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Do you know someone doctor shopping for drugs?

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By MARY SHEDDEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 6, 2009

If you're worried that someone you care about is abusing prescription drugs or doctor shopping to sell medications they obtain, ask some tough questions about their behavior, says Hernando County sheriff's Detective Cody Silagyi. Here's a list of clues he provides for local doctors who are looking for potential abuse.

• Patient goes out of town to see a doctor.

• Patient claims he or she lost medication.

• Patient requests specific medication or dosage.

• Patient asks for increase in the amount of pills received per visit.

• Patient denies visiting more than one doctor for pain management.

• Patient is eager to get in and out of an appointment quickly.

• Drug test reveals patient is taking other nonprescribed drugs.

• Patient wants to pay cash, even if he or she has insurance.

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