I UNDERSTAND THAT THE MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS THAT COULD OCCUR IN THE USE OF THE DRUGS USED IN MY TREATMENT INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: constipation, nausea, vomiting, excessive drowsiness, itching, urinary retention, orthostatic hypotension(low blood pressure), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), insomnia, depression, impairment of reasoning and judgment, respiratory depression (slow or no breathing), impotence, tolerance to medication(s), physical and emotional dependence or even addiction, and death. I will not be involved in any activity that may be dangerous to me or someone else if I feel drowsy or am not thinking clearly. I am aware that even if I do not notice it, my reflexes and reaction times might still be slowed. Such activities include but are not limited to: using heavy equipment or a motor vehicle, working in unprotected heights or being responsible for another individual who is unable to care for himself/ or herself.
The alternative methods of treatment, the possible risks involved, and the possibilities of complications have been explained to me, and I still desire to receive medication(s) for the treatment of my chronic pain.
The goal of this treatment is to help me gain control of my chronic pain in order to live a more productive and active life. I realize that I may have a chronic illness and there is a limited chance for complete cure, but the goal of taking medication(s) on a regular basis is to reduce (but probably not eliminate) my pain so that I can enjoy an improved quality of life. An appropriate treatment goal may even mean the eventual withdrawal from the use of all medication(s). I realize that the treatment for some will require prolonged or continuous use of medication(s) , but an appropriate treatment goal may also mean the eventual withdrawal from the use of all medications(s). My treatment plan will be tailored specifically for me. I understand that I may withdraw from this treatment plan and discontinue the use of the medication(s) at any time and that I will notify my physician of any discontinued use. I further understand that I will provided medical supervision if needed when discontinuing medication use.
I understand that no warranty or guarantee has been made to me as to the results of any drug therapy or cure of any condition. The long-term use of medications to treat chronic pain is controversial because of the uncertainty regarding the extent to which they provide long-term benefit. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions about my condition and treatment, risks of non-treatment and the drug therapy, medical treatment or diagnostic procedure(s) to be used to treat my condition, and the risks and hazards of such drug therapy, treatment and procedure(s), and I believe that I have sufficient information to give this informed consent.
PAIN MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT:
I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
That this pain management agreement relates to my use of any and all medication(s) (i.e., opioids, also called ‘narcotics, painkillers’, and other prescription medications, etc.) for chronic pain prescribed by my physician and/or any appropriately authorized assistant(s). I understand that there are federal and state laws, regulations and policies regarding the use and prescribing of controlled substance(s). Therefore, medication(s) will only be provided so long as I adhere to the rules specified in this Agreement.
My physician and/or any appropriately authorized assistant(s) may at any time choose to discontinue the medication(s) at his/her discretion. Failure to comply with any of the following guidelines and/or conditions may cause discontinuation of medication(s) and/or my discharge from care and treatment. Discharge may be immediate for any criminal behavior:
• My progress will be periodically reviewed and, if the medication(s) are not improving my quality of life, the medication(s) may be discontinued.
• I will disclose
to my physician all medication(s) that I take at any time, prescribed by any physician.
• I will
use the medication(s) exactly as directed by my physician and /or his appropriately authorized assistant(s).
• I agree
not to share, sell or otherwise permit others, including my family and friends, to have access to these medications.
• I will not participate
in the diversion of my medication; nor will I give or sell them
to anyone else.
• All medication(s) must be obtained at one pharmacy, where possible.
Should the need arise to change pharmacies, my physician must be informed. I will use only one pharmacy and I will provide my pharmacist a copy of this agreement. I authorize my physician and/or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) to release my medical records to my pharmacist at his/her discretion and I will provide my pharmacist a copy of this agreement.
• My pain management physician will manage the chronic pain symptoms.
All other health related issues must be managed by my primary care physician.
• I understand
that my medication(s) will be refilled on a regular basis. I understand that my prescription(s) and my medication(s) are exactly like money. If either are lost or stolen, they may NOT BE REPLACED.
• Refill(s) will not be ordered before the scheduled refill date.
However, early refill(s) are allowed when I am traveling and I make arrangements in advance of the planned departure date. Otherwise, I will not expect to receive additional medication(s) prior to the time of my next scheduled refill, even if my prescription(s) run out.
• I will
receive medication(s) only from ONE physician
and/or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) unless it is for an emergency
or my physician approves the medication(s) that is being prescribed by another physician. Information that I have been receiving medication(s) prescribed by other doctors that has not been approved by my physician may lead to a discontinuation of medication(s) and treatment.
• If it appears to my physician and/or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) that there are no demonstrable benefits to my daily function or quality of life from the medication(s), then my physician and/or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) may try alternative medication(s) or may taper me off all medication(s).
I will not hold my physician or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) and/or any member of his staff liable for problems caused by the discontinuance of medication(s).
• I agree to submit to urine and/or blood screens
to detect the use of non-prescribed and prescribed medication(s) at any time and without prior warning. If I test positive for illegal substance(s), treatment for chronic pain may be terminated. Also, a consult with, or referral to, an expert may be necessary: such as submitting to a psychiatric or psychological evaluation by a qualified physician such as an addictionologist or a physician who specializes in detoxification and rehabilitation and/or cognitive behavioral therapy/psychotherapy.
• I recognize
that my chronic pain represents a complex problem, which may benefit from physical therapy, psychotherapy, alternative medical care, etc. I also recognize that my active participation
in the management of my pain is extremely important. I agree to actively participate in all aspects of the pain management program
recommended by my physician to achieve increased function and improved quality of life.
• I agree that I shall inform any doctor
who may treat me for any other medical problem(s) that I am enrolled in a pain management program, since the use of other medication(s) may cause harm.
• I hereby
give my physician and/or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) permission to discuss all diagnostic and treatment details with my other physician(s) and pharmacist(s) regarding my use of medications prescribed by my other physician(s).
• I must take the medication(s) as instructed by my physician and/or his appropriately authorized PA-C/ assistant(s). Any unauthorized increase in the dose of medication(s) may be viewed as a cause for discontinuation of the treatment.
• I must keep all follow-up appointments
as recommended by my physician and/or his appropriately authorized assistant(s) or my treatment may be discontinued.
• I understand many prescription medications for chronic pain produce serious side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Alcohol will enhance all of these side effects and should be discontinued before starting these medications.
*I certify and agree to the following:
1)I am not currently using illicit drugs or abusing prescription medication(s) and I am not undergoing treatment for substance dependence (addiction) or abuse. I am reading and making this agreement while in full possession of my faculties and not under the influence of any substance that might impair my judgment.
2)I have never been involved
in the sale, illegal possession, diversion or transport of controlled substance(s) (narcotics, sleeping pills, nerve pills, or painkillers) or illegal substances (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.)
3)No guarantee or assurance has been made
as to the results that may be obtained from chronic pain treatment. With full knowledge of the potential benefits and possible risks involved, I consent to chronic pain treatment, since I realize that I would otherwise continue to have chronic pain.
4)I have reviewed the side effects of the medication(s) that may be used in the treatment of my chronic pain. I fully understand the explanations regarding the benefits and the risks of these medication(s) and I agree to the use of these medication(s) in the treatment of my chronic pain.