Is it really just because of the fentanyl situation? I know there is a huge disagreement with how the strict rules for prescribing opioids are so tight even for chronic pain patients like myself who can’t participate in life without em struggle to find a provider who is willing to prescribe us them.
I’m not sure if this answers your question but this is what was explained to me when I worked in retail pharmacy.
Patient has opioid addiction from being on painkillers too long/too high a dose/abusing script. The patient has multiple doctors and specialists and requests painkillers from as many as they can get.
Doctors then become wise to the situation. Set the patient up on a “pain plan.” Now the patient can only fill opioid scripts from one doctor at one pharmacy.