Prescribing policy

After an evaluation

I do not prescribe at a first contact or on request. A prescription follows an evaluation, once we have talked through your history, your health and what you hope will change.

What I explain

For any medicine I explain what it is for, how it may help, its common side effects and risks, the alternatives, and what to watch for. You decide whether to start.

Controlled medication

I make no promise to prescribe a controlled medication, by video or in person. Whether I do depends on the evaluation, on my clinical judgment and on the federal and Oregon rules that apply at the time. Those rules can require a visit in person.

Labs and monitoring

Some medicines call for blood tests or other checks before or while you take them. I tell you which ones, and why.

Refills and follow-up

Refills depend on follow-up visits. If visits lapse, I may be unable to keep prescribing until we meet. Please ask for a refill ahead of time, not on the day a prescription runs out.

Your pharmacy

You choose the pharmacy, and I send prescriptions to it electronically. Tell me if your pharmacy changes.

Other prescribers

I coordinate with any other clinician who prescribes for you, with your written permission, so your medicines don't overlap.

Changing or stopping

Please don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Call first, and we will plan a change together.