I've been on both sides of this issue. As a DVM prescribing Schedule II's and with DW's medical condition that requires regular refills.
The issue has nothing to do with the ACA.
The effort by the DEA is to reduce the number of street drugs available, but my problem with the approach is what many have observed, those that really need the drugs have much greater difficulty in getting what's necessary for a reasonable quality of life while abusers and pushers will get the drugs regardless of regulations. JMO
While e-scipts are supposed to be available for schedule II, I have had very little help from the DEA on just how this is achieved (perhaps bigger corporate operations have the programs necessary and the ability but for the most part individual Dr's just don't have it yet)
The regulations are pretty clear, no refills allowed on schedule II, max 30 day supply on each script, no post dating, but you can indicate a date not to be filled before, and a max of 90 days (3 separate scrips) between patient visits.
This has necessitated having another physician in snowbird locations for those being gone over 3 months, or returning to the original physician.
The DEA is cracking down on Dr's prescribing unusual numbers of schedule II drugs to the point that many physicians just don't want to jeopardize their livelihood and will refer patients to a pain clinic rather than deal with the hassle. IMO this just adds a layer of difficulty in getting reasonable care not to mention the added cost.
Doug, DVM
