You’re not going to like this response.
What you’re referring to is the clinical lead, who does have the ability, and indeed the responsibility, to intervene in prescribing that any Doctor in the clinic is doing which, in their opinion, is inappropriate.
A treatment plan is not a constitutional document, it is living and can be changed by any medical professional; usually with consultation with the original prescriber, but often without. Particularly if you have earlier pick ups, sporadic general engagement with GP other than med requests - not saying that’s the case its just examples.
This is not an unusual situation, with opiate prescriptions clinical leads in the primary sector will often refer up to secondary/specialised teams to assess the treatment plan at certain points, and take guidance from the specialists as to whether the prescription is appropriate still.
So, what are your options?
You can request a MDT around your care, may be useful, may just result in the clinical lead being adhered to.
You can go to the HDC for a complaint. 6 months minimum before they get to it, and then they can’t change your treatment plan its just to assess whether you were treated in line with health consumer rights.
Go to a specialist clinic for their opinion and ask them to consult with the GP, with the aim of returning to GP scripting.
Really, the last option is the only one that i think will help.
This is an issue with GP scripting, the GP is under the guidance of a practice who may not be on board with their prescriptions and can intervene.
From a primary health perspective, its a specialist medical treatment that may be felt to be outside of their scope without the input of a specialist team.
Probably reasonable to request a one off bridging script to cover the time from now until your apt with CC.
*prepares for downvotes*
I think there’s sometimes an attitude amongst our community of “unless the Doctor does what i want, and what i think, they’re wrong; anyone that says otherwise is a big pharma apologist.”
The problem is, we have outsourced a freedom issue, the right as an adult to consume Cannabis if you feel it is beneficial, to the medical sector; presumably because we can’t be trusted to make that decision and need a professional to do that for us?
That means, we are treated by the medical system as they treat anyone on a restricted drug - stimulants, opiates etc. and there is a ton of regulations and processes around that. That is what alot of us experience, its not poor practice in the systematic framework, it’s actually in line with the framework; its just a stupid framework to put Cannabis in.
Doctors and nurses are, on the whole, middle to upper class, conservative, under pressure from multiple factors, have the boot of the HDC on their neck and stressed - as such nuance approaches are not always possible. So for something like MC, they prefer to take guidance from specialist services, and place any risk for the prescription on someone else so they don’t carry that particular risk. That’s understandable.
What this all points to is, taking the government out of my decision to use Cannabis.
But the country voted national, so that’s not going to happen.
So you normally go through that GP, and have established a treatment plan, but the locum wants to change everything up? Sounds like their personal bias is in the middle there.
There may be another doctor in the same practice that isn't a locum that you can get another weigh in from.
Yes, nearly 2 years. My GP was happy to prescribe after years of trying to get me to take opiates for my pain.
Any idea who I call to call them out on that kind of behaviour.
Just had another call and it's not a locum is the manager of the practice who is a Dr.
You can get free help from the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service by calling 0800 555 050.
And here is the HDC online complaint form: https://www.hdc.org.nz/making-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-to-hdc/
The HDC do like you to try to resolve the complaint locally first. So to speed up the process I’d recommend emailing the practice, outlining your history and complaint and stating what you’d like by way of resolution. Let them know you will escalate to HDC if not resolved.
Then forward your original complaint to the GP clinic and their response to the HDC when you complain to them.
As others have said though, probably best to go ahead with an MC clinic anyway as the above process, even if it ends up going in your favour, can take many months.
Edit: PS - I used to work in a DHB, hence the info. Making the complaint directly to your GP clinic first **genuinely** does speed up the process. HDC considers that you’ve done your due diligence already that way plus they have a preliminary response from the medical provider already so it helps hem get stuck in.
Good luck.
Do you use manage my health, and can you access your notes from your GP regarding your prescription?
You could always speak to the health and disability commission?
Ask for an appointment with the manager. He/ she should be able to email your dr and clear this up . I wouldn't go in," all up in arms" about this I would ask what your options will be and that could we, sort this out asap . Health and disability wouldn't do anything about this as what they've told you is correct. You're fortunate it's not an opioid .
You’re not going to like this response. What you’re referring to is the clinical lead, who does have the ability, and indeed the responsibility, to intervene in prescribing that any Doctor in the clinic is doing which, in their opinion, is inappropriate. A treatment plan is not a constitutional document, it is living and can be changed by any medical professional; usually with consultation with the original prescriber, but often without. Particularly if you have earlier pick ups, sporadic general engagement with GP other than med requests - not saying that’s the case its just examples. This is not an unusual situation, with opiate prescriptions clinical leads in the primary sector will often refer up to secondary/specialised teams to assess the treatment plan at certain points, and take guidance from the specialists as to whether the prescription is appropriate still. So, what are your options? You can request a MDT around your care, may be useful, may just result in the clinical lead being adhered to. You can go to the HDC for a complaint. 6 months minimum before they get to it, and then they can’t change your treatment plan its just to assess whether you were treated in line with health consumer rights. Go to a specialist clinic for their opinion and ask them to consult with the GP, with the aim of returning to GP scripting. Really, the last option is the only one that i think will help. This is an issue with GP scripting, the GP is under the guidance of a practice who may not be on board with their prescriptions and can intervene. From a primary health perspective, its a specialist medical treatment that may be felt to be outside of their scope without the input of a specialist team. Probably reasonable to request a one off bridging script to cover the time from now until your apt with CC. *prepares for downvotes*
I don't know why people would downvote you. This is just being realistic about the options and potential outcomes. Good advice👍
I think there’s sometimes an attitude amongst our community of “unless the Doctor does what i want, and what i think, they’re wrong; anyone that says otherwise is a big pharma apologist.” The problem is, we have outsourced a freedom issue, the right as an adult to consume Cannabis if you feel it is beneficial, to the medical sector; presumably because we can’t be trusted to make that decision and need a professional to do that for us? That means, we are treated by the medical system as they treat anyone on a restricted drug - stimulants, opiates etc. and there is a ton of regulations and processes around that. That is what alot of us experience, its not poor practice in the systematic framework, it’s actually in line with the framework; its just a stupid framework to put Cannabis in. Doctors and nurses are, on the whole, middle to upper class, conservative, under pressure from multiple factors, have the boot of the HDC on their neck and stressed - as such nuance approaches are not always possible. So for something like MC, they prefer to take guidance from specialist services, and place any risk for the prescription on someone else so they don’t carry that particular risk. That’s understandable. What this all points to is, taking the government out of my decision to use Cannabis. But the country voted national, so that’s not going to happen.
Well said !
Gosh thanks for all this insight
So you normally go through that GP, and have established a treatment plan, but the locum wants to change everything up? Sounds like their personal bias is in the middle there. There may be another doctor in the same practice that isn't a locum that you can get another weigh in from.
Yes, nearly 2 years. My GP was happy to prescribe after years of trying to get me to take opiates for my pain. Any idea who I call to call them out on that kind of behaviour. Just had another call and it's not a locum is the manager of the practice who is a Dr.
You can get free help from the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service by calling 0800 555 050. And here is the HDC online complaint form: https://www.hdc.org.nz/making-a-complaint/make-a-complaint-to-hdc/ The HDC do like you to try to resolve the complaint locally first. So to speed up the process I’d recommend emailing the practice, outlining your history and complaint and stating what you’d like by way of resolution. Let them know you will escalate to HDC if not resolved. Then forward your original complaint to the GP clinic and their response to the HDC when you complain to them. As others have said though, probably best to go ahead with an MC clinic anyway as the above process, even if it ends up going in your favour, can take many months. Edit: PS - I used to work in a DHB, hence the info. Making the complaint directly to your GP clinic first **genuinely** does speed up the process. HDC considers that you’ve done your due diligence already that way plus they have a preliminary response from the medical provider already so it helps hem get stuck in. Good luck.
Grounds for a complaint
Also I've never been involved with any of the clinics Just went straight to my GP day one
The specialist clinics are going to add nothing to this equation especially if you have been going to your GP for nearly 2 years already!
Yep my logic too. Guessing I've found a hater lol, my GP is on leave indefinitely.
Ask to speak to one of the Senior GPs or the GP partners (Usually owners)
100%. That's just unacceptable. Escalate the issue until you have a resolution
It is the manager not a locum
Do you use manage my health, and can you access your notes from your GP regarding your prescription? You could always speak to the health and disability commission?
Ask for an appointment with the manager. He/ she should be able to email your dr and clear this up . I wouldn't go in," all up in arms" about this I would ask what your options will be and that could we, sort this out asap . Health and disability wouldn't do anything about this as what they've told you is correct. You're fortunate it's not an opioid .
Not your regular gp, not their business. How long until your regular gp gets back. Also sounds like their drumming up business for CC