Prescription Refills
Annapolis Pediatrics Policy on Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS)
Controlled substances, including narcotic pain medications and stimulants used to treat ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues, are medicines whose power we take very seriously and are closely monitored in Maryland for overuse. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and standards of good care dictate that we appropriately monitor their use, beneficial effects and potential side effects. Children who take these medicines (regardless of frequency) should be seen at a minimum of every six months without exception.
When we receive a refill request for a patient’s fifth month on a controlled substance, we will contact the family to set up their next med check or yearly physical exam. If the patient does not have a med check or yearly physical set up when we receive a request for the sixth month, we will again contact the family to set up an appointment before the end of the sixth month. At that point we will also notify the family on the prescription bottle itself, stating “NO MORE REFILLS UNTIL MED CHECK APPOINTMENT.” After that we will not dispense any more refills until we have seen the patient. If you are overdue for a med check and requesting meds/an appointment, we will schedule you within two weeks for a med check appointment.
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