What, to your way of thinking would be the height of abuse in a prison setting, or in a case of assault? Unquestionably it would be the use of drugs to subdue an unwitting victim, particularly, if death ensued. Nonetheless elder abuse and the abuse of younger, disabled people by prescription is not a possibility in this country. It is commonplace. If you are, as I was, under the impression Medicare is a gatekeeper, it is not. Think about the implications; we are left to our own devices.
The physicians of one class feel the patients and go away, merely prescribing medicine. As they leave the room they simply ask the patient to take the medicine. They are the poorest class of physicians. Ramakrishna
Medicare does amass data regarding the kinds and numbers of medications physicians prescribe. However, even if it monitored providers, it does not regulate them. All the more reason why patients, families and caregivers should be informed regarding all medications (interaction with other medications and with supplements, allergic reactions, side effects, appropriateness, potential for abuse.) For more information and updates, regarding risky drugs for elderly patients, The American Geriatrics Society Beers pocket guide is a vital tool. It is a pocket reference, easy to download and print:
Following years of investigation, ProPublica filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request with Medicare, and eventually received its data. (The data contained no patient information, in the event you were wondering.) In addition to uncovering alarming facts and figures about over- and inappropriate prescribing, ProPublica put the Medicare prescriber data into a database. It is worthwhile, if only it equips you to frame the right questions. It is a powerful tool and a step in the right direction for everyone, including the medical community:
http://www.propublica.org/article/prescriber-checkup-faq
Here's to greater transparency -- ProPublica advocates making Medicare and Medicaid provider prescription and diagnostic activity a matter of public record.
Meanwhile here's to us, to arming ourselves with knowledge, participating in our care and in the care of those we love.
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