Prescribing policy
How we prescribe
One policy, the same for every patient and both prescribers.
Before a first prescription
- An evaluation first, in the office or by video
- Nothing from a message, a call or a form alone
- Your whole medicine list, from every doctor and every shelf
Changing a medicine
- One change at a time, so you can tell what each change did
- A date to look again, set at the visit and written in your summary
- What to watch for, and whom to call, before you leave
- Lowered or stopped only with your prescriber, never on your own
Because you are older
We start with small amounts and go slowly. We are careful with sleep and anxiety medicines that can cause falls or confusion, and when we avoid one, we say why. We review every medicine on your list, including the ones another doctor added and the ones you buy without a prescription.
Controlled medicines
Some medicines for sleep, anxiety and attention are controlled by federal and Florida law. We prescribe them only after an evaluation, never on a first video visit, and never from a message. The rules for video visits change, so we tell you what applies to you before the visit. We do not refill them early.
What we do not do
- Prescribe for someone we have not evaluated, a spouse or a parent included
- Refill from a message when a review is due
- Promise a medicine, or a result
A change, step by step
How a change is made
Whoever the prescriber is.
- 01
We talk it through
What we are thinking, what the choices are, what each might do and might not.
- 02
You decide
Including to wait, and including to ask a family member or your pharmacist first.
- 03
We write it down
The change, the date to look again, and what to watch for, in large print.
- 04
We look again
On the date, with the same questions, so the change can be seen.
Questions
Questions about prescribing
Do you prescribe controlled medicine by video?
Not on a first video visit. Some medicines for sleep, anxiety and attention are controlled by federal and Florida law, and the rules for video change. We tell you what applies to you before the visit, and we never prescribe a controlled medicine from a message.
Will I need blood tests?
Sometimes. Some medicines need a blood test or an electrocardiogram first or from time to time. Your prescriber says which and why, and can use results from your primary care doctor.
What is confidential, and what are the limits?
What you tell us stays with us, and we share it only as the law allows. We explain the limits in writing before you start, and we do not share with a family member anything you have not said we may.
Start here
Questions about the policy?
Ask us before your first session.