can doctors write prescriptions for themselves?

Question

I have always wondered: can a doctor write a prescription for themselves? do they have a family doctor? also can they write them for their children?

P.S. why is ALL of their handwriting so hard to read!

Answer 1

It would violate the Code of Ethics for a Dr. to write prescriptions for himself.

Answer 2

While many will see doctors prescribing themselves medicine as unethical.

First off what is the prescription?
What is it for?
Would you prescribe this medication to a patient If they had the same symptoms as you?
If you say YES to prescribing the same medicine to a patient exhibiting the same symptoms then it is NOT UNETHICAL.
Legally the AMA does allow for doctors to prescribe themselves medicine provided they keep a record of prescription, symptoms and why the medication was needed.
You do need to keep a record.
Now I have heard some pharmacies will not fill the prescription if a doctor self prescribes and some do.
This depends on many factors.
Again, what's the prescription and what it is for.
Its far better to self diagnose than have another doctor prescribe you something.
Why? Because your using up their time where a patient could have used that time.
So I make the case that self prescribing is MORE ETHICAL because it wastes less time that patients need.

Answer 3

22

Answer 4

Yes.

It is not necessarily illegal nor unethical, with the possible exception of drugs that might be abused or addictive.

Consider the situation where the doctor has mild high blood pressure, and wishes to start entry level therapy with a safe, commonly prescribed medication with no abuse potential. What is unethical about him/her starting themself on that med?

Consider if the doctor's child has poison ivy, and a prescription strength cortocosteroid cream is obviously needed. A needless trip to an emergency room can be avoided by simply writing the prescription.

Similar examples are too numerous to list.

Here is a guideline from the Canadian Medical Association:
https://www.cpsbc.ca/cps/physician_resources/publications/resource_manual/selftreatment

Answer 5

A doctor cannot write a prescription for themselves or family members. It is unethical.

Their handwriting is hard to read because they write notes and prescriptions all day for many many patients. My handwriting is often a lot neater outside of work. However, this is a serious problem - wrong medications have been given due to pharmacists not able to read the prescriptions. This will be improved as more and more doctors are moving toward electronic notes and prescriptions.

Answer 6

yes, a doctor can prescribe their own medications (to themselves, their children, their spouse, their family members) BUT they cannot prescribe controlled substances without permission from another physician...

a doctor's handwriting ranges from good to bad...and yes, generally THEY'RE BAD!!! i used to work at a pharmacy and it gets pretty bad, but if you're used to seeing that handwriting THEN you get used to it. docs are more than willing to interpret their handwriting--they also realize their handwriting sucks lol

Answer 7

It depends on the State. You guys need get your facts correct. I Illinois yes INcluding controlled substance.

Answer 8

I do it all the time. I go see my doctor a couple of times a year. He tells me to adjust my dosages myself and keep him informed. Why should he have to bother when I can more easily do it myself? No controlled substances, obviously.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

yes a doc. can prescribe a med. to themselves.

handwriting question is just a myth