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Calls for a crackdown on 'doctor shopping'

An increase in deaths from the misuse of prescription drugs in Australia has had coroners and doctors groups pushing for a crackdown on 'doctor shopping'.

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An increase in deaths from the misuse of prescription drugs in Australia has had coroners and doctors groups pushing for a crackdown on what's known as doctor shopping.

It's where people with drug problems visit several doctors to try to get multiple prescriptions.

The Victorian government has promised to spend almost $7 million over five years to monitor the supply of drugs of dependence for what's called real time prescription monitoring.

The computerised system is designed to prevent people with drug problems from getting multiple prescriptions.

Doctor Tony Bartone is the Victorian President of the Australian Medical Association.

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He told Greg Dyett most doctors are very careful about prescribing addictive drugs but says doctor shoppers can be very convincing during a consultation.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)

 


1 min read

Published

Updated

By Greg Dyett


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