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So my question is this: how difficult will it be for her to make an appointment with a doctor somewhere out on the road in a different state and as people just traveling through, and get them to write at least 6 month prescriptions?

Not an easy question to answer but it will depend a great deal on what you ask that doctor to do Very few doctors are willing to just renew prescriptions for medications from a past doctor without doing their own tests and diagnosis. If you can possibly supply the new doctor with current lab work that can be verified, that may help. In most cases the doctor will consider this a first visit with no prior records and while they may take your medical history, there is great probability that the new doctor will insist upon verifying all of it with his own tests.

 

The one time that we had Pam's medications extended by a different doctor, it was because we were delayed in returning to TX to see her doctor and so she visited our son's doctor and he then called her doctor in TX and did not run tests but he also only wrote for 3 months supply.

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

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All my doctors write rx for a year. If we are on the road Express Scripts sends them a request for a refill and it is always honored. I am on one med that the doctor likes to see lab tests every 3 months. I have lab orders that I carry with me and just stop in at a Lab Corp and have the test done. She emails back with her take on the results. Last time she mentioned a couple numbers were not "normal" for me. I did some research and found out that being at high altitude could affect the numbers. We had just spend 2-3 weeks at around 7000-8000 feet. I mentioned that to her and she agreed that was probably the cause of the deviation.

 

Maybe you can take lab orders with you and then your home doctor would renew with no problem.

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Not an easy question to answer but it will depend a great deal on what you ask that doctor to do Very few doctors are willing to just renew prescriptions for medications from a past doctor without doing their own tests and diagnosis. If you can possibly supply the new doctor with current lab work that can be verified, that may help. In most cases the doctor will consider this a first visit with no prior records and while they may take your medical history, there is great probability that the new doctor will insist upon verifying all of it with his own tests.

 

The one time that we had Pam's medications extended by a different doctor, it was because we were delayed in returning to TX to see her doctor and so she visited our son's doctor and he then called her doctor in TX and did not run tests but he also only wrote for 3 months supply.

 

I'm not expecting anything other than her having to have a new exam do new blood work. I'm still wondering just how a doctor will react to a new patient who will likely never see them again once the prescription is written. Her current doctor acted as if it was no big deal and I want to believe that - but I'm far from sure.

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Do you spend each winter in the same place? We changed our physicians to ones where we spend the winter - just made sense for us.

 

Did you physician explain why she would no longer write the Rx for a year. Has something changed that needs closer monitoring? Did you ask about just getting lab tests run and faxed to physician for review and then renewal/change in the meds?

 

Barb

Barb & Dave O'Keeffe
2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID
Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net
SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834

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Do you spend each winter in the same place? We changed our physicians to ones where we spend the winter - just made sense for us.

 

Did you physician explain why she would no longer write the Rx for a year. Has something changed that needs closer monitoring? Did you ask about just getting lab tests run and faxed to physician for review and then renewal/change in the meds?

 

Barb

 

Good questions all - yes, this doctor is in our winter area. However, that means nothing if she only writes 6 month prescriptions as I described. And she clearly insisted that she no longer wrote 1 year prescriptions for anyone - it has nothing to do with any health changes and getting labs won't change her mind about having to physically see the patient.

 

Again, we're going to change doctors next year, but this revelation came at the end of the exam.

 

And, really, none of this deals with the concern of my post: how difficult will it be for her to make an appointment with a doctor somewhere out on the road in a different state and as people just traveling through, and get them to write at least 6 month prescriptions?

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Sounds like she got sued.

 

How long do you stay in your winter area? We've had no problems in Mesa, everyone asks how long we will be around and they are quite use to seeing patients for winter only and having them gone all summer. No problems with routine meds for the whole year. Do you have a second area you visit each summer - maybe us a 'doc-in-a-box' clinic for quick check up and renewal?

 

When we started staying longer in Mesa, I looked at the hospitals and called to find out whether they had 'clinics' associated with them - the Banner Hospital system does, so we got in at one of the clinics spread throughout the valley.

 

Barb

Barb & Dave O'Keeffe
2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID
Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net
SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834

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And, really, none of this deals with the concern of my post: how difficult will it be for her to make an appointment with a doctor somewhere out on the road in a different state and as people just traveling through, and get them to write at least 6 month prescriptions?

 

Getting back to your question - it could work. Your first hurdle will be to find a new doctor and if you're not on Medicare, a physician that your insurance will cover. If you know where you will be in 6m I'd pick a larger medical facility in an area that you just might be able to return, if needed. It may help you in the future to have another physician somewhere else. Just state that you will be staying in the area and want to establish a new physician. You don't have to tell them that this will be a one-time thing and it may not be if it's on a route you'll travel seasonally. Your wife will have to have a exam and lab tests before they will prescribe anything and at that time, ask for a year's worth of prescriptions to give you some leeway in finding another doctor at your winter stay. All you can do is try. Good luck!

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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Sounds like she got sued.

 

How long do you stay in your winter area? We've had no problems in Mesa, everyone asks how long we will be around and they are quite use to seeing patients for winter only and having them gone all summer. No problems with routine meds for the whole year. Do you have a second area you visit each summer - maybe us a 'doc-in-a-box' clinic for quick check up and renewal?

 

When we started staying longer in Mesa, I looked at the hospitals and called to find out whether they had 'clinics' associated with them - the Banner Hospital system does, so we got in at one of the clinics spread throughout the valley.

 

Barb

 

This doctor is part of a medical group, so the lawyer thing is quite possible.

 

Had we known this was coming we would have dealt with it differently, but we got rather blindsided with it. We really don't stay long enough to do a "right at the beginning and right at the end" pair of visits.

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2005 Safari Cheetah Motorhome

 

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Getting back to your question - it could work. Your first hurdle will be to find a new doctor and if you're not on Medicare, a physician that your insurance will cover. If you know where you will be in 6m I'd pick a larger medical facility in an area that you just might be able to return, if needed. It may help you in the future to have another physician somewhere else. Just state that you will be staying in the area and want to establish a new physician. You don't have to tell them that this will be a one-time thing and it may not be if it's on a route you'll travel seasonally. Your wife will have to have a exam and lab tests before they will prescribe anything and at that time, ask for a year's worth of prescriptions to give you some leeway in finding another doctor at your winter stay. All you can do is try. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the thoughts on this. The idea of not making a big deal out of it potentially being a one time visit makes sense. There's always the chance of a return visit anyway, especially if we pick a place that has a draw for us anyway. Also, good thinking on getting a year if possible.

Our "Here and There" Blog

 

2005 Safari Cheetah Motorhome

 

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The idea of not making a big deal out of it potentially being a one time visit makes sense.

Part of the issue is also what sort of medical conditions the prescribed medications are for. Things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, and other commonly prescribed medications will probably be less problem than things like depression medication or pain medications.

 

It would be helpful to many if you would keep the forums informed of your success or failure in finding a doctor to do this as it does come up fairly frequently and confirmed solutions have been rare.

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

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Part of the issue is also what sort of medical conditions the prescribed medications are for. Things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, and other commonly prescribed medications will probably be less problem than things like depression medication or pain medications.

 

It would be helpful to many if you would keep the forums informed of your success or failure in finding a doctor to do this as it does come up fairly frequently and confirmed solutions have been rare.

Well, I can confirm solutions to this. I routinely get medication for a year from my Dr. in my summer location, and in the past have gotten 6 months from urgent care Dr.'s. But as Kirk said, it is TOTALLY dependent on the medication. I've used small town Doctors to get scripts renewed. I've used Urgent care facilities, and I've used medical "groups" (large practices). You can also try telemedicine for routine prescriptions...but I doubt they would give you a years worth. The real solution is to find two Doctors that you travel between. That way you can be properly monitored for whatever condition you are dealing with. Make them aware of each other. You may only get 6 months from each, though. My Dr. is aware of my lifestyle, and because I use a nationwide pharmacy I have no issue with phone consultations and prescription changes wherever I am. But I don't take restricted drugs. Narcotics are VERY problematic, and you really have no good solution there.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...

It is important to "interview" the Dr. as to your expectations on medical care.

I did this when I had to find a new Dr. I basically told her it was "my body, my money, my health care" and I needed her technical expertise. I think she was initially surprised at my "demands", but now after over a year she is comfortable with the arrangement.

She is my Dr., so I come prepared with data and questions written down. If I see a specialist or get new prescriptions I run them past her and get her to rewrite the prescription so she writes ALL my prescriptions. 

I think she just decided I was really weird, but really easy to deal with...so things like a year prescription filled one time did not faze her!!

I have run into Dr's that actually thought it was THEIR decision as to the medical care I was going to receive!!! I called to file a complaint against a emergency room doctor that told me....."that there was no medical or legal reason for NOT trying my treatment path...he just wasn't going to do it". It had to do with pain medicine. Sorry, bird season was starting in a few days.

Hiring a Dr. is not any different than hiring a civil engineer or other professional.

 

 

Vladimr Steblina

Retired Forester...exploring the public lands.

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A few weeks ago my doctor said, "I would normally prescribe [this] for someone in your condition but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't do that, right?" I didn't and it turned out fine. It helps to have a doctor who understands you are a person not a patient.

Linda Sand

Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/

Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van

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I am seeing, at least from my doctors, a trending toward not seeing patients for many basic problems They are now offering on-line visits rather than coming to the office for a visit. I haven't tried this yet.

All of our doctors write 1 year scripts and renew them whenever needed whether thy have seen us or not. They are all aware of our life style. I need to have lab tests for one med every 3 months and just take a pile of orders with me and stop in at a Lab Corp and have the test done.

We have found most doctors on the road understanding of our life style. Prior to leaving DH went to his dermatologist, she took some biopsies. One of the biopsies showed Squamish Cell(sp?), they called us and said it needed to be removed ASAP not when we got back. We were heading to Houston to visit our daughter, she gave us the name of a dermatologist. Called them. Explained the situation. Had everything sent to them from our home dermatologist. Pulled into camp at 11 AM, had surgery at 1PM, left 7 days later and I took the stitches out at 10 days.

 

 

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Dave had his second squamous cell one removed last week, stitches come out on Monday.   We delayed about 2 weeks to have it done here.  He gets checked every six months and will likely have a couple of more in the years to come. 

Barb & Dave O'Keeffe
2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID
Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net
SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834

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20 hours ago, Barbaraok said:

He gets checked every six months and will likely have a couple of more in the years to come. 

Having had a melanoma, I get my 6-month checks religiously even though I've not had any more cancers. It is a rare event that my dermatologist finds nothing to freeze off, but thus far that has been the only treatment in 10 years! :D

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

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Like Kirk I have had melanoma behind the left ear in a lymph node. I think it was at least 5 years ago and so far no reoccurance.  I have also had several basel cell incidents that were large enough to be an issue.  I know I should be getting checked more often bu have had some problem getting seen at the VA's. I go to.

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