Can one doctor look up other doctors prescriptions for the same patient?

Question

My friend went to his doctor who refused him his previously prescribed meds because the doctor said he had looked up all the meds the patient had received from other doctors. The doctor felt he was overmedicated. Is it really possible for one doc to know all the things other docs have prescribed?

Answer 1

Yes. When you go to a doctor they have a right to access all your medical history that has been documented. If he looks over the doctors shoulder and looks at the computer screen, he'll be able to see also. These records are also available to the patient, although this will cost money (but not much).  

Answer 2

There's no central clearing-house, though it would be quite useful. On the other hand, a quick call to the pharmacy is easy enough.

I can't stress enough how stupid it is to be less than completely forthcoming about the medications one is taking when talking to a doctor. If I find a patient is purposefully obscuring his medications, I'm naturally going to be exceptionally conservative with my prescriptions. It's my business and in the patient's best interest, even if he disagrees. I'd much rather the patient go elsewhere if he isn't going to be honest.