Question QUESTION: You gave me expert info in this area on a couple of occassions recently. I very recently had the surgery & it went perfect. I have one question. I am refusing to pay for a pain medication, Ketorolac because I had no pain, nausea, swelling or redness. I was fully alert when transferred to bed for observation and up and walking almost immediately . I asked that I be given no medication for pain because I don't need it and if I did, I would still have to consider risk vs. value. For instance, this medication is noted NOT for Mild Pain, but for Moderate pain. Can cause heart attack, stomach upset, stomach bleeding, hole in stomach & do not take if on warfarin, water pill or enalapril. I am on all three as well as nexium for GERD. I am 72 and that is another factor. I am in very, very good physical health, have a proper diet, exercise, not overweight and take proper supplements, so why treat me like a standard(everyother) patient with a pre-planned standard plan. It should be based on need, value, wish of patient in coordination with the Dr. Nurses, Staff working together and discussing and explaining. What is your opinion on this pain medication. I had no adverse effect, but thats not the point, I do not pay for something not wanted or required. Thanks/Advise!
ANSWER: Dear Bill,
I say great! I am glad that all went well for you.
You said you had a question to ask me but didn't make the question clear...I assume you want to know my thoughts about Ketorolac.
I love the medication and have used it often with great relief of pain for my patients. It acts quickly and can be very effective if used properly. It isn't used long term because of the side effects that you noted but can do a great job of relieving pain post-operatively for a day or two. I explain to my patients in lay mans terms that Ketorolac is a medication that can be thought of to be just like Motrin, Advil or Ibuprophen, only administered in a different way. These drugs also have the same side effects and are used by many people with good pain relief.
I would agree with you that if you didn't receive something you don't pay for it. The exception of course is that if there is a package deal and the cost of the med is factored into the entire deal. This does sometimes occur in the OR settings. Another point to make is that the reason you didn't have any pain post-operatively is that you were still under the influence of the anesthesia you received during your surgery. Those medications are probably part of a package too.
I hope I've helped...
If not please contact me again...
Dawn Caceres
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QUESTION: Probably there was some residue relief from the med given durning Surgery, but to be clear, I do not take Pain Killers because I don't have the pain because I handle it in other ways holistic and being in good condition pain just does not affect me much and with the possible side effects I do not take or want pain meds unless I need them & I believe I did not need them . They were given 11 and 22 hrs after surgery. As well, once home, again I just had no pain because of the way I handle it with diet, walking, supplements & it is therefore my belief that unless I requested them if pain came about, I should not have been given them. I requested I not receive any pain meds unless I requested. So I feel they gave me something not wanted and not needed. I don't feel I owe it. They were all individually charged, no package.
Give me your thoughts/ Thanks again
Bill S
Answer Dear Bill,
If what you say is that you didn't ask for the pain medication and was given it anyway then yes, I agree...you should not have to pay for those dosages.
I have a suspicion that the medical staff heard you clearly, and knew that you did not wish to receive any narcotic pain medication. What they gave you isn't narcotic. It is classified as a non steroidal anti-inflammatory (just like ibuprophen). Again, I agree you shouldn't have received something you didn't ask for but you are the exception and not the rule. Most people need just a little something to help them to relax after surgery.
All of this still comes out as good, I say this because you are well, you are onto the healing process, and back to your "normal" life.
Don't dwell so much on the past...ask if you can have the charges dropped. Make a call or two and inquire. If they are unable to credit you, then use the experience as a lesson to insist next time someone gives you something you specifically asked NOT to receive that you'll refuse payment. Write this formally and present it to your doctor or surgeon so they will abide.
