More pain management woes part II: Another doc is under fire
“‘That’s the motive in this case: When the patients are addicted, that return visit is guaranteed,’ Assistant State Attorney Lev Evans said. ‘This case is about a drug dealer with a prescription pad.’

Luyao’s attorney, Joel Hirschhorn, told the jury during opening statements he’ll present evidence that will ‘clearly exonerate’ Luyao “” a 63-year-old grandmother of four “” and explain what was happening in her office from 1998 to 2002, when she was arrested and her license was suspended. She did not cause the death of any patient or cause anyone to become addicted, he said.

‘This case is about a doctor who is concerned with, and who has a responsibility to comfort, her patients,’ Hirschhorn said. ‘It’s not about greed.’

Most patients, including the undercover investigator, signed a ‘narcotic promise’ saying they wouldn’t see any other doctors for pain pills and would take the pills only as prescribed, he pointed out. Some patients “” including the investigator “” lied to her and manipulated her when they described their severe pain, he said.”

Interesting scenario – a grandmother is being grilled, being called “a drug dealer with a prescription pad”. At least she made patients sign a narcotics contract – which is always a must in these cases. However, she got into trouble when the undercover officers lied to her about their pain. We are always taught that pain is undertreated – yet people can so easily lie and manipulate this fact to their advantage.

A no-win situation: you give too little pain meds – and get sued for undertreating pain. You give too much, and get arrested for drug trafficking. Talk about a high-risk, low-reward field.