This is our pain management policy which functions in accordanc with the Federal Drug Administration and the Utah Department of Professional Licensing
Pain medications are prescribed only after a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. The initial prescription for post-operative pain is provided to support pain management during the acute recovery period.
Refills for pain medications are limited to one post-operative refill, if deemed medically necessary.
Refills are considered only for short-term post-operative pain management, generally within 14 days following surgery.
For chronic pain or extended pain management, patients will be referred to a pain management specialist.
Refills must be requested during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Requests received after hours, on weekends, or holidays will not be processed until the next business day.
Patients must call at least 48 hours before their supply runs out to allow sufficient time for review and approval.
Refills are approved only after a follow-up assessment by a provider to evaluate the patient’s pain level and recovery progress.
Patients must comply with all post-operative care instructions, including attending follow-up appointments.
Lost, stolen, or misplaced prescriptions will not be replaced. Patients are responsible for safeguarding their medications.
Patients must use pain medications as prescribed. Overuse or misuse of medication is prohibited and may result in termination of the prescription and potential referral to authorities if misuse is suspected.
Pain medications should be stored securely to prevent theft or unauthorized access. Patients must dispose of any unused medication properly, following Utah state guidelines for safe medication disposal.
Each prescription and refill request is documented in the patient’s medical record. Documentation includes the date, amount, provider's evaluation notes, and patien
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Providers check the Utah Controlled Substance Database (CSD) before prescribing and refilling pain medications to monitor patient history and ensure compliance with Utah DOPL guidelines.
If pain persists beyond the usual post-operative recovery period, the patient may be referred to a pain management specialist for further care.
Non-compliance with this policy or misuse of prescribed medications may result in termination of the medication plan and discharge from the practice, depending on the severity of the violation.
Our practice follows Utah DOPL recommendations to provide safe, effective pain management for post-operative patients. We aim to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary, tailored to the type of surgery and the individual needs of each patient. Below are the general types of pain medications that may be recommended for specific surgical procedures:
For chronic pain or extended pain management, patients will be referred to a pain management specialist.
For Mild to Moderate Pain: Non-opioid pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), are often recommended for mild to moderate pain following general surgeries, including:
Refills must be requested during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Requests received after hours, on weekends, or holidays will not be processed until the next business day.
Patients must call at least 48 hours before their supply runs out to allow sufficient time for review and approval.
Refills are approved only after a follow-up assessment by a provider to evaluate the patient’s pain level and recovery progress.
Patients must comply with all post-operative care instructions, including attending follow-up appointments.
Lost, stolen, or misplaced prescriptions will not be replaced. Patients are responsible for safeguarding their medications.
For many patients, combining a non-opioid analgesic with a low-dose opioid can provide effective pain control, minimizing the opioid dose and reducing side effects. This approach is especially effective forComplex or Revisional Procedures: A combination approach may be used to control pain following more complex surgeries, with NSAIDs used in conjunction with a short-course opioid as needed.
Patients are encouraged to take only the prescribed amount of any pain medication, follow dosing instructions carefully, and dispose of any unused medications according to Utah DOPL guidelines.
If additional pain relief is needed, please contact our office during regular business hours for guidance. This practice is committed to complying with Utah DOPL standards to provide effective pain relief while minimizing risks associated with controlled substances.