What is Doctor-shopping?

Doctor-shopping refers to the practice of a patient seeking medical care from multiple physicians simultaneously without disclosing the other consultations. This behavior is often an attempt to obtain multiple prescriptions for controlled substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. The patient may then use these medications recreationally, sell them illegally, or stockpile them for future misuse.

This tactic is frequently associated with prescription drug abuse and addiction. It undermines the medical system and can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of overdose due to unsupervised polypharmacy. It also poses ethical and legal challenges for healthcare providers, who may unknowingly contribute to a patient’s substance use disorder.

Doctor-shopping is considered a form of drug-seeking behavior and is often monitored by Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) in many states. These programs help track prescriptions to reduce fraud and identify patterns of abuse. In some jurisdictions, doctor-shopping is classified as a criminal offense, especially when it’s used to illegally acquire narcotics.

In addiction treatment and mental health care, identifying doctor-shopping behavior is crucial for assessing the severity of a substance use disorder. Interventions typically involve coordinated care, patient education, and potentially transitioning the patient into a monitored recovery program or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).