Can My Doctor Just Cut Off My Prescription?
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I've been on some kind of thyroid medicine for nearly ten years. Maybe two occassions where my prescription has had to be altered. They want me to come in every six months for a check up, which is one vile of blood and not even a 1/2 hour consultation. I can't afford to go that often and they just cut my refills until i set up an appointment. Is this legal or am i just going to javeto deal with this kind of thing for the restof my life. Why can't i set up an appointment when i feel the effects kicking in, i know this condition so well i can tell when things will start happening. Like the weight gain, fatigue, getting cold easy.

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Yes, it is legal! While I know it's inconvenient, no doctor is required to prescribe anything or provide any treatment, unless someone is in life-threatening danger. There are various medications that require routine follow up visits to monitor the patient, do lab work, and to renew the prescriptions, as appropriate. By being their patient, you agree to abide by their requirements, or they are free to stop prescribing medications and/or to stop treating you. You can find information on this under the U.S. AMA directives.

As to why they require it, it is due to the fact that your thyroid hormones can change rapidly, either one way or the other, so they want to make sure that you are on the right dose or be able to adjust your medication, if necessary. 6 months is actually very generous, most doctor's require a visit and lab work every 3 months, when someone is taking Levothyroxine.

The FDA lists the typical side effects of this medication as possibly including nausea, dizziness, hair loss and weight changes.

If you don't like your doctor's policy, you are free to try a different doctor.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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Not "legal". File a complaint with your state's medical bureau. That said, have you told your Dr's office you can't afford to come in to the office twice a year? There could be a legit reason they're checking your blood for levels of.....I don't know what, twice annually.....BUT I'm not a dr.. When I do think about your Dr's protocol, it doesn't sound so bad. Be nice when you call the Dr's office to talk to them. They might cut you a break on your lab work. A discount to help out such a nice, long time patient!

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