Do doctors have to put their dea # on every controlled rx for a patient, even if it an ongoing rx?

Question

I am on 2 meds that are controlled substances, and the pharmacist is insisting that my doctor write his dea on every rx every time I have them filled. Is this normal?

Answer 1

A lot depends on the state. Even for narcs, I never put my DEA # on an Rx. (mainly for security) Occasionally, a pharmacy will call and ask, but not often.

Answer 2

For controlled medications, a DEA number is required.  If it is not on the prescription, the prescription is not valid.  If the DEA does an audit of my record, each penalty will cost the pharmacy several hundred dollars.

Answer 3

yes, the pharmacist can't know if the doctor changed the meds or if he changed the dose, they have to associate certain drugs with his number, this is why many docs have their number already on the script.