What constitutes "doctor shopping"?

"Doctor shopping" specifically refers to the practice where a patient visits multiple healthcare providers to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances while failing to disclose to each doctor that they are receiving similar prescriptions from others. This behavior is typically motivated by the patient's desire to acquire medications, particularly those that may be addictive or misused, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, without the awareness of the providers involved.

This practice raises significant concerns regarding patient safety, potential for abuse, and the risks of overscribing medications that can lead to addiction or overdose. Healthcare providers rely on accurate patient history, including medication use, to make informed decisions about treatment. Doctor shopping undermines this trust and can result in dangerous health outcomes not only for the patient but also for public health in general.

The other scenarios, such as seeking multiple prescriptions from a single doctor during the same visit or frequently changing doctors for routine check-ups, do not encompass the deceitful intent that characterizes doctor shopping. Additionally, a doctor seeing multiple patients in one day is a normal part of medical practice and does not relate to patient behavior regarding the acquisition of prescriptions.