Find a prescriber without insurance

[MsJackie]

I just moved to a new state and my new insurance doesn't start until Nov. 1. Meanwhile, I've run out of my ADD meds (I take Adderall). With it being a controlled substance, my prescriber in my previous state (350 miles away) cannot subscribe it over the phone or call it into a pharmacy. I have to see someone in person. I've looked at urgent care centers, but they cannnot prescribe it. Nor can virtual doctors via video conferencing. There are some free clinics here but they have very limited hours and won't answer their phones to let me know if they'll be able to write an Rx for me. I'll wait in line if I have to, but if they can't help me I don't want to waste my time.

Any suggestions? Nov. 1 is almost here, but I still have to find a doctor and get an appointment, which could take some time. I'm starting my new job next week and want to be at my best - which means I need my meds.

[MSGSTL]

Hello! MsJackie,

I too had the same problem as you are facing when my doctor left town unexpectantly.

I was referred to a new doctor who told me he didn't prescribe medications "like that". He suggested I go to the emergency room at a hospital nearby. I was taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) along with a SSRI. My main concern was for the SSRI, I could wait on the Ritalin. What I did when the ER doctor came in, was to show her my empty medication bottles. The labels had the medication type, the daily dosage, and the prescribing physician. This was all she needed to prescribe me three months of EVERTHING is was taking. She gave me a paper prescription for each of the three months, and called in the rest. I am sure you are all too aware of the reluctance physicians have when it comes to prescribing psychostimulants. If you don't have an old prescription bottle, your previous doctor or pharmacist should be willing to confirm via FAX, that you have a history of taking Adderall.

In the state I live in (Missouri) paper scripts are a thing of the past. My psychiatrist simply FAXES the prescription in for three months at a time. What was important for me to understand (I learned the hard way), was that one who takes psychostimulants needs to see a psychiatrist for those needs. I used to go through my PCP for years but they had me coming in EVERY month! What a pain in my butt! On top of that, they treated me as if I was an addict who should lay prostrate at their feet for the "immortal" powers they possessed. Don't be passive, show them you have a spine! Treat the issue as calmly but firmly as you can. In other words BE ASSERTIVE! By definition, assertiveness is the ability to define an unmet need in a mannerly but firm way. Show respect with a club in your hand!

Hope it works well for you.

[MsJackie in reply to MSGSTL]

Thank you. I don't know how much they will charge at an ER but I will look into it. I'm in NY State and they are very strict with controlled substances.