why do painmanagement doctors order drug monitor tests?and what spifically are they looking for?

Answer 1

They want to see if you are on the drug they prescribed. If not, you're selling it, and that's not allowed. Pain management doctors hate it when people try to take advantage of them. Drug monitoring is one way to make sure that doesn't happen.

If they make it a policy for everyone, then they don't have to single out people who they think might be dishonest. Don't take it personally.

Answer 2

As a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep I used to sell Pain Management Meds to these type of Drs.

They are more than likely trying to determine if the blood levels of a drug taken by a patient over a period of time corresponds to the dose prescribed and the effectiveness in controlling the pain.

I've never heard of a Pain Mgmt. Dr. doing this, but my HONEST guess is that it's because they suspect a patient MAY be abusing a narcotic med.

Could be other valid reasons though....

Answer 3

Drug monitor tests are done to review the course of treatment on pain management. The results will be the basis on continuation or modification of therapy.

As drugs used for pain management are usually subject to abuse, another reason of doing the test would be to monitor patient's compliance in medication usage and related treatment plans.

Answer 4

They are probably looking for the drug in the system of the patient to make sure the patient is taking the drug. The fear is that the patient is saying that they need narcotics, but really are not using them, and selling them illegally.

If a urine test doesn't show narcotics, yet the patient is prescribed narcotics, it doesn't add up.

Answer 5

I had to go to a pain management doctor for over a year and he never ordered that kind of test on me but it sounds like they are pretty much testing you to make sure that you are not just there for prescription pain pills.