Jeremy Hatch MD - Narcotic Policy

Narcotics are “morphine-like” drugs that are beneficial when medically necessary andprescribed to relieve acute pain after injury. Their side effects including constipation and sedation,and, if taken for prolonged periods, narcotic drugs lose their effectiveness.It is important to understand that; if you have been taking narcotics regularly for more than 2-3 weeks, if the medication is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms such tremulousness, nausea, sleeplessness and pain may be experienced for 1 – 2 days after stopping narcotic therapy.

Unfortunately narcoticsalso have significant potential for abuse or diversion (often through theft from friends or family members – especially the elderly) which is a growing concern in our community. Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic has implemented the following policy to reduce abuse and diversion of narcotics.

Narcotics Management Policy:

  1. Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic does not prescribe narcotics for chronic pain (defined as pain lasting greater than 8 weeks).
  2. Ifwe suspect psychological addiction or abuse has occurred or is imminent, your narcotic therapy may be reduced and/or stopped and Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry–Orthopaedic will assist you with alternative resources to address the narcotic dependency and psychological addiction.
  3. Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic requirestwo business daysfor all prescription refills. Plan ahead when requesting a narcotic prescription refill recognizing that statutes may require a face to face office visit with your provider(which may take longer than two business days to fit into the schedule).
  4. Keep all medications in a safe and secure place. Lost, destroyed, or damaged narcotic medication will not be replaced without a copy of a police report filed by the patient
  5. Take narcotic medications only as prescribed. Any changes to dosing or scheduling mustbe prescribed byaSurgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic provider.
  6. Only 1 provider should be prescribing narcotics. Failure to disclose to Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic that another provider is prescribing narcoticsis considered fraudand may result in notification of the police & possibly prosecution.
  7. Designate a single pharmacy for your narcotic prescription. Notify our office immediately of any change in your designated pharmacy.
  8. Donot trade or sell narcotic medications.
  9. Notify Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic should you become pregnant.
  10. Surgical Associates of the Lowcountry-Orthopaedic maintains a “zero tolerance policy” for narcotics prescriptions. Breach of these policies will result in a permanent cessation of all immediate and future narcotic prescriptions.

JPH 2015-4