Prescribing policy
How we prescribe
A medicine is one part of a plan, and the plan belongs to the family.
One change at a time
We change one thing at a time, so that you and we can tell what each change does. If there is a reason to change two things, we say why.
What we explain first
Before the first dose, we explain to the parent and the child what the medicine is for, the common side effects, the unusual ones to call about, and what is known and not known about the medicine in children. Many medicines used with children are used in ways the label does not describe, and we say when that is so.
Controlled medicines
Some medicines are controlled substances, such as certain stimulants. We prescribe them only after an in-person evaluation, with a parent's consent and a plan to review them in person on a schedule. We do not start a controlled medicine at a video visit, which we offer in states where we are licensed (Texas). We follow the state prescription monitoring program, and we may ask a pharmacy to confirm a fill.
Labs and checks
Some medicines call for height, weight and blood pressure checks, or a blood test. We say so before the first dose, and explain why.
Stopping a medicine
Please do not stop a medicine suddenly. Call us first, and we will talk through how to change it. If you stop a medicine on your own and your child seems unwell, call us or 911.
Refills
Refills follow a visit, so each medicine is reviewed on the schedule on your plan. If a refill runs short, call the office on a business day.
Process
How a change is made
Step 1: You say what has changed
In the visit, we ask about sleep, appetite, mood, energy and school.
Step 2: We explain the options
Including waiting, and what each option asks of your child.
Step 3: You decide
A parent consents to each medicine, and the teen is asked what they think.
Step 4: We write it down
The plan, the dose and when to call, sent after the visit.
Step 5: We check
At the next visit, or by call or message if the plan says so.
Questions
Questions about prescribing
Do you prescribe controlled medication by video?
We do not start a controlled medicine at a video visit, which we offer only in states where we are licensed (Texas). Controlled medicines follow an in-person evaluation and are reviewed in person on a schedule. Other follow-up visits can be by video.
Will my child need lab work?
Sometimes. Some medicines call for a blood test or for height, weight and blood pressure checks, and your prescriber says so before the first dose and explains why. Labs are done at a lab, and results come to us.
Will you prescribe over the phone?
A new medicine starts after a visit. A change can be made by phone, or by video in Texas where we are licensed, when the plan says so. A controlled medicine is reviewed in person.
Questions about the policy?
Write to us before a first session, and we will answer in writing.