Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

I had seen Dr Walters at Vanderbilt just prior to opioid war. Due to augmentation and inability to take alpha ll drugs he prescribed an opioid. But because of state lines he could not be my physician. My VA doctor was able to use this paper trail to continue opioids under that authority. My med ,Buphrenorphen has never been properly adjusted in 1 1/2 that I’ve taken it.I’ve left out whole story how I got there to get to my point. My VA doctor told me he will not adjust my prescription to where I can get 24 hour relief. He will change it if another doctor changes it. The story we are all dealing with not wanting to endanger his license. Vanderbilt sleep center will take a VA approval. My question is will Vanderbilts sleep center doctor change my prescription and let my VA doctor maintain it. Seems like something that would be normal. Why would a doctor take a risk on letting another doctor maintain it? I need to know so I don’t waste my time going all the way to Tennessee from Oklahoma. Not sure if this can be answered. I am an active Advocate for RLS foundation so it is something that may help me help others. Thanks for this forum. Paul R

I would guess that Vanderbilt will have no problem providing your VA doc with recommendations; it's no skin off their nose and happens all the time. But I don't actually know the answer. How about calling Vanderbilt to see if someone there can give you some clarity?

My GP is quite happy with writing prescriptions based upon the recommendations of my neurologist. My neurologist is in Denver and my GP is in Colorado Springs, which is about 60 miles away. The main difference from your situation is that they both work for the same large medical corporation even though I do not believe that they have ever actually been in contact. My GP see's my neurologist's notes in my electronic medical record and works for there. I would expect that the doctors at Vanderbilt that the VA would be the same situation with respect to access to your electronic record.

Another option might be to arrange a visit with Dr William Ondo at Houston Methodist. Dr Ondo also runs one of the Foundation Quality Care Clinics. As I understand it, the only requirement for Dr Ondo to actually prescribe directly for you is that he will have to see you in person first to establish a doctor-patient relationship. There can be complications since the prescription would need to be written across state lines, so best to ask Ondo's office if you go that route.

Thanks for response. Only problem with contacting Vanderbilt is after 3 years I am new patient and you Can not talk to anyone other than appointments. I talked to Karla and she was also not sure. Thought surely someone else has done this. I’ll try Dr Ondos office. I’ll check this every so often. Thx.