Some kind of bug worked its way around the office. Then it was my turn.

Same path three years ago. Tried the usual OTC remedies. Cough just got worse. Then a five day course of treatment with Tamiflu. Cough just got worse.

Then the ER and a two day hospitalization with pneumonia. (Fired my PCP, as in "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice. . . . . ”)

This time, my ‘new’ PCP (of three years) and I sat down and discussed options. Nasal swab (ouch!); no flu. Oxygen good and lungs clear; no pneumonia. (Does this happen in a virtual visit? Just sayin’.)

“Doc, if I don’t leave here with a remedy, based on past experience I’ll be in the ER in days.”

Solution: cough syrup with potent codeine.

Enter https://pdmp.wi.gov/ . To combat the opioid epidemic, physicians are now required to check this database to see how frequently patients are taking controlled substances. As I watched, my doc electronically entered my prescription into the PDMP. I’m a virgin. They even pinged his cell phone for a second layer of verification.

Takeaways?

Nothing beats a great dialogue with your PCP for a great result.

Big Brother is watching!!