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If you struggle with chronic pain, you may have been prescribed anopioid medication.
It is also likely that you have been asked to sign a pain management agreement or opioid treatment agreement.
These agreements are commonly known as “opioid contracts” or “pain contracts.”
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What Is a Pain Management Agreement?
A pain medication agreement is a contract between a doctor and a patient.
Years ago, pain medication agreements were rare.
They were only required by pain clinics and pain management specialists.
Do not, under any circumstances, change the dosage on your own.
Drug Testing Is Permitted
You must agree to random drug testing.
This stipulation is usually part of the agreement because doctors want to ensure you are not abusing the drugs.
They also want to be sure you are the only one using the medication.
Remember, because prescription drug abuse is so prevalent today, doctors have to be extra careful.
It’s not that they do not trust you or think that you are misusing your medication.
As a result, these agreements are designed to protect them.
Consequently, if you sign an agreement with your physician, be sure you only shop at one pharmacy.
No Replacement Medication
You agree that lost, stolen or destroyed medications will not be replaced.
ensure no one else has access to your medications.
Ideally, opioid medications should be kept under lock and key.
But remember, he usually is not required to replace the stolen medication.
So you will be forced to do without pain medication until your prescription can be renewed.
And, if they do, you will be violating your pain management agreement.
Only your pain management doctor can prescribe pain medications.
And pain management contracts typically require you to make all other healthcare providers aware of your agreement.
You don’t take medications prescribed by other physicians without talking with your pain management doctor first.
But critics of the agreements worry that the contracts undermine the patient-doctor relationship.
If you do not understand something, be sure to ask.
Remember, failing to follow all the terms of the agreement can have dire consequences.
You also could be dismissed as a patient.
Be sure you carefully read every word of the agreement before you sign it.
Ask questions about anything that is unclear to you.
Then, think about whether or not signing the agreement is the best option for you.
And if you do agree to sign the contract, double-check you follow it word for word.
Center for Practical Bioethics, PAINS Project.
“Opioid Treatment Agreements or Contracts: Proceed with Caution.
“Issue 4; Spring 2014.
