Q: How do I address second-hand accusations of medication diversion with a patient?
Pt "A" contacted me today and stated that pt "B" stole her controlled meds (while they were in a shared medical transportation cab). Apparently, "B" admitted to her that he did indeed take them. Pt "A", further reports that in the past, "B" has told her he sells his Alprazolam for $15/tablet. Pt "A" was instructed to file a police report and provide me with a copy, or at least proof that it was done. She was advised that additional or replacement medications would not be prescribed without this.
I'm seeing "B" tomorrow and am unsure how to address this issue. I have no reason not to believe the allegations and do not want to continue prescribing to him. That being said, I am not at liberty to disclose or even mention the above information as it was provided by another patient. Further, I am pretty sure that if asked about diversion (in general, and without mentioning the other patient or the allegations) that he would deny it altogether.
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