Random question

[Rad2013]

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I have written myself a few prescriptions for very benign meds (eg eye drops). A pharmacist at my program said it was no big deal. However, I have been thinking about trying doxy for acne (at 27 somehow I still have the skin of a teenager). Anyone think this would be an issue or raise any red flags? If it were just a few day course, I wouldn't think much of it... But obviously for acne, it'd be more long term. I appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Your "random question" has several previous threads devoted to this topic. I'm sure if you do a search in this forum you can find them easily.

Bottom line: always better to ask your PCP to do it for you

 

[Rad2013]

I don't have a PCP... And it seems silly to try to establish one now (moving in a few weeks). And I'd have to pay a copay for the visit.

 

[Rad2013]

Thanks though... I'll do some searching in the old threads!

 

[Winged Scapula]

I don't have a PCP... And it seems silly to try to establish one now (moving in a few weeks). And I'd have to pay a copay for the visit.

Well, yes you'd have to pay a co-pay but it hardly seems like an emergency so perhaps it can wait until you move.

Thanks though... I'll do some searching in the old threads!

YW.

 

[deleted87716]

 

[Top Gun]

I once got one of my attendings to write me a prescription for benzamycin for acne. Maybe you can get one of your attendings to do it for you.

 

[michaelrack]

I don't have a PCP... And it seems silly to try to establish one now (moving in a few weeks). And I'd have to pay a copay for the visit.

It probably wouldn't cause you any problems to write yourself a 1 month prescription for the doxy and then immediately get established with a pcp when you move for any refills.

 

[gutonc]

And I'd have to pay a copay for the visit.

Oh noes...not a copay!!! Imagine your doctor wanting to get paid for his/her work. It's basically criminal.

 

[umean2tellme]

Oh noes...not a copay!!! Imagine your doctor wanting to get paid for his/her work. It's basically criminal.

 

[Chris3000]

Wouldn't it be easier if you just drop in to the derm clinic at your program to just ask the attending for a script for it?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I think self prescribing is a bad road to go down and have decided that I'll never prescribe anything for me or for my family. Unless you're a dermatologist, are you sure doxy is the right treatment for you? Why not see someone? At the others have said, a copay won't kill you. Or wait a month and establish care with a dermatologist where you're moving. Acne can be tricky, and you're likely to get the best results from working with someone else.

 

[Rendar5]

I do prescribe things for myself and my family, but generally only symptomatic treatments (e.g. zofran, scopalamine patches, etc.) or very simple one time treatments (e.g. keflex for simple cellulitis or something). However, if I'm actually treating a disease as in that last case, I still make the appointment for someone to f/u on my treatment or to re-assess my diagnosis because I am more prone to a mistake. The Rx is there because I know it will be a day or two before they can see the PMD. Now a long-term month-long treatment for a skin condition? eh...even I'm gonna balk at that...I'd let a dermatologist or other doctor make that call for you.

As an additional note, I'd only Rx something for myself or someone else if it's a disease I'm intimately familiar with in my own field.

 

[reno911]

Oh noes...not a copay!!! Imagine your doctor wanting to get paid for his/her work. It's basically criminal.

I don't think OP is suggesting that the doctor shouldn't be paid for the service. In fact, it seems that he feels that if he does see the doctor, then he would feel obligated to pay. It seems like you interpreted his statement in the opposite way from what was intended.

 

[anonperson]

I have written myself a few prescriptions for very benign meds (eg eye drops). A pharmacist at my program said it was no big deal. However, I have been thinking about trying doxy for acne (at 27 somehow I still have the skin of a teenager). Anyone think this would be an issue or raise any red flags? If it were just a few day course, I wouldn't think much of it... But obviously for acne, it'd be more long term. I appreciate any input. Thanks!

You can't find one attending or resident to write you a script for this in your entire institution? Honestly it probably won't cause a huge issue if you self prescribe but why risk it?

 

[whonotwhatnot]

Best advice someone gave me at random was: Be beyond reproach, always. This means that if your intentions are likely to be questioned, then look for an alternative. If you're in such a dire situation that considering a copay for a medical consult risks your integrity, then find your way into a free/no copay consult -- use your social skills here. I don't know if it's a rule thumb in your area, but usually physicians do not charge other docs for a simple consult. Again, be beyond reproach, always (i.e do not self prescribe).

 

[Bartelby]

You can't find one attending or resident to write you a script for this in your entire institution? Honestly it probably won't cause a huge issue if you self prescribe but why risk it?

I would feel awkward assuming management of my buddy's acne, and at my program we have been specifically told not to prescribe for anyone with whom we have not established a doctor-patient relationship. I'm surprised so many residents would be fine with prescribing things like this for coworkers.