An initial consultation with a medical provider is necessary before a person can start using medical cannabis. This is because doctors must recommend medical cannabis before patients can purchase it. An initial consultation is necessary to allow doctors to make an informed recommendation.
In Utah, Salt Lake City’s Beehive Farmacy says patients are required to see a medical provider in-person for the first time. Telemedicine consultations are acceptable for subsequent renewals. Beehive also explains that patients are wise to take certain types of medical records with them to that first appointment, especially if they see a provider other than their primary care doctor. Check Beehive Farmacy’s website for more information.
Here is a list of suggested records:
1. Diagnosis Records
Only certain medical conditions are eligible for medical cannabis treatment. The three most common are chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic nausea. Regardless, a medical provider who is not your primary care physician will need to see records proving your diagnosis.
If you do not possess such records, be prepared for a lengthy medical examination. The doctor might also require additional tests to verify your eligibility. They are not being a jerk. Doctors are required by law to verify qualifying conditions before recommending cannabis.
2. A List of Your Medications
Be sure to bring a complete list of all your medications and supplements. Medical providers need to know this in order to avoid negative drug interactions. Although medical cannabis does not necessarily create a life-threatening scenario when interacting with other drugs, such interactions could cause adverse consequences.
Also be sure to bring records detailing doses and frequency. The list should include daily supplements and any OTC drugs you use frequently.
3. Records of Past Treatments
Your medical provider is going to want to see any records you have pertaining to past treatments. As an example, an osteoarthritis patient may have previously tried prescription NSAIDs and physical therapy. His doctor would want to know about this, as well as whether the treatment provided any lasting relief.
Again, this is not the doctor trying to be a nuisance. They are trying to understand how you respond to various treatments. Remember that the doctor also has the responsibility of determining whether medical cannabis is the most appropriate treatment at the current time.
4. Lab Test and Imaging Results
Have previous doctors ordered lab tests or imaging for your condition? If so, the results from those tests could prove helpful during your initial medical cannabis consultation. Lab tests and imaging results can tell a doctor a lot about your condition.
5. Personal Information
Finally, it would help your medical provider quite a bit if you brought certain types of personal information with you. Assuming you have some time to prepare for the appointment, make the effort to gather this information:
- A detailed list of your symptoms
- Any symptom triggers you may have noticed
- Information on how your condition impacts daily life
- Information about any prior cannabis use
- Information about any prior substance misuse
- Notes and questions pertaining to your cannabis goals
This last category of information is not going to be presented as official records. Instead, it is information you write down as you think about it. It is valuable information, nonetheless.
The key to a productive first medical cannabis consultation is information. The more data you provide, the easier it is for your medical provider to make informed decisions. The two of you should be able to have an open and honest discussion to arrive at the best course of action.
