<p>A couple of things I have picked up from the OPs post. Could be wrong but this is what I am interpreting. Dtr goes to Dr. Dr. says stress related. Since no tests, etc run, would appear she determined this by talking with girl and touching the painful area. Dr. prescribes muscle relaxants. Dtr calls Mom BEFORE she fills Rx. because she obviously was not completely comfortable with the way the visit went. Dtr doesn’t appear to know 4x day as can’t read prescription (especially if typical bad Dr. Handwriting) and Dr. did not make sure dtr understood how to take this medication or the side effects. All dtr got from visit is they say it is stress related and gave me some muscle relaxants. </p>
<p>Yes, if on Rx plan, 1 week or 30 days supply will cost the same so if dr. gave dtr one week of pills (30) it will still cost $100 to OPs family and then another $100 to do another week if this was working. That may be the reason for 2 weeks worth of pills. </p>
<p>However, the problem I have here is that Dr. prescribes a very expensive prescriptions (dtr wouldn’t know this while sitting in exam room with Dr.) when there are cheaper alternatives. Dr. gives dtr no info on use or purpose of medicine or didn’t make sure dtr understood use and purpose of this particular medicine, gave dtr no guidelines regarding need for followup, things like if it isn’t working stop taking or don’t stop taking without coming back here, etc. and then sent this 18 year old on her merry way and moving on to another patient. </p>
<p>Dtr is concerned enough about lack of info, diagnosis, treatment by DR, prescription, whatever, to call Mom and discuss with her before filling prescriiption. In this scenario, given the type of medication and the seeming lack of communication at best or at worst lack of care and respect for student, I think most parents would freak a little. This is in a student health center and they see college students all the time who have little knowledge or experience negotiating health systems or dealing with medical issues. They should realize that freshmen in particular need a little more hand holding and certainly need a little more explanation. It’s stress, here is a prescription is not enough. I’m giving you a two week supply of xxxx prescription because xxxxx. You are to take it four times a day with food, on an empty stomach, etc. If you don’t get any relief or if you experience xxx, you should stop taking the medicine, come back here, whatever. This can be combined with Tylenol, Advil, etc or don’t take any over the counter pain meds while taking this. Are you sure you understand how to take this medicine and why you are taking it. Do you have any other questions? This would take maybe 2-3 extra minutes. </p>
<p>Certainly the patient can read the prescription insert and certainly they need to take responsibility for their own health. However, at a student health center, the personnel should know their clients well enough to know most college age students don’t have enough experience with health professionals to know it is okay to question your drs nor do they know the right questions to ask. </p>
<p>mbe, you have a right to be concerned and if DR. had taken a little more time or shown a little more concern for your daughter, maybe you wouldn’t be having to call to get the explanation your daughter missed. In the end, this may be the best treatment and medication for your daughter’s problem. But good for her for being cautious enough about meds to not just take whatever, whenever at any cost just because some professional told her to. It is a start at learning to ask the right questions and getting the best care possible.</p>