When is doctor shopping a potential crime?

As you undoubtedly know, navigating the American health care system can be disheartening. After all, doctors seem to be busier than ever and often have only a few minutes to spend with each patient. If you do not feel like you are getting the care you deserve, it makes sense to find a different doctor.

While there certainly is nothing inherently wrong with seeing multiple physicians, you must be careful not to engage in doctor shopping. According to Florida law, doctor shopping happens when you obtain controlled substances from more than one physician without the other physicians’ knowledge about your activities.

Prescription medication

Controlled substances, such as opioid medications, can be helpful for alleviating pain and treating certain medical conditions. These substances often have serious side effects, though. Consequently, doctors must be certain they prescribe controlled substances only when necessary. They also must know about any other prescriptions you have and medications you are taking.

Your health care

It can be unlawful to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances from more than one doctor. To reduce your risk of criminal prosecution, you should stick to one physician. You also should be forthcoming about the other doctors you are seeing.

Your criminal defense

Few things in life are more disheartening than facing criminal charges, as a conviction can come with catastrophic consequences. If prosecutors have charged you with doctor shopping, though, you probably have some defense options. Still, it is important to flush out these options as soon as you can.

Ultimately, rather than hoping doctor shopping charges will go away on your own, which they likely will not, you must be proactive about fighting them.