Controlled Substance Policy

Our approach to controlled substances

Newport Pain Management provides comprehensive pain management, which sometimes includes the prescription of controlled substances. Controlled substances — including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, and certain other medications — can play an important role in the treatment of pain when used appropriately. They also carry risks of misuse, dependence, addiction, and diversion that require careful clinical management.

Our approach reflects both the genuine clinical value of these medications for appropriate patients and the responsibility that comes with prescribing them. This policy explains what patients can expect regarding controlled substance prescribing at Newport Pain Management.

What we prescribe

Controlled substance prescriptions at Newport Pain Management are provided when clinically indicated as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Prescribing decisions are individualized based on your specific pain condition, medical history, prior treatments, and current clinical circumstances.

Controlled substances are one component of pain management, not the entire strategy. Our comprehensive approach also includes interventional procedures (nerve blocks, injections, radiofrequency treatments), non-controlled medications, physical therapy referrals, behavioral techniques, and other treatments as appropriate.

What we generally do not prescribe

The following prescribing patterns are outside our standard practice:

• Controlled substances at the first visit for a new patient without prior records and a thorough evaluation
• Refills or prescriptions requested by phone or email from patients we have not evaluated in person
• Early refills without documented medical justification
• Prescription of opioid medications as chronic ongoing therapy for headaches (evidence does not support long-term opioid use for headache)
• Replacement prescriptions for lost, stolen, or damaged medications without appropriate documentation and, in some cases, a police report
• Controlled substance prescriptions to cover for another physician's patient without prior arrangement
• Escalating doses without corresponding clinical improvement or in the presence of concerning findings

Requirements for controlled substance prescribing

Patients receiving controlled substances from Newport Pain Management should expect the following as part of standard clinical practice:

Prescription policies

• Controlled substance prescriptions are provided in writing or through secure electronic prescribing to your designated pharmacy. We do not fax controlled substance prescriptions.
• Refills are not provided over the phone or by email outside of scheduled visits.
• Refill requests should be made through the pharmacy, which will contact us. Please allow up to 48 hours for refill processing during regular business days.
• Requests for medication changes require an office visit for evaluation.
• Lost or stolen prescriptions are handled on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation.

If a concern arises

If clinical concerns arise about a patient's use of controlled substances — including but not limited to unexpected urine drug test results, CURES findings, missed appointments, or behavioral concerns — we will discuss the concern with the patient and determine the appropriate response together. This may include changes to the treatment plan, referral to addiction medicine services, or discontinuation of controlled substance prescribing.

Referral for evaluation of substance use disorder is offered without judgment when appropriate. Substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition, and connecting a patient with appropriate care is part of comprehensive medicine, not an ending of the physician-patient relationship.

Patient responsibilities

Patients receiving controlled substances from Newport Pain Management are asked to:

• Take medications only as prescribed
• Store medications securely and out of reach of others, particularly children
• Do not share medications with anyone under any circumstances (this is illegal in addition to being unsafe)
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
• Complete requested urine drug testing
• Notify us of any new medications prescribed by other providers
• Notify us of any changes in your medical condition
• Inform us if you plan to be out of the area for an extended period

Questions and concerns

If you have questions or concerns about controlled substance prescribing at Newport Pain Management, please raise them with Dr. Scott directly at your next visit or contact our office. Open communication about these medications is an essential part of using them safely and effectively.

Contact us

Questions about this Controlled Substance Policy may be directed to:

Changes to this Controlled Substance Policy

We may update this Controlled Substance Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, applicable law, or the services we provide. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised Effective Date. Substantive changes will be highlighted in a prominent notice on our website for a reasonable period after the change takes effect. Continued use of our website or services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Controlled Substance Policy.