David Streem, MD, Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Cleveland Clinic, discusses doctor shopping and describes state board of pharmacy websites that keep registers of patients’ prescription drug use.

Summary:
Doctor shopping can be prevented by physicians accessing state–specific online Board of Pharmacy patient records of regulated prescription drugs.

References and Resources:
Wang J, Christo PJ. The influence of prescription monitoring programs on chronic pain management. Pain Physician. 2009 May-Jun;12(3):507-15.

Winther RB, Bramness JG. [Prescription shopping of addictive drugs in Norway] Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2009 Mar 12;129(6):517-20.

www.pharmacy.ca.gov

This physician has nothing to disclose.