Doctor shopping

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Doctor Shopping

Doctor shopping (/ˈdɒktər ˈʃɒpɪŋ/) is a term used to describe the practice of a patient visiting multiple physicians to obtain multiple prescriptions for otherwise legal drugs, most often opioids, from both the healthcare and legal perspectives. The term originates from the early 21st century, from the English words "doctor", a professional who practices medicine, and "shopping", the act of visiting retailers in search of goods or bargains.

Overview

Doctor shopping is considered a significant contributor to the opioid epidemic. It is often associated with drug addiction and drug abuse. Patients who engage in doctor shopping often do so to obtain controlled substances for non-medical use. This practice is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Legal Aspects

In many jurisdictions, doctor shopping is considered a crime. Laws vary by location, but generally, it involves obtaining or attempting to obtain controlled substances by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge. In the United States, for example, the Controlled Substances Act prohibits doctor shopping.

Health Risks

Doctor shopping can lead to serious health risks, including overdose, drug interactions, and addiction. It can also prevent patients from receiving appropriate medical care, as multiple providers may not have a complete picture of a patient's health history.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for doctor shopping include the use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), which track patients' prescription histories. Healthcare providers can use these systems to identify potential cases of doctor shopping.

See Also

References


External links

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