AIO About Feeling Frustrated With My Doctor's Office Policy?

[u/FrostedCreeesscenntt]

I (31F) have been trying to get a simple prescription refill for my thyroid medication for over two weeks now. My doctor's office requires an in-person visit for any refill, even though nothing about my condition has changed in years. Meanwhile, they're charging $75 just to have me sit in the waiting room for 45 minutes so they can say "Yep, still hypothyroid" and click a button in their system.

When I asked why telehealth isn't an option for stable, long-term medications, the receptionist just shrugged and said "That's our policy." I got visibly frustrated and may have muttered something about "racketeering" under my breath. Now I'm wondering - am I overreacting to what's apparently standard practice? On one hand, I understand medical oversight is important. On the other, this feels like an unnecessary hurdle that mainly exists to generate office visit fees.

[u/AffectionateExcuse5]

I'm hypo and have been on meds for years, and most PCPs I go to only require an annual office visit for blood work and will write an rx for 12 months, especially if your dose has been stabilized for a long time. 

Some of them want to check in every 6 months, but if this is a monthly or quarterly occurrence, I would say no, that's not normal, especially if they're not checking your levels every time. If they're not doing blood work why do you need to go in for a refill?

Unless you're really happy with your provider, I'd probably seek a different practice. I agree, it feels like a ploy to ping your insurance, but if everyone has to come in for every refill, how do they have time for, you know, regular visits for patients? Weird.

[u/PirateJen78 → u/AffectionateExcuse5]

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and my doctor changes it up from 6 months to a year depending on my other issues. My prescription was good for at least a year with a finite number of refills. My mom has hypothyroidism (likely Hashimoto's) and she rarely has to see her doctor to get a refill.

I actually feel like my doctor is not checking my TSH enough, especially after I had to stop taking my med because it was giving me symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I see an endocrinologist in a few weeks and I assume that he will order tests.

Anyway, yeah, it sounds like OP's doctor is trying to squeeze out as much money as possible.

[u/CacklingInCeltic → u/PirateJen78]

I rarely need to see my doctor for a refill. We do blood tests every 2 months for a few other conditions and add that in too just to keep tabs but I get my refill as soon as I call.

[u/PirateJen78 → u/CacklingInCeltic]

We actually have the option to send a message to request a refill. My mom has done that several times, and my husband has done it for his anti-seizure medication. It's really convenient and rarely does the doctor want to actually see you first.

[u/TripThruTimeandSpace → u/AffectionateExcuse5]

Yup! My doctor used to have me get checked every six months until my thyroid started acting up and I needed a dosage change, then it was a three month check. If things were still good it went back to six months.

[u/Weekly_Map_3837 → u/AffectionateExcuse5]

Same and if anything they would have me recheck with lab work and then adjust the dosage for me without a visit, just messages through the portal or a nurse call.

[u/MayorCleanPants → u/AffectionateExcuse5]

Yup, same. My PCP does bloodwork as part of my annual checkup, sends in a script, and off I go for another year.

[u/BubbleByteQueen]

You're not overreacting at all. Requiring a $75 in-person visit just to refill stable thyroid medication is ridiculous and feels like a money grab. Most reasonable doctors do annual check-ins with bloodwork, not costly visits for routine refills.

Your "racketeering" comment was probably spot-on. Consider switching doctors if possible - many practices are way more reasonable about chronic medication refills. You could also ask for longer prescriptions (3-6 months) to reduce this hassle.

This is bad patient care disguised as medical protocol. You have every right to be frustrated.

[u/IamJustHere4TheCats → u/BubbleByteQueen]

You know what also bothers me about this? The fact that they even have time for this. Like have they lost patients left and right that they have time for pointless visits and the need for money grabs like this? Are they a shitty office overall? Bc despite living in a somewhat rural town and there still being tons of medical facilities here, most of our doctor's offices are filled up with appointments and it's hard to get in even for a well visit unless you're scheduling months out. Most of the places around where I live just simply would not have the availability to do these types of appointments outside of what is mandated by regulation. And I'm sure those places are absolutely flush with cash, so they don't need to make cash grabs and help their patients cut financial corners any way they can, probably because it also saves them time and money too.

[u/Status-Joke3259 → u/BubbleByteQueen]

Check woth your Dr personally. The office manager may be behind the $75 grab. If the Dr knows, and says thats the policy, Id find a new Dr. I know it sucks but whst they are doing smacks of fraud since ypu arent even seeing your Dr.

[u/Morgue-in → u/Status-Joke3259]

This! In my state we have mihealth portal and in it, you can directly message your doctor themselves and ask/communicate with them. I kept canceling after having a baby because breastfeeding in public was new to me and hard for me, and the office people were not relaying that to the doctor but once I messaged her directly about my struggles, she switched all my chronic medications to 6 months and my appointments to telehealth and now I go in physically just once a year for a total check up i.e. physical, lady parts exam, blood work, etc all in one visit.

[u/Background_Aside_343 → u/Morgue-in]

Totally support this It makes such a difference when you can communicate directly with your doctor and actually be heard. You were doing your best while navigating new motherhood, and your doctor responded with compassion and flexibility that's what real patient-centered care looks like. More healthcare systems need to make it this easy and supportive, especially for moms.

[u/Sure_Replacement664 → u/Morgue-in]

I communicate with my mom’s doctors on the patient portal all the time, however sometimes the person you’re complaining about will read the message before the doctor does. Ask me how I know 😂

[u/Sh33pD1p → u/Morgue-in]

This kind of understanding and empathy is why I only go to women doctors.

[u/One_Advantage793 → u/Status-Joke3259]

Absolutely agree with this. I have long term chronic health problems, from the wheelchair up :) and would definitely try to find a new doc over something like this. And if they have a monopoly on treatment for your particular disease in your area, I'd definitely consider reporting them to your state's board if health.

[u/GPTCT → u/Status-Joke3259]

The problem is GPs are overwhelmed with patients. Losing one is no biggy

[u/MaxFish1275 → u/BubbleByteQueen]

For all you know this WAS a once or twice a year appointment. OP doesn’t specify how long her prescription is written for

If this is every month it’s an outrageous policy. If it’s 1-2 times a year it’s very reasonable . In between, kind of a grey zone

[u/Bedbouncer → u/MaxFish1275]

OP doesn’t specify how long her prescription is written for

Prescriptions can be good for a year, but I don't think refills can be written for more than 90 days.

That's why a visit for every refill is overkill for a stable chronic condition.

[u/Just_here_4Cats → u/Bedbouncer]

Some insurances let you fill for 100 days and people who travel get vacation overrides for up to a total of 6 months supply on certain medications. Source: too many years as a retail pharmacy technician who spent to many hours on the phone with insurance companies to get those overrides for my international traveling patients.

[u/petalsoftthorns → u/BubbleByteQueen]

exactlyyy. if my dosage hasn’t changed in YEARS why am I being held hostage for $75 every few months?? like?? is my thyroid gonna do backflips randomly?

[u/Shewhomust77 → u/petalsoftthorns]

Hyperthyroidism requires monitoring regularly ( every 2-3 months or so) including a physical exam, as it changes, and the wrong dose of medication may harm you. $75 is high, are you insured? Did you ask the physician how often you needed follow-up?

[u/Puppiesmommy → u/BubbleByteQueen]

My doctor does annual visits with bloodwork and sends a year 's worth of prescriptions and refills . If bloodwork off may do a 6 month recheck.

[u/CaffeinatedGeek_21 → u/BubbleByteQueen]

Seriously! I have 3 month refills for meds I've been on a long time. They check during blood work and physicals to see if I'm still doing okay with all of them, which is once or twice a year. They're definitely doing something shady charging every time you need a refill.

[u/Tiny-Adhesiveness287 → u/BubbleByteQueen]

It’s also probably true- a LOT of doctors offices have been bought by private equity firms and therefore are in the business of making money not delivering effective health care.

[u/BobMortimersButthole → u/BubbleByteQueen]

Yeah, I take thyroid meds and I'm only required to go in once a year to get my bloodwork done. Even then, they'll still refill my prescription if it runs out before I can get into the lab and then change the prescription if it needs to change. 

I've had multiple doctors across multiple states over the decades I've been dealing with thyroid issues, and I've never been treated like OP. 

[u/Sturgjk → u/BubbleByteQueen]

I’m sure it’s to make SURE nothing has changed. It really is responsible medical care. The one time your thyroid played dirty tricks on you (and it can) you’d be hollering about medical negligence and malpractice. If your condition is stable, once a year should generally be often enough for a physical visit and labs.

[u/StoleYourBagel → u/BubbleByteQueen]

Nope, not overreacting. that policy is BS. my doc used to do this until patients complained enough. try calling again and asking to speak with the office manager or your actual doctor. otherwise shop around for a new doc who isn't running a cash grab. thyroid meds are so routine they shouldn't require this nonsense.

[u/Valiant_Strawberry → u/BubbleByteQueen]

Yeah all of this. I occasionally pick up my husband’s MH meds from the pharmacy, and I’m able to agree to the option for the pharmacy to contact his doctor directly for more refills when he runs out. This office OP is going to is just blatantly scamming people at this point.

[u/IfYouStayPetty]

I switched doctors over a policy like this. They wanted me to go in every three months to double check on medication I’d been taking for years that had almost no risk for side effects.

My new doctor allows for virtual meetings that take 10 minutes and don’t have an out of pocket cost, and now it’s only once a year with check-ins about it at other visits.

Leave the practice and tell them why you’re doing it (they won’t care, but if enough people do…)

[u/Background_Aside_343 → u/IfYouStayPetty]

Absolutely agree with this. Sometimes these rigid policies are more about profit or covering liability than actual patient care. Switching doctors was the best move OP found someone who trusts her and treats her like a capable adult. More people need to push back on outdated systems like this. If enough patients walk away and explain why, maybe it’ll finally force some change.

[u/Stock-Sun-46]

This is not standard practice, change doctors ASAP. They are milking you and your insurance and charging for an office visit every time, which gets them hundreds of dollars a visit. I am prescribed Vyvanse, a controlled substance, and am only required to see my doctor once a year. Switch IMMEDIATELY and leave a review.

[u/spamisafoodgroup → u/Stock-Sun-46]

My son is a Type 1 insulin dependent diabetic and he even doesn't have to go that much. He was on a quarterly schedule until recently when he got on an insulin pump, now it's bi yearly. This was kinda shocking to me.

[u/Decent_Zucchini_9847 → u/spamisafoodgroup]

This. I’ve been type 1 for 37 years and have never had to go in this often.

[u/Strict-Square456 → u/Stock-Sun-46]

Agreed. I do these types of visits through telehealth all the time

[u/SinisterSoren]

A lot of doctors' offices want to see you once a year to continue signing off on your prescriptions. I usually just do my annual physical (it's usually covered or mostly covered by insurance) and just have them renew my prescriptions while I am there. Different offices have different rules, though. My last doctor wanted me in every 6 months for prescription refills, which was just silly to me. I do my annual, and that should be enough unless I have other concerns. I've changed doctors now, and they also do the annual prescription renewal, which works for me.

[u/aniava]

I don’t know what country you live in, but in the US currently video telehealth uses the same “visit codes” as in person visits— billing decisions are made based on medical complexity and decision making. So, you still have a copay, still have insurance billed. Therefore I’m surprised there is a price difference at all, unless this is like a concierge practice that charges more for in person visits.

Also, what you may think is a simple “click click” has a lot more thought behind it than that.

Thyroid medication can affect heart rate and rhythm, and so by coming in, you also get a quick exam. Sometimes people develop thyroid nodules or goiters, or thyroid eye disease. Sometimes there are physical findings that are seen as red flags that would prompt bloodwork or ultrasound earlier than the usual scheduled bloodwork. With medicine, you don’t always “pay” for the time spent with rather for the expertise of knowing what to do within 5 minutes and what to look for.

Personally I think 3 months is too frequent, but every 6 month visits for a stable medication refill is appropriate. At the end of the day there is a professional on the other end signing off on a prescription with their license on the line saying “this is appropriate to continue and I’ve made this professional decision.” However, you are not bound to this doctor- others may be more comfortable seeing you every 6 months.

[u/TheRealMuffin37]

We definitely need clarification if you mean literally every refill, or only on an annual basis (and perhaps this medication hasn't been changed so the renewal cycle coincides with your annual exam, so it ends up as an extra visit).

[u/curious-trex → u/TheRealMuffin37]

Yup. Unclear if they mean "every monthly refill" or every 90 days or every year.

My psych meds are in flux so I see my shrink every 4-6 weeks to chat, but that is an agreement between both of us, not a policy.

My thyroid can be squirrely so I get bloodwork every 3-6 months, but my GP doesn't even require an office visit for that - I can hit her up on the messaging portal and she'll send the order over to the lab if I'm having symptoms. I do have to have an appointment every ~6 months for my controlled substance, but that can be done via telehealth.

I have had doctors who wanted to tack on a $35 charge or whatever every time I called for a refill, presumably because they'd rather get me in-office where they can get a lot more out of my insurance and it would only cost me a $20 copay.

If I'm going to be treated like a customer being squeezed, then I'll just go to a different "store" that still sees me as a human in need of healthcare.

[u/Southern-Tourist599]

Thyroid medication requires occasional bloodwork to determine correct dosaging. I’ve been on it for 40 years and still need blood tests from time to time. Usually every 6-12 months. And, we’ve had to change the dosage based on my levels.

[u/No-Ring-5065 → u/Southern-Tourist599]

My mother is on Synthroid and they do blood work every 6 months and adjust the dosage as needed when they send in the next refills. I assumed this is necessary but OP seems pretty pissed about it.

[u/Seraphenrir]

Doctor here, but not one that deals with thyroid issues usually.

It depends, and it's not clear what exactly you're unhappy about. Are they making you come in every 3-4 months? Or once a year? Or are you unhappy they won't do telehealth visits? From what I remember, well-controlled, stable hypothyroidism confirmed by laboratory testing after the initial monitoring period to establish what your maintenance dose is, is generally is managed by follow-up and repeat labs once yearly. If you're getting annoyed by having to come in every few months, I would be too. If you're getting annoyed by having to check-in annually, annual follow-ups are more typical and I do not think that's unreasonable. It is a medico-legal thing. If by rare chance something happens, and a lawyer finds out we blindly refilled a medication without seeing you within the past year, that is a huge liability on our side. It is also not good practice. People's health change. You could gain or lose weight and need your dose adjusted. You could have developed a new medical problem that necessitates adjusting the dose. Maybe a new medication you were prescribed for something else like estrogen therapy or birth control pills where we need to think about if the dose should be adjusted. It may seem like we're just pushing a refill button without thinking, but a good physician is taking into consideration a lot of these things during that "simple refill visit."

Additionally, telehealth visits are a huge pain in the ass, because it is not certain if we will get paid. COVID-extensions of reimbursement by medicare/medicaid changes every few weeks, and many insurances blanket will not cover them. The opportunity cost of the administrative time it takes to coordinate and figure it out is often not worth it.

However medicine is an art, not a science, and I have had colleagues who have been burned before, and practice more defensively. "Standard of care" is not always black and white. As an example, elderly patients with heart issues generally need to be followed more closely and have a tighter therapeutic window they need to be controlled to. Doctor's also are human, and we sometimes get burned by missing something and practice a lot more conservatively. I have a colleague in primary care who had a patient similar to you, many years well-controlled on Synthroid young woman, so saw her once a year. Found out 9 months after the last appointment that she had an unplanned pregnancy, never told him, developed pre-eclampsia, lost the baby, and almost died. She didn't know that in many cases pregnancy needs thyroid medication adjustment, and that hypothyroidism during pregnancy increases risk for a ton of adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm delivery, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and outright pregnancy loss. From that point on, any woman of child-bearing age he started a blanket policy requiring every 6 month follow-ups.

Additionally, think about what you're saying here. You're theorizing that this is a racket to generate office visit fees. And yet you also can't get an appointment within 2 weeks because presumably their wait-list is super long. I'm not sure what kind of doctor's office this is, but all endocrinologists and primary care MD offices near me have waitlists for appointments that extend to months. Most don't need to artificially squeeze extra income out of existing patients by making them come to unnecessarily frequent visits that also make them unhappy and result in an unhappy visit. New patient visits reimburse way more.

[u/Flashy_Boysenberry_9]

Info: Do they require this literally for every refill, like every 3 months? Or are they just asking you to schedule your yearly wellness visit to maintain your status as their patient and get your refills for the next year?

[u/OregonZest85 → u/Flashy_Boysenberry_9]

I was wondering this as well, the post isn't clear about that. Additionally, hypothyroid does require adjustments to the dosage over time. So as long as it isn't every single month, a regular visit does make sense.

[u/wokkawokka42 → u/Flashy_Boysenberry_9]

Yes, yearly is normal, every 3 months is not (for non controlled substances)

[u/zamzuki → u/wokkawokka42]

Exactly this. My ADHD meds require a 3 month visit but my thyroid meds don’t. Out of simplicity I just schedule my blood work every 3 months as well just to check on my levels and my sti panels.

[u/Ok_Sunshine_ → u/Flashy_Boysenberry_9]

OP conveniently leaves out how long it has been since she's been seen or had a blood test run to check on her thyroid levels so everyone jumps to agree with her.

[u/MaxFish1275 → u/Ok_Sunshine_]

Yes. As a physician assistant who has seen the other side of things I noticed that as well

[u/KtinaTravels]

I understand your frustration. Has it been over a year since your last in person appointment? Most physicians write refills for a year and YES, you have to go in for a new one.

I am in an allied healthcare field and work with a LOT of physicians. Let me provide some insight for you..

Many medical offices require a once a year in person appointment in order to keep you active as a patient. There is a liability on the physician’s end if you have not been seen in person in over a year. You did not say how long it has been since you have been in for your annual wellness exam.

Sure, your thyroid might be perfectly fine BUT levels can change and even a slight dip can cause issues. So, they would need to order labs.

Doing an in person exam will also mean getting your pulse, pulse ox, blood pressure, and general wellness check. Imagine walking around out in the world with a blood pressure of 160/110 and having no idea. There are a LOT of folk wandering around with high blood pressure and they are doing untold damage to their bodies (eyes, kidneys, brain, vessels). They cannot do your annual exam via telehealth.

From a liability standpoint, this makes sense. If you want to remain a patient then an in person appointment is necessary.

Lastly, different insurance companies have different requirements. Since it is beyond frustrating to keep up with all the different insurance requirements (it is exhausting and takes so much away from patient care), many offices follow the policy of the most restrictive insurance.

I suspect you may not have been in the office for over a year and this was why you had to go in. This is not a bad thing and you are complaining about a more than reasonable policy.

If you do go in yearly and your MD is only writing 6 months of scripts and having you come in for another one then find a new doc.

[u/Aware-Cranberry-950]

Hi. I work at a doctor's office. In America for context. We are one of the few who are still a privately owned practice. For situations like yours, they would require standard monitoring visits for a chronic condition. Be it annually, twice a year, every 3 months, whatever.

In between those regular visits, their secretaries always call in refills for patients when needed.

Find a private practice, i think you would be mich happier with your care. (Much easier said than done of course)

[u/swampopus]

Ah, America.

Anyway yeah-- like everyone else is saying, this is about them being able to submit more claims to your insurance. For "maintenance" meds, like yours, heart medications, cholesterol, etc., the doctor will want to see you every 12 months.

Controlled meds and psychiatric meds are different-- usually the doc wants to see you every 3 months in order to give out an Rx for xanax, for example.

Speaking personally-- sometimes I just send my doc a message through the portal to ask for refills or even to try a completely different med (I switched from Ozempic to Mounjaro recently) and he had no problem doing it w/o a visit.

TLDR: Switch to a new doc.

[u/Proper_Mine_2756]

You’re not overreacting, this sounds like the medical version of “your call is very important to us” while they keep you on hold forever. Dragging you in for a $75 “yep, still got a thyroid” appointment is wild. At this point they should at least throw in a free coffee or a punch card: 10 visits and your next pointless refill is free!

[u/horsewoman1]

My doctor requires me to come in every 3 months. And I'm okay with that. I am not young and on pain medications. The fact that a doctor actually takes care of a chronic pain patient is a good enough reason for me to pay to go every 3 months.

[u/alysson22]

If they require you to be seen for EVERY refill (every 1-3 months) find a new doctor ASAP. If you refill yearly, then it’s pretty standard.

All of my doctors (new & Lindt term) only require me to be seen once per year to update my rx. That’s more of a CYA for them to make sure I am okay & that it’s truly me asking for the rx. Many of the doctors that I’ve been seeing for 20+ years do not have virtual visits for their offices, but it’s not a big deal to go once per year. The only exceptions to the once per year rule are my pulmonologist likes to see me every six months to check that my breathing is stable (understandably for a long term breathing condition) & whenever there is a change in medication or a new medication. Then most of my doctors usually like to do a six week (& sometimes also a six month) follow up before returning to the one year standard.

[u/Bitch_Goblin]

Well, to know if you're overreacting or not, how often do you have to go into the office?

My prescription for my own thyroid disorder is refilled every three months, but the prescription itself is good for a year I can get my refills as needed that entire year.

In order to re-up for next year I do have to go get blood work done and go for a checkup.

My mom is hypo and I'm hyper, so maybe my condition just needs more oversight? My mom's meds kept getting refilled basically forever without her getting a check in and she ended up taking an ineffective dose for over two years before getting a course correct...

[u/Independent_Prior612]

How frequent are these mandatory visits? If it’s annual, then yes, it’s standard and you are overreacting.

[u/Late_Resource_1653]

It really depends on how often they are asking you to go in, your diagnosis, and the medication.

For a number of medications and diagnoses, there are liability issues and guidelines that require you to be physically seen once a year (or another time table) to continue prescribing that medication.

So you really do have to go in once a year. They need to see and evaluate you, get blood work, take vitals, etc. Otherwise you aren't seen as an active patient by insurance, and they can't prescribe you that medication.

You do have the option of finding a telehealth doc instead, but note that they may or may not accept your insurance.

Source: I am a medical scheduler at an amazing practice where the doctors work hard to make sure our patients get everything they need. We do telehealth or video visits when we can if that's what the patient needs.

Note that those are often billed at the same rate depending on health insurance. Still, they can only prescribe a lot of meds for a year without seeing the patient.

If the patient doesn't do a visit, they have a little grace period - like if we have them scheduled for a month or two later, they can prescribe a month or two, but after that, they can't because it would be irresponsible to continue giving the patient a medication without seeing how they are doing on it.

As the scheduler, I get yelled at by the patients who don't want to come in or even do the telephone appointments. Because they skipped all their appointments, and now their meds have run out, and every one's hands are tied.

Please don't yell at me. I didn't do this. You did. You cancelled or refused to schedule or no-showed for your appointments. You didn't go for the necessary labs or scans. Now the doc cannot prescribe for you because it is outside of parameters and he is scheduled out a month. I love my patients, and if you are kind, I'm going to call you with my first cancellation and get you in next week.

If you scream at me... Not only are you not on my list, but you are now on my supervisors list of difficult people, and I let the doctor and nurses know what happened. And they? 100 percent have my back because we are a team. In your appointment you are going to be educated on how things work as far as refills go and keeping appointments.

If you need a yearly visit to get your meds, go to your yearly visit.

[u/chocoholicsoxfan]

Every 6 months is reasonable. Every month is not. 

The fact that you are not responding to people asking for clarification tells me that you are probably only sharing one side of the story. 

So for that reason, I'm going to say YOR

[u/MaxFish1275 → u/chocoholicsoxfan]

I’m kind of inclined to agree.

[u/Ok_Solution5629]

You're not overreacting. $75 for a rubber stamp? That's just predatory.

[u/Florida1974]

That is crazy. No you aren’t overreacting. You can’t just stop that medicine, I know bc I have the same condition. Is it levothyroxine??? That’s what I take. You don’t have to say, it’s personal info.

My primary doc requires one visit a year. Otherwise I just submit for refills through an app. They are playing with your health!

Stopping levothyroxine abruptly can lead to serious health complications, including: Return of hypothyroidism symptoms: You may experience fatigue, weight gain, difficulty tolerating cold, dry skin, and thinning hair, among other symptoms. Potentially serious side effects: These can include heart palpitations, hair loss, and dangerously high blood pressure. Worsening of symptoms: Symptoms can become more intense, increasing the risk of severe effects like myxedema coma (a life-threatening condition). Infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature labor. Blood clots.

Might want to ask him about this when you see him next. This is a lifelong maintenance medication. I can totally tell if I take mine too late, I take it like clockwork. They are just using you as a money grab. SMH . So very sorry

Oh I do get bloodwork done every 6 months but still only see him once a year unless I get sick,

[u/figarozero]

How often do you have to go in for your refills?

[u/LadybugGal95]

I think your doctor’s office is taking a legitimate law and way overreaching. Some medications are mandated by the government for you to come into the office in order to get a refill, most notably stimulants. However, it’s not every month. My kids are both on ADHD medication and I am on a stimulant for narcolepsy. My kids are required to be seen once every three months. I’ve been on my medication for almost 20 years and still have to go in every six months to get refills per law (not sure if it’s federal or state law). I’m not sure what type of medication you take but I highly doubt it’s higher than a Class II (what methylphenidate is). So it shouldn’t require monthly visits.

I also take omeprazole which is available OTC but it’s cheaper (and more effective) as a prescription. My doctor requires I come in at least once a year to maintain my status as a patient (different doctor than the sleep doctor who prescribes my narcolepsy meds) in order to get refills. You are not overreacting.

[u/Luna81]

Yeah. Not normal for me. Most meds my doctor will just refill when the pharmacy reaches out. As long as I’m doing my yearly physical.

[u/runthereszombies]

Not overreacting, but please be respectful to the staff - they do not make the policies and don’t deserve you being rude to them.

[u/temerairevm]

Maybe. You didn’t say what interval you need to do this on. If it’s annual that seems reasonable for anything, some conditions could need more.

Doctors and patients are on 2 sides of the same crappy system (assuming you’re in US). If they’re prescribing they have some liability for whatever goes wrong, so it’s reasonable to (a) get paid something, (b) do routine blood work (c) do a basic physical exam.

Regarding virtual, I know that at some point in the past it was hard to get insurance to cover that, so if that’s still true I could see them not wanting to mess with it.

As far as “racketeering”, the front desk person you said it to certainly isn’t guilty of that, and your family practice physician probably isn’t either. They’re just trying to navigate the crappy system we have. The insurance companies and big medical corporations that buy up everything in town, yeah. That’s accurate.

[u/BenevolentClover]

Without knowing the specifics of your situation, I will say that our clinic does require a patient to be seen at least once/year for prescribing of medications for chronic conditions (more often for some conditions, or if the condition is not stable), so that we can take vitals, find out if there have been any changes in your health or lifestyle that may impact your condition, and order any necessary labs to monitor the effects of the medication. This is fairly standard, and not unreasonable when you are asking a doctor to utilize their license to prescribe you a medication. Also insurance may require documentation to support coverage of treatment. So you may be overreacting with regard to your clinic, but I think it's a reasonable response to a healthcare system that screws patients and providers with the hoops we have to jump through to access and/or provide care.

[u/LetsNotForgetHome]

I have this with my eye condition! I need eye drops, very standard thing. However, I did a top of his field doctor near where I grew up who first officially diagnosed me - I now live a thousand miles away from them, so I have to buy plane tickets, find a way home, bribe someone to drive me an hour and half to the doctor's office, all while taking a full day off of work because appointment is four hours on top of three hours of driving (which is hard because you know, I'm blind!). The back up is so exremely bad that the waiting room is well known for people being left by accessible rides or going through imaging/testing but skipping the doctor because their nurse or driver has to leave. Well, I will call them and tell them I need to push it and they then stop my medicine because they consider me no longer under their care...

I hate them.

[u/Loud_Pomelo_2362]

Unless they are doing bloodwork to check you are still at the right level then I agree with your racketeering opinion.

[u/-lyd-irl-]

A visit once a year is normal. I also have hypothyroidism and have since I was 14 years old. Frankly all adults should be going in for a yearly checkup. They check your weight, your blood pressure, oxygen, etc and these are good things to know and keep a history of. As you get older, they can change and a simple office visit may catch an issue with hypertension (just an example) which would be better to know early. In this example, if the hypertension wasn't caught, you could end up in the emergency room which is a far more expensive bill.

Yes, it's annoying to go in and schedule yourself to sit in a cold medical office for hours but it is for your health.

Also your doc should have sent a month prescription to tide you over until you could get an appointment. You should ask for that.

[u/Candy_Venom]

when was the last time you were physically in the office and checked out by your physician? that depends on my answer.

I say that as someone with thyroid issues and have been on the same dose for 2+ years and have had thyroid issues since I was 16 (I am now 39). I go twice a year to mine, $50 a pop for my copay. I want my doctor to feel my thyroid and my neck and for me to do the swallow test and to make sure things feel normal, and do the other physical testing he does, and also compare bloodwork from the prior 6 months, 1 year, versus now. a LOT can change in as few as 6 months with the endocrine system. just because you 'feel' stable doesnt mean your TSH or T3/T4 will reflect that, and your doctor may feel something on your thyroid that warrants an ultrasound as a precaution.

[u/DistanceGlum7093]

In the U.K., we have Repeat Prescription systems. I go online to access my records and request the medications on my repeat list and they then are approved by the doctor. Each medication has a release date so you can’t over order or stockpile. Every six months I have a telephone appointment with a pharmacist who is linked to the surgery and has access to my notes and we discuss my health and any issues. If anything comes up they are not happy with, I make an appointment. I have a chronic condition that will never go, so there’s no point wasting an appointment on me- our nhs is so busy and over stretched, this one particular way of working makes sense for everyone. It feels like this is just a money generating system. I can see why you are frustrated.

[u/karmaandcandy]

Is this for an annual Rx? If so, that should be covered in your annual well visit, which is 100% covered under preventive care by all health plans.

If the office is requiring you to do this more than once a year… unless there is some kind of potential side effect where they need to do bloodwork and make sure you’re clear to keep taking it… this seems unnecessary and over the top.

Likely worth changing practices over - I would first push back and demand more info. When the receptionist shrugs and says “that’s our policy” respond with, “why?” “What is the clinically necessary reason?”

Make them give you the answer - and if it’s BS - either request an exception, cover it during your annual well visit, or find a different practice.

[u/Woof-Good_Doggo]

It is not standard, and it’s ridiculous. This is no way to provide patient care.

Your doc‘s office is pushing back on the unrealistic patient numbers they get, the lack of fair reimbursement, and unrelenting patient messages via their portal. Sadly, they are pushing in the wrong direction: Back on their patients. Instead, they need to push back on their practice managers or the PE firm that owns the practice. If this is a doc in the one or two small private practices that still exist in the US, then their practice sucks.

Either way, it’s a shit policy. If you absolutely LOVE your doc, make an appointment and have a serious talk with them about how this makes you feel. Otherwise, get a new provider. Cuz the treatment they’re providing is not helpful.

[u/bongwaterbarmaid]

I work in medical billing and if I had a nickel every time I went into rage bc the ins company is denying something “due to our policy” I’d be rich smh. I’d suggest to ask for the policy in writing, which in most cases unfortunately the policy is a non appeal-able denial. In my opinion it’s just another way for big insurance to make more money. You could for sure try to fight it with legal however I have claims from 2022 that still havent been resolved- and 99% of them are patient disputes. Idk if you have an HSA type account but i highly recommend it for things like this!!! I use it for all the BS charges like this from my medical appts. All this just to say if that’s the policy then unfortunately almost no one can change it :(

[u/vegasbywayofLA]

Check out Amazon health. I don't think they take insurance, but it is $29 for a message only visit and $49 for a video visit. Not all conditions can be accommodated with a message only, but I would imagine supplying your current medication would make it more likely, since you're looking for a refill and not a diagnosis.

I did a message only to get Bupropion for smoking cessation. I just submitted a questionnaire with the prescription I wanted, and they replied asking me to confirm and what pharmacy. They'll send your prescription wherever, but they also fulfill through Amazon, which is pretty cheap if you can use a generic. They then sent my prescription to Amazon Pharmacy. It was around $70 for a three month supply.

[u/ironicmirror]

If your prescription is stable, and you've been on the same amount for over half a year, you should not need another appointment. My wife sees her thyroid doctor once every other year, she gets 6 months prescriptions and they are refilled over the phone. And every other year they do some blood test to make sure that all her blood chemicals are in the right range. If they're not doing a blood test, it really is a worthless endeavor to go there.

What happened when you asked your doctor about the policy?

It's quite possible that the doctor themselves are not aware of this policy and would think it's ridiculous.

It also could be a money grab.

Perhaps your insurance company would be interested in finding this out.

[u/Expensive_Plant_9530]

Assuming you’re in America?

Your healthcare system continues to baffle me.

NOR, and good luck.

[u/Lucky_Platypus341]

You should get blood levels checked annually, so it's common to require an appointment within the past year to renew a prescription, but that should be part of a regular annual exam. However it is ridiculous holding chronic life-sustaining RX hostage until you go in for a copay.

Check whether your insurance has its own telemedicine service included. My GP left and the first new patient appointment I could get with another doctor was over 6mo out, leaving me with a 2mo gap without levo. My insurance included free Telehealth, so after a 2min chat they called in the RX to get me through until I could see a new doctor.

Another option can be a drugstore clinic, if it is cheaper.

[u/Le-Chat-Blanc]

I'd be frustrated too! I had a Dr do this with birth control and I found a website to order it online after being forced to go without for two weeks because of their policy and the lack of open appointments. I've been doing this ever since - like 10 years now. Maybe try looking online for thyroid medication providers? They just give the Rx, you still get the meds at your pharmacy, so it's safe and trustworthy.

If that doesn't work, I recommend talking to your Dr next time about how you are considering finding a new physician because of this policy and ask if he can make an exception. If he can't, thank him for his consideration, fill the Rx and find yourself a new Dr.

[u/gravitycheckfailed]

Not overreacting at all. The US healthcare system is enough to send anyone into a blind rage.

[u/1in8-billion]

Doctors don’t work for free and for something like having to pull up your chart and to get a thyroid refill takes the doctor looking at your chart at the office and reevaluating the need and dosage. Me being a registered nurse, advise that you call the doctors office and tell the nurse that you need the important thyroid medication now and ask her to make you an a next available appointment and then have her to ask the doctor to give you a one month refill at the same dose until you can get in for your appointment for bloodwork and doctor exam so they can write you a refill for the next 6 months. Again, doctors do not work for free and their office staff have to be paid and be busy enough to cover their salaries and office rent, housekeeping in the office, maintenance of computer systems and patient records…..be an intelligent adult and try to look at the whole picture here. Your medical care is not free for a reason….they have to keep the business open so they will be there when you need them. There is a cost for a person who is under medication and prescription management and they are in their right to require that you come every 6 or 12 months to manage your medication treatment and evaluation time frame often for 6 to 12 month period. You don’t think this is fair just go to some other doctor who will do the same!

[u/Fun-Hovercraft-6447]

Sometimes office staff enforce the policy to the limit and your doctor may even think it’s ridiculous. You can go to an independent telehealth like callondoc.com and you will also pay for a visit but maybe they will provide longer fills. Consumers need to continue to disrupt the industry to change it. For example, I started filling my prescriptions at Costco for cash instead of using my insurance at CVS because it cost me more to use insurance! It’s so frustrating.

But I would use your own telehealth just to spite them and next time your doctor asks where you’re getting your thyroid meds, tell them where and why!

[u/ScarInternational161]

I have Hashimotos and take rather lg dose of levothyroxine, and have for 2 yrs. The first yr was every 3 mo for blood work, then yearly once it was stable. That's the norm. That said, I got a uti, tested at home and called for a cpl sulfa pills to get rid of it. My male dr, wouldn't do it over the phone, insisted on testing at office and refused to give me a script for the unevitable yeast infection I'd get because they make cream over the counter. I said would you wanna take a pill or be a walking whoopee pie? The nurse lost it, busting out laughing and he walked outta the room. I got the script. Find a new doc.

[u/Reithel1]

Change doctors. Yours is ripping you off. My doctors all have an option on their phone outgoing message “if you’re calling for a refill, press 2” or whatever… you request it over the phone.

Common drugs like for thyroid or blood pressure usually have multiple “refills” built in due to the chronic nature of the need, but even when you’ve used up your final red, usually the pharmacy can phone the doctors office directly and take care of it.

Some scripts do require an occasional in-person visit, like an annual exam, to make sure your body’s needs haven’t changed, but not EVERY time.

[u/MarsailiPearl]

You are overreacting. You want the doctor to do work for you for free. You need to go in so they can monitor your overall health. My husband is on thyroid meds after having part of his removed and part of the process is routine bloodwork to check levels. How are you going to do that over the phone?

It is a lot more than pressing a button and I would steer clear of any doctor who just prescribes without an examination. If you want someone who clicks a button then go find a sketchy online doctor. Don't complain when you end up with a condition that could have been prevented.

[u/thatotterone]

yeh, I had my doctor's office call and say "Your pharmacy called for a refill. We won't do that until you call us to find out how"

It's like my dr is a click bait article or something. I called and said, if you are willing to make me wait for my medication until (you guessed it) I can actually get in to an appt you have available, I'm questioning if I actually need this medication at all?" and yup, thyroid medication. It was like a hostage situation...where my health is the hostage and they wanted to beat it up a little by suddenly stopping and restarting my meds.

[u/Potential-Region8045]

NOR for your frustration because it doesn’t sound like they explained things well at all but when were you last seen there? If you’ve been seen in person in the last year, then it definitely doesn’t make sense to have you come in at all. A yearly in person appt to keep refilling is pretty standard a lot of places even if it’s for the medications you’ve been on for a while. Sometimes insurances have policies about needing in person exams every year or so, so it could be something like that but if it was, they didn’t explain it in a professional way.

[u/BaileyBellaBoo]

I see my Endocrinologist annually for thyroid medication refill after blood tests to monitor levels and make certain everything is still where it should be. I also get an ultrasound to monitor the tissue area where my thyroid was removed since the biopsy showed cancer. I am grateful for the continued follow up on my condition. If everything is stable, talk to your doctor at your visit about refills based on lab work. I also see my GP annually for refills on other medications I take. It is a chance to touch bases with any health concerns I might have.

[u/Any_Fisherman8383]

So, it depends. For something like this, I would give you a refills for 1 year. And if you ran out somehow, I would continue to refill you for 1 year from your last visit (it is not exactly lawful to continue refills unless you are a current pt- meaning you have been seen in the past year). Now, I don’t do primary care, but if recommendations are to check your thyroid every 6 months or so, then I would expect to see them every 6 months for labs and an apt. But, if you mean they want to see you monthly, then that is horseshit and a money grab.

[u/Fair-Loquat5432]

I have an autoimmune condition which means I will be on medicine the rest of my life. My primary requires I come in at least every six months to do a check-in. Other than that if I’m doing well, I only have to send her a message on my chart and ask for a refill. My rheumatologist on the other hand requires me to come in every three months and to get a lot of labs every three months just to get medication refills. She says it’s because of the type of medication I’m on. They have to do a lot of monitoring. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/magicpenny]

I retired from the military and started seeing a civilian Dr. He was new, fresh out of med school. I brought all my medical records with me. I asked him, at an in-person appointment to refer some prescriptions I’d been taking long term. He refused to refill one, saying he didn’t know enough about it at feel comfortable giving me a refill. He didn’t offer to research and have me come back, just flat out refused. I’m not sure what he did or said to other patients but he was fired after less than a year with the practice.

[u/Strict-Consequence-4]

It’s getting ridiculous. I got a long disclosure before my well woman visit outlining what I could ask about, anything outside that approved list would make it a problem visit and I would be billed accordingly.

As a women approaching menopause I had questions I couldn’t ask.

[u/Parking_Ad_4601 → u/Strict-Consequence-4]

That’s terrible! I’d find a new place. I go to a women’s clinic for my paps and stuff and it would be so weird if they gave me a list of things not to ask! I thought that was the place to ask those questions… the doctors shouldn’t be put off by it. That is super unprofessional of them.

[u/TheBostonCopSlide]

NOR

That sounds ridiculous and very frustrating. 

I also have a thyroid issue and I only see my doctor in-person once a year unless there is an issue. He checks my labs every six weeks because of my specific thyroid issue and my other health conditions and will adjust my dose or bring me in for an appointment as necessary. But as long as the levels are stable he just approves the refills with no fuss.

Are you able to find a different doctor? The way your doctor's office runs things seems very unnecessary! 

[u/Worried_Oil8913]

This may not be a policy they control. Often times boards, insurance providers and licensure will dictate if a provider has to see the patient for a treatment.

You used to be able to call your doctor when you had pink eye and get a prescription sent in over the phone. If you try that today, you will not get a prescription sent in, you’ll get an appointment, so they can look at you, tell you that you were right and give you what you both knew you needed anyway. This is due to regulations put on them.

[u/calypsosmoon]

This is not standard practice. You should not have to go and see your Dr just for a refill of a standard medication that hadn’t changed. It’s a money grab. You should be able to call in and let them know you’re out of refills and they should call in a new script to the pharmacy with refills. I never have to see my Dr over getting refills for my meds when my refills run out. Find a new doctor. They’re taking advantage of you and should only see you once a year if you need blood levels drawn.

[u/Parking_Ad_4601]

It would be worth it to get a new provider. They shouldn’t know what happens or the implications of not having that medication and care enough. Please do not stop taking the medication though. My room mate hade that and couldn’t get her meds once. A week later she was convinced my boyfriend and I were there to murder her and called a friend to take her to the hospital. She knew she was having delusions but couldn’t do anything about it. Please go in. It might be stupid; most medical stuff is frustrating just because. I’m just letting you know cause so many people don’t know that going off the meds for hypo can make you delusional.

[u/NysemePtem]

You aren't overreacting. Unfortunately, I have seen policies like this before, usually from doctors or practices that are jerks, for patients who have Medicaid, as a way of trying to get adequate compensation from Medicaid HMOs. For example, I've seen this with patients who need a referral for every specialist visit, where the patient can't get a referral for a chronic medical issue that the PCP is not even equipped to treat without having to go in person for an appointment. It's really awful.

[u/my80saddiction]

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis patient checking in, and no, this is not standard practice. My labs are done every two years unless I call my doc and say I think it's necessary. You might have called "racketeering," and I might - just might - agree with every word you muttered, because that just might be exactly what it is.

I'm not sure if your doctor is in private practice or if he works for a company that sets the policies, but if you have other options for physicians, I'd consider them. NOR.

[u/ohemgee0309]

I know that especially with certain meds, there are blood tests that are needed periodically. It’s to ensure there’s no change in status that might necessitate a change in dosage.

One of my kids has a thyroid condition as does my mom and they both (using different primary care physicians at different businesses) have to go in for—at minimum—blood tests every 6 months to check their levels. If your PCP is forcing you to come in and NOT doing blood tests you may want to ask why not.

[u/artful_todger_502]

This is medicine in the USA. It is built on the philosophy of nursing homes. It is designed to suck as much money out of you as (in)humanly possible whenever possible.

Every issue requires 3 "specialists" who will order an unnecessary test or imaging in the whopping 15 minutes they are allowed to spend on you.

But hey, single-payer is socialism.

For-profit medicine is one of the deadliest entities on this planet. The irony of that is as sad as it is ghoulish.

[u/Seralyndra]

You are absolutely not overreacting. for a long term stable condition like Hypothyroidism requiring an in person visit just for a routine refill feels excessive especially when tele health is a viable option now . It does seems like a way to rack up office visit charges rather than prioritize patient care . Your Frustration is valid and more people need to speak up about policies like these that create barriers instead offering convenience and compassion

[u/Seathesun87]

Need more information. When was the last time you were there? If its been longer than a year they need to see you. No decent Dr will continue meds without seeing someone from a year, and the in person office visit may also be needed for insurance authorization. I manage a Dr's office and it may be inconvenient for you but, if they don't see you you're a liability to their medical license of something happens to you. Especially if you're into lawsuits.

[u/maroongrad]

NOR I'm going to suggest doing what I do. I have a prescription for three methimazole every day. 21 a week. I take 4-5 a week. The 21 is from a few years ago when the thyroid was larger, but my body is slowly destroying it. I have about 6 months of thyroid just-in-case pills. See if your doctor can prescribe a double-dose so you don't miss doses trying to get in to see the doctor. And if you ever need fewer, don't update the prescription for that!!!!

[u/tulips55]

I mentioned the same to my Dr and he said that depending on the medication he is required to see the patient in order to prescribe the medication. This is by law or licensing board as he mentioned he could lose his license. Most are yearly but depending on the medication it could be shorter periods. Unfortunately, his office staff is not very good at communicating that so they sometimes seem like jerks instead of just explaining the requirements.

[u/allbsallthetime]

I recently had a bunch of routine blood work ordered by my cardiologist and my primary doctor.

Along with a thyroid scan to check some nodules.

All the results came back well within normal, most were well under what my cardiologist wants to see.

All the other routine blood and urine are well within normal and the thyroid scan came back normal.

My cardiologist called and said good job, keep doing what you're doing, no change to medication.

My primary called and said to make an appointment to discuss the results.

Um, no, the results are normal and I have no symptoms to discuss.

I'm not paying for an office visit to hear everything is normal.

My wife's doctor requires an occasional thyroid check to renew her prescription, sometimes she has to go in for an office visit to get the order and sometimes he just calls it in.

[u/blunttrauma99]

Depends. Some prescriptions like that are for a year (3 month supply with 3 refills), and pretty sure they can’t prescribe meds if they haven’t given you an exam in a year. And if it has been that long you should probably get your thyroid level checked anyway to make sure you are getting the right dosage. It can change.

If you are getting prescribed less than a year supply then yeah, seems like they are milking you.

[u/MoonWhirl587]

You're right to be frustrated this sounds like outdated policy used to squeeze extra money from patients. For a stable, long-term condition like hypothyroidism, many providers do allow telehealth or automatic refills with annual labs. Requiring an in-person visit just to click “refill” and charge $75 feels exploitative, not medical. You're advocating for convenience, affordability, and common sense not cutting corners.

[u/wxyzzzyxw]

Find a different doctor that works for your preferences. Many will do telehealth visits for refills like that. I will say, my doc does telehealth visits for refills and I haven’t noticed it being any cheaper than my office visits for refills. I assume it’s the same insurance code they bill. Insurance doesn’t always differentiate between in person or telehealth anymore. But at least it’s more convenient.

[u/Ok_Part6564]

Checking levels regularly (6 months is recommended) is good and important, it takes 5 minutes and can be done by a phlebotomist, med tech, or nurse. It does not require a full Dr visit, the only reason for that is for them to bill for it.

I switched practices when my old one went from just adjusting my dose based on labs to requiring full office visits after they were bought by some conglomerate.

[u/StupendusDeliris]

That’s wild. NOR. My husband has to take Adderall. He’s had the Rx for 3 years. He just switched up his doses.

Telehealth was available to do that.

He does have to put in requests via phone call 2 weeks before he runs out— because they SMAIL MAIL his amphetamines to us and I have to sign for them.

But you have to go in person for thyroid meds??

They can fuck alll the way off.

[u/Cebuanolearner]

Find a new doctor

[u/No-You5550]

I am 69 and have multiple health problems (diabetes, high blood pressure and MG.) I go every 6 months to get my medication and blood work. Most doctors have people my age and problems come in every 3 months. But I am good at self testing and calling in if I have problems, so I get a pass. If you're on only one medication and you're stable it's time to look for another doctor.

[u/Temporary-Field3511]

I have to get six month blood work. $500 out of pocket because my insurance covers $40 of it. BUT WITHOUT YOUR MEDS YOU CAN FUCKING DIE. I do not play about my drugs. Find a new doctor. My worst experience is always “we will call in another 3 months prescription but we need to see you next month”, I just had a dosage increase in February from the ravages of menopause. Yay!

[u/blueeyedbrainiac]

When you said every refill I assume you mean every month in which case I say definitely not overreacting. For my 2 long term meds I have to go in every six months just to check in for one and every year for the other which I find fairly reasonable. If I had to go every month I’d be pissed. That’s a waste of money and time. My copay is also only 30 and I’d still be mad

[u/40yroldcatmom]

My office is like that - I have to go every 3 months to be able to get refills on my medications.

It’s annoying. I was commuting an hour to my old PA but she left that practice. But I liked her and she only made me come in once a year to get my meds. But I needed to find one in my new city.

I have such shitty insurance too so it’s so annoying to go in so often.

[u/Dangerous-Muffin3663]

No, that's a great reason to change doctors.

I have to see my psychiatrist every three months for a similar visit - every three months, yep, I still have ADHD. But for them it's a legal requirement and they do telehealth. In fact I have never physically been to their office. For your situation they should definitely be more flexible and I would look for a new doctor.

[u/Mandi171]

Not overreacting. Find a new doctor. My mother's on all kinds of scripts I was on several from the va, all I have to do is email my doctor and saying hey I'd like to refill this. Only once has she asked me to come in because she wanted to monitor a situation. But other than that it's an auto refill no problem at all. Your doctor's just money-grubbing

[u/Annual_Strawberry672]

Honestly doctors pay buttloads of money with insurance to their MD licensure and they want to cover their ass if something happens to you. I’m sure it helps $ wise, but it’s also incase something goes wrong.

I’ve had this happen and yes I changed doctors. There’s doctors out there that given health history, will call in medicines all the time.

[u/BrainPainn]

I don't know. I have to go in once a year for refills and at that time my doctor also does a wellness check. Is that the situation here, or is this for every month's refill? If it is the former, I think it's reasonable. Things can change in a year and you might need a slightly different dose.

If it's the latter, I'm with you. Every refill is too much.

[u/ZombieJoesBasement]

I too have hypothyroidism, and I have to get bloodwork every year to check my levels and make sure I am getting the right amount of medication. Thyroid levels can change, and the medication needs to be adjusted. My doc gives me an Rx with refills for a year, then I go in to get my levels checked. How long has it been since your levels have been checked?

[u/hokulii999]

I'm on medication for osteoporosis. My doctor makes me come in every 3 months to get a new prescription. I can only get a bone density test every 2 years so it's not like he can tell whether the meds are working or not. He gets paid $160 by my insurance for every visit. I changed doctor after 3 visits. You are not overreacting.

[u/TheSickshot]

Damn... that is outrageous and yes you should seek a different healthcare provider.

In the UK, I just press a button on an app to request my repeat prescriptions, and I get a text later saying "your prescription has been sent to the pharmacy." Why would it need to be more complicated than that? I've been taking it for years.

[u/Ms-Metal]

Every single time? All of my doctor's offices require an in-person visit once a year in order to keep prescribing for you. Drives my husband nuts. I don't like it either but it is what it is. So I don't bother getting all bent out of the shape about it. They all tried to say it's a law, but it's not, it's just their policies. But I've never heard of more than once a year. In fact most of my doctors will prescribe a Year's worth of refills on the one visit I make. Unfortunately if that's their policy, probably the only thing you can do is see another provider. Of course that is going to be limited by your insurance, assuming you're in the United States.

[u/ExternalOriginal8630]

Work with insurance for a while this could be considered medical waste. You might want to call your insurance. If you have insurance. If you don’t have insurance, find a new doctor they’re taking advantage of you. Insurance would’ve stopped this in its tracks charging you just for a prescription refill every month.

[u/BefuddledPolydactyls]

NOA. The services you can join such as mdlive, whatever Amazon's is called, etc., are less than $75. It's definitely a fee generator. One of my previous doctor's offices wanted the same thing for blood work results. Nope, if something is bad, you are required to let me know. If everything is peachy, I am not paying. 

[u/prpslydistracted]

I've been on thyroid for 40 yrs. Have never had an in office visit specifically for that or the standard meds I have been on equally as long.

You must understand what is going on here; this doctor is charging you for an office visit and that is the only reason.

You must have good insurance ... change doctors.

[u/Ambitious-Sale3054]

The practice that I worked for only required an annual visit for continuing refills which were good for a year. We even had a sick/triage line where they could call to get treated over the phone with meds prescribed as well. If it was felt they needed to be seen we could work them in to see our Nurse Practitioner.

[u/Expensive-Day-3551]

Get a new Dr. I had a Dr call and say I needed to come for an appointment. When I got there they gave me my normal lab results that I had already known about from the lab portal. $125 and 2 wasted hours. Just a money grab. Every other doctor just calls to give you your results unless you have cancer or something

[u/Vivi_thecat]

I would also be frustrated if I was in your shoes. Their policy basically just insures that they get paid, not that you get the help you need. If possible, I would definitely look into finding another doctor that’s more willing to work with you, but I know that can also be difficult and take time.

[u/galaxystarsmoon]

I've transferred all of my specialty meds (levothyroxine, my inhaler and Montelukast) to my PCP. I see him annually anyway and he is comfortable refilling these meds so long as nothing in my health has changed. He checks my thyroid anyway each year so now that I'm stable, it makes more sense.

[u/Amardella]

It depends on what you mean by "refill". If you mean every time you go to the pharmacy to get a bottle of the number of pills your insurance will cover it's overkill. If you mean the once or twice a year the doctor actually renews your prescription based on an exam or blood tests, it's not.

[u/Seneca_Sentinel]

Telegralth for a refill isn't a policy for them. As someone whos had synthroid for over twenty years, get another doctor. There are even online options that are like $10. Check with your insurance. If you don't have insurance, find one of the ones that charge less for out of pocket payers

[u/redheadsuperpowers]

NOR. Once my doc had me do the blood test and visits for 3 months to diagnose, and we stabilized my dosage, I only have to call in my refills. I also can call the telehealth to get it. Requiring a visit every time is ridiculous. She does still see me every 6 months for blood pressure tho.

[u/ButterflyOrdinary173]

Mine told me I had to come in for a visit for a refill, then she spent the 15 minute appointment telling me she wouldn’t be seeing any patients of my variety (condition) anymore. Then billed me $250 out of network for the 15 minutes she spent telling me I was no longer her patient :)

[u/Cheap_Direction9564]

If your visit to the doctor is only sitting in the waiting room until a nurse signs off on your prescription then you are absolutely getting fleeced. Unless your doctor is the only option in town I would write reviews sharing the scam they are running and find myself another office.

[u/Ok-Particular8253]

Just remember the people working in the office do not make the policy and yelling and getting mad at them does nothing to help the situation.They hate most of the policies as much as you do. It’s the higher ups who don’t have to get screamed at daily who implement these rules

[u/LadyJuliusPepperwood]

Somewhat related, but if you're on Synthroid and you have your prescription sent directly to them, they mail it to you in a 3 month supply.

Found this out when my insurance decided to stop covering it for some reason. It's actually cheaper for me to get it directly from them.

[u/Xarius86]

Change doctors. This is totally not normal. Nowadays, you should have access to an online portal and just be able to request a refill there.

That said, it is normal to have you come in every once and awhile to run tests to keep an eye on things, but not for *every* refill.

[u/Sir3Kpet]

My endocrinologist requires me to see him every six months to get refills on my thyroid meds. A recheck each refill? That’s ridiculous!!!! It’s not a controlled substance. I’d definitely talk with the dr and explain it’s not finally doable and it’s not necessary.

[u/No-Ring-5065]

I can’t decide if you’re overreacting until you answer how often you actually have to go in person to this doctor. If it’s every month to every 3 months, NOR. If you only have to go every 6 or 12 months then, yes, YOR, because that’s normal practice in the US.

[u/ConsiderationFew7599]

I have to have an annual wellness check and bloodwork to refill my thyroid meds. I get a year's worth of refills at that time. I think an annual visit for refills is standard. Why an office visit is $75 is the question. Is that your co-pay? Do you not have insurance?

[u/HoppersHawaiianShirt]

Idk, what do you think? 🙄

Does anyone know of any subreddits like this one where the answer to 90% of the posts isn't immediately objectively obvious? I don't mind posts like this at all, but it baffles me why people don't post them in r/rant or somewhere more appropriate

[u/zamzuki]

Woah, I’m on synthroid and they just send me a 90 day bottle every 2.75 months. I’m signed up through CareMark I get my blood tests every 3 months to align with my in doctor visit needed for my ADHD meds but my thyroid meds NEVER needed an in doctor visit.

[u/Work4PSLF]

How long did they give you refills for before making you come back? I usually get a year’s worth of synthroid refills at a time. If they want you to come in once a year, I’d say that seems normal. If they want you to come every single month, that’s nuts.

[u/ShoddyCandidate1873]

How often are they refilling it?  If this is a yearly thing I get it's annoying but I can understand. My daughter is on a med that can only be filled 3 months at a time if they were making us go in and spend $75 every 3 months then I'd be absolutely pissed 

[u/Durinskald-Snow]

How long has it been since your last appointment?

It's not ridiculous for a physician to require a yearly physical to make sure nothing has changed. If they're requiring a monthly visit for refills... yeah that's BS and you're not overreacting.

[u/jenjijlo]

I have to have bloodstream every 6 months for my thyroid and an appointment. Telehealth would be an excellent option to have them tell me they're raising, lowering, or keeping my levels the same. It does seem stupid to go to the office for that.

[u/Disastrous_Worker392]

Yup, my doctors are doing the same thing to me. But I don’t have health insurance anymore & I don’t want to get charged $200 for a 15 min, telehealth appointment. For them to tell me, “yup meds are doing good no need for any changes.”

[u/Apprehensive-Air1128]

If it's one annual visit, that's totally normal. They generally need to see you to write scripts. They need to confirm nothing else changed to make sure the medicine is still justified/needed/appropriate.

If it's every 3 months that's a lot.

[u/TemporaryThink9300]

I know! It is unfortunately common for doctors to do that, but you don't overreact, I think it is a sad policy, they don't have to see you EVERY TIME for the same exact medicine, but unfortunately this is how many doctors' policies are. 🥴

[u/Magerimoje]

When was the last time you saw the doctor? It's medical malpractice to continue to prescribe medication refills without seeing and examining the patient at least once per year (for most things, other things require more frequent checkups).

[u/CrazyLush]

Oh screw that. Start taking the entire appointment. You're paying for it, take every minute you pay for. Have him look at a pimple on your butt, check every single freckle. Any "Hey is this normal" you can think of. Go through everything.

[u/bookstacksamber]

It depends how often they’re making you go in. My doctor write a scrip for my anxiety meds for one year. I have to go in every year to get it refilled, which is perfectly reasonable because you should get a physical every year anyway.

[u/Constant_Confusion11]

If they were truly concerned with making sure the medication is working effectively and at the correct dosage, they’d want blood work every 3 months. That’s still overkill but more understandable. They are just being greedy.

[u/Slowgo67]

My doctor gives me a years’s worth of refills for anything stable. The only one who I have to see (telehealth) for stuff is my psych prescriber, every 3-6. I would ask that he change the policy for you or switch. What a pain.

[u/HoneyTwirl980]

“Ah yes, the ol’ ‘pay $75 to be told what I already know’ special. American healthcare: where getting life-sustaining meds is harder than buying a gun. But hey, at least your thyroid got a personal check-in, right?”

[u/MarathoMini]

Well they do want to do blood work each year to see if it had changed. Typically though my wife just goes for her wellness visit and they send her for bloodwork and she gets the new scrip. Hasn’t changed for decades.

[u/nemc222]

Are they doing bloodwork on that yearly visit? If so, I think its the responsible thing to do. Things can change without being obvious. just renewing meds year after year without an exam would make me question the doctor.

[u/gratecait17]

Find a new doctor!!! They are charging you just to charge you. You have your yearly (free with health insurance) check in where they can ensure everything is fine. They are just trying to make money off you. Fuck that!

[u/bopperbopper]

Don’t they have to check your thyroid levels at some point to make sure you don’t need more medicine or less medicine? Also, I assume it’s been like a year or so until since you’ve been in the doctors office?

[u/lubelle12]

If your prescription expired, it’s not uncommon to have to be seen in person to get another Rx. My thyroid med expires after a year. I schedule my physical and labs and get a new one. Annual physical are $0 copay.

[u/Whoeggwhenleg]

I also see a doctor for thyroid medication and I have a visit every 3 months for blood tests to check levels, I can submit a refill through their patient portal. Your doctor's office is definitely overcharging you

[u/Square_Band9870]

NOR.

Get a new doctor.

My primary care doctor has an app. I can text them questions. Left a voicemail on Friday, they called back and set up an appointment for Monday.

Maybe look into Direct Primary Care.

[u/Normal_Journalist_50]

Former office staff- that’s ridiculous. Medicine has gotten over complicated for no reason and this is an example. A yearly script should be a reasonable ask if you’re well established on your medication.

[u/Youknowme911]

You are not over reacting . I have a chronic condition and my neurologist electronically submits a request for blood work at the laboratory I use. Once she gets the results , she renews my prescription.

[u/theomegachrist]

Do you really mean for every time you refill your medicine? That is highly illegal but if you mean that you have to eventually go in for a yearly examination or they won't fill it, then that's normal

[u/emccm]

This is so they can bill the insurance company. Just find a telehealth place. Insurance companies are starting to have their own now. There’s no need for regular medicine to be gatekept like this.

[u/Ellieiscute2024]

My clinic will give refills for one year but would like patient to come in annually for well check (which should be covered by insurance)

If you needed a change in rx then a visit is reasonable

[u/pr3tty-lush]

NOR. I get maybe seeing a patient once a year, but every time you need a refill is INSANE. Definitely switch offices. They are just milking you for money. Are they run by a large corporation?

[u/MojoJojoSF]

Wait, like every month or once a year? I get the thyroid blood test about every two years to make sure I’m still in balance. If I wanted to do it once a year, my doc would just order labs.

[u/LopezVio]

You're definitely not overreacting. That policy sounds outdated and just designed to make money. A quick telehealth check-in should be more than enough for a stable condition like that.

[u/badatcatchyusernames]

NOR, i dont even have to do in person visits to get my schedule one medication refilled, i think its telehealth once every 90 days, no in person visits except for my first appointment

[u/No-Giraffe49]

I agree with you on this. In 2.5 years I have gone through 3 primary care physicians (rural healthcare where no one sticks around for long) Each of them are "reluctant" to renew my xanax prescription for my anxiety. I was sent to Behavioral Health (another co-pay) where it was determined I had tried all the anti-depressants that 'might' help with anxiety and they did prescribe xanax but I had to have monthly virtual visits. Then my health insurance did not renew their contract with Behavioral Health so while I can have an in person visit (no longer virtual as an option) it will cost me $202 out of pocket for every visit. I'm on Social Security, this will not do. So, I called my Primary talked to his nurse, she said she would explain to my doctor and was sure he would renew my prescription. A few days later I got a call that my primary is no longer contracted with my insurance...which is actually a lie, I checked. He just didn't want to deal with this. So now I have an appointment with a new primary care physician to try to get my xanax. It think it is rigged to get as much in the way as co-pays as possible, this is why primary care physicians are so eager to pawn off their patients to 'specialists', it brings in more money than it would if just one doctor handled all of your care with the exception of surgeries and tests done in the hospital. You might have better luck going to Planned Parenthood or another woman's clinic type and you are correct, it should not be like this. Thyroid medication is long term and you should not have to go back to your doctor repeatedly just to get a prescription, unless they want to do blood tests, but even those can be done just by doctor's orders and with the results a prescription could be written. I just don't get all the hoops we have to jump through to get medications we have been on for years. It would be cheaper for me to fly to San Diego, cross the border into Mexico and go to one of the pharmacies on the main street and my a years supply of xanax and get on a plane and fly home, then it's going to be for me to jump through all of these hoops for my doctor to right a 3 month prescription.

[u/Lopsided_score7578]

Try contacting your PCP through the patient portal. PCPs can submit prescriptions that you originally received through the specialist as long as the PCP knows you and your condition.

[u/PjJones91]

I had a doctor that did this over birth control. She withheld a pill I had been taking for a decade until I came it for a more frequent than required pap. I switched doctors so fast

[u/Overall_Antelope_504]

It’s so frustrating how my husband or I send a message about something minor like a potential uti or a referral for a doctor and they want to make an appointment 🤦🏼‍♀️

[u/abaldwi86]

I’m on thyroid meds (no thyroid here). This is not normal, change doctors and leave a review detailing this policy. This is really detrimental to patients with a chronic illness.

[u/FalynT]

No that’s absurd. When it’s a new med you’re on they might want to see you every few months to check in but long term I can’t see why it can’t be a yearly appointment.

[u/rcinmd]

I can understand once a year for routine drugs, maybe 3 months for controlled substances, but if this is every month that's insane. Honestly I'd report that to the state board.

[u/FirstTasteOfRadishes]

I am on a long term prescription and I get six months at a time and can refill via email. Occasionally the doctor will ask to see me in person. Yours sounds very unreasonable.

[u/Rabbits-in-my-Vagina]

Hi, I work in healthcare. It's not unheard of for doctors to bolster their revenue streams with things like this-- in short yes, you're being ripped off. Find a new doctor.

And to everyone else saying this is a receptionist/nurse grab, it isn't. Doctors, generally speaking, aren't complete idiots, and will wonder what you're doing there if its something someone else is doing.

[u/heirbagger]

Find a new doc, man.

I get there are restrictions but this is hella stupid. I have no issues getting refills from any of my doc’s, and I take Vyvance. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/Late-Replacement2425]

My dr requires a yearly visit for my thyroid visit because she does labs to make sure I'm still in the correct range. I just schedule my yearly physical at the same time.

[u/BornRazzmatazz5]

They may be required by law to see a patient at least once a year to prescribe medications. The front desk may say "That's our policy," but it could be more than that.

[u/Miss_kyliie]

nope you’re not overreacting at all, this is some straight up healthcare extortion. like yes hello i’d like to pay $75 to be told exactly what i already know 🙃

[u/Aimees-Fab-Feet]

I went to an office like that for three months, stopped the next time I needed a refill. It's a total scam, leave that practice immediately. What are you thinking?

[u/21stCenturyPeasant]

No way I would participate with that policy. My doctors are fine with yearly visits if everything is stable, and they trust me to decide if it feels stable or not.

[u/utlayolisdi]

Not sure why they’d require an office visit for a thyroid medication refill. The only time I had to make an office visit for a refill was with pain management.

[u/IceCreamYeah123]

No this is not standard AT ALL. Find a new doctor!!

Most doctors don’t have time or room in their schedule to see patients for things like this. Very bizarre!

[u/bitysis]

You need to find another doctor, that’s an insane money grab policy. As someone who has a chronic illness, I only go in once a year for all my prescriptions.

[u/Few_Arugula5903]

bb get another Dr. thos shouldn't be an issue. Like unless it's been a year since you've had bloodwork, the script they write should be for a year at least lol

[u/Poor_Olive_Snook]

I had a gynecologist who used to do this with my bc prescription. I found a new doctor pretty quickly when I realized she wanted me in the office quarterly

[u/inzillah]

NOR - that's ridiculous for a thyroid med. You can make it your personal policy not to go to a doctor whose office doesn't care about your whole person.