Frustrated with non-compliance

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I get so sick of hounding people to make & keep their reck appts. For people who take control substance/anti-depressants/anti-anxiety/ADHD meds - most of the MD's expect them to be seen at a minumum of every 6 months.

I give these patients notices at least twice a year about our protocols related to their medications that have VERY clear and simple explinations of our policies and why we require them. I include the date they are are due by for their next appt. Yet we have to cut them off to get them to come in. It drives me nuts. I've had a larger number than most recently and it takes up so much of my time addressing with each patient.

I had one today that I have been warning for 3 months because I know we go through this with them every year. Today I informed them we would only give a shortened supply until they scheduled/KEPT their appt with the MD. They get all upset because they will have to pay for a refill of their medication early. I kindly reminded them that they can get their refills from a mental health provider, however they typically require visits every month, instead of every 6. For some reason they never seem to take that option

Ok rant over..

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Ha. Job security :)

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Ha. Job security :)

Good point.. lol

[BDOGGRN]

People will always want "something for nothing" and many patients see nothing wrong with asking for a refill (or demanding a refill) of their DM or HTN meds, or controlled meds, even if they haven't been seen for an appt for 2 or more years. Then they will balk at coming in for an appt and having to pay their $10-20 co-pay. Like we care about the $10-20 "revenue" from their appt that they probably "no-showed" or blew off several times (which prevented others from getting needed care)! Unfortunately, our society has become rather expectant of instant gratification, like Verucca Salt sang "Don't care how, I want it now!"