Can doctors legally diagnose and treat themselves??

Question

I've heard of doctors writing prescriptions for their wife or kids, but what about themselves? Like can he diagnose himself with something and write out a prescription? Wouldn't he look weird walking into a pharmacy with a prescription from himself? Would he even have to go to a pharmacy? Please advise. ty.

Answer 1

It depends on the drug he is writing for. A physician can lose his license if he or she prescribes controlled substances such as Ritalin or narcotics like Oxycontin for himself or his immedate family. Most pharmacies won't fill it or will call the doctor to ask them about it. Drugs are grouped into different schedules which have rules that permit dispensing and filling. In regards to antibiotics, muscle relaxers and non-controlled substances, the physician can prescribe that for themselves and their families.

In regards to non-controlled substances, physicians will typically have a fellow physician and friend call them in a prescription or they will write one for their family member and pick it up.

Answer 2

I think it is legal to diagnose yourself, but it is not too smart, and I don't think pharmacists will fill a prescription you write for yourself. That said, a lot of doctors get samples and use those.

For a cold or something simple it is done a lot, but there is an old saying that a doctor who treats himself has a fool for a doctor and an idiot for a patient.

Answer 3

It is legal but there is an old saying that the doctor who treats himself has a fool for a patient.

Answer 4

Is this a serious question?

Yeah... but if they write 'scripts without there being a medical reason for them to be on it, then they go to jail...

Answer 5

If you are mentally sound and fully conscious, you have that choice. Although there are some pretty freaky conspiracy theories in the world.