Lake Howell Family Medicine

I moved to Florida recently and arranged to have medical records transferred from my long-time primary care provider to the Lake Howell practice. I also signed paperwork to have records sent from my orthopedic, spine, urology, and gastroenterology doctors.

After my initial visit with a Lake Howell nurse practitioner, I learned that a urine specimen collected during the visit was sent out for substance abuse screening. This was done without my knowledge. (I thought the specimen was to test for UTIs, which are a problem for me.) I've also learned I must pay the lab that did the drug screening nearly $200.

I believe the drug testing was done because my longtime pcp had prescribed hydrocodone for occasional use when my back and hip pain become overwhelming. I receive injections for both problems, so rarely need to take hydrocodone. (Motrin 800 usually is adequate.)

The fact that drug testing was done, and without my knowledge, is offensive and just plain bad manners.