A few weeks ago, a patient brought in three prescriptions to be filled. The medications complemented each other to treat his medical condition. At the counter, he asked some questions regarding availability and cost to obtain the meds. After about 5 minutes of discussion, the patient decided to get one out of the three prescriptions filled. Being concerned, I counseled him about the necessity of having all filled as they each worked in their own way to combat his problem. Still, he refused to accept my counsel. I filled the prescription at his request, charged him for his medications, answered any further questions and he was on his way.

Three days ago, the same patient returned with three more prescriptions – for the same medications as before. This time the interaction was a little different. He wanted them all filled as his condition had deteriorated. As before, I did as requested and counseled on the proper way to take them. He smiled and left with the hope of feeling better.

This scenario is all too familiar to pharmacists. A lot of patients go to their physicians for medical care, get it, and then short-circuit their care by thinking that they know more than the trained professional who took care of them. About 40% of prescriptions do not get filled. Of the remainder 60% that do get filled, 20% of those prescriptions don’t get picked up. That means that the patient either: a) forgot, b) couldn’t afford it, or c) decided not to take it. This is a startling truth. And the worst part is that it is fueling out-of-control healthcare costs. The patient in our scenario had to miss another day of work and pay another medical copayment (and his insurance had to pay again too) to get the care he originally refused to complete.

As patients, we need to make sure we communicate with our healthcare providers, and ask the right questions to ensure that our health is improved or maintained. Taking matters into our hands to second-guess what’s best for us can have negative effects. If you disagree with your treatment, seek a second opinion, but don’t refuse to take your medication because you think you know more than your physician. Talk to your physician or healthcare provider until you are satisified.

Until next week, be well.

Dion