At TheAdvancedMed, patient safety and responsible prescribing are core principles of our medical practice. Certain medications used in psychiatric treatment, addiction medicine, and weight management are classified as controlled substances under federal and state law. These medications require careful monitoring and strict adherence to prescribing regulations.
This policy outlines expectations for patients receiving controlled medications through our practice.
What Are Controlled Substances?
Controlled substances are medications regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because they have potential for misuse or dependence.
Examples of controlled medications that may be prescribed in appropriate clinical circumstances include:
• Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
• Certain benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders
• Phentermine for medical weight management
TheAdvancedMed does not prescribe certain medications, including alprazolam (Xanax) or other medications deemed inappropriate based on clinical judgment and safety considerations.
All prescribing decisions are based on medical necessity and patient safety.
Initial Evaluation Requirement
Controlled medications will never be prescribed without a comprehensive evaluation.
This evaluation may include:
• Detailed medical and psychiatric history
• Review of current medications
• Substance use history
• Risk assessment
• Review of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)·
Additional information such as medical records or laboratory testing may be required before treatment begins.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Federal and state regulations require prescribers to review the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database before issuing certain prescriptions.
TheAdvancedMed will routinely review PDMP records to ensure safe prescribing practices and identify potential medication interactions or duplicate prescriptions.
Follow-Up Appointments
Patients receiving controlled medications must attend regular follow-up visits.
Follow-up visits allow the provider to:
• Monitor treatment effectiveness
• Assess side effects
• Adjust medications when necessary
• Ensure safe and appropriate use
Failure to attend follow-up visits may result in medication discontinuation.
Medication Safety Expectations
Patients receiving controlled medications are expected to:
• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Use one pharmacy for all controlled prescriptions when possible
• Store medications securely
• Never share medications with others
Misuse or diversion of medications may result in discontinuation of treatment.
Early Refill Policy
Early refills are generally not provided for controlled medications.
Requests for early refills due to:
• lost medication
• stolen medication
• travel plans
• may not be approved
Repeated requests for early refills may result in reevaluation of treatment.
Urine Drug Screening
In certain cases, urine drug screening may be required to ensure medication safety and adherence to treatment plans.
· These screenings are used to support safe prescribing practices and comply with regulatory standards.
Telehealth Prescribing
Controlled medications prescribed via telehealth must comply with federal and state regulations governing telemedicine prescribing.
· In some cases, in-person evaluation or additional documentation may be required before certain medications can be prescribed.
Discontinuation of Controlled Medications
TheAdvancedMed reserves the right to discontinue controlled medications if:
• treatment goals are not being met
• safety concerns arise
• misuse or diversion is suspected
• follow-up requirements are not met
When appropriate, alternative treatments may be recommended.
Commitment to Safe Care
Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment while protecting patients and the community from medication misuse.
· We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and responsible treatment environment.
Contact
The Advanced Med
Address – TheAdvancedMed 1725 Pennsylvania Avenue McDonough, GA
