New York City to Restrict Prescription Painkillers in Public Hospitals’ Emergency Rooms

[JVS]

10. The reason for the large quantities are

1) These painkillers are often for treatment of chronic pain. For example, my dad was taking oxycontin to treat the pain of the cancer that was killing him. There are examples of more brief use. I was given a few days worth of vicodin after wisdom tooth surgery. But the amount dispensed here is traditionally determined by the physician who treats you.

2) Since it is expensive for patients to see the doctor, and the doctors are the ones who give you the permit to buy the medication, emergency room doctors are often willing to meet their patients halfway by prescribing enough to last until the next visit. So, if your doctor knows that you have chronic back pain and that it won't be getting better soon, a 90 day supply of the medication is not seen as unusual.