand infromation for you, so take it worth grain of salt...or less.
You can certainly write prescriptions as a pathologist.You should check with your malpractice insurance carrier to find out exactly what you are covered for.If you practice medicine outside the usual scope of your specialty there may be potential issues,but many policies do make allowance for this.
 
SexyRepublican said:
Can a Pathologist get a DEA number?


Yes. Some hospitals require you have one to be on its staff. This is not uncommon at all.
 
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