Can a doctor call a patient to come in for a pill count without advance notice?

"Pill Counts" are typically reserved for patients who receive narcotics or controlled substances. Doctors can demand--at ANY time--that one, or ALL, patients come to the office for a spot "pill count" and/or urine and / or blood testing. IF a patient refuses or cannot appear at the required time, a doctor by law can dismiss the patient without notice. The reason pill counts are done without notice to patients is because:

• If pill counts are correct, you shouldn't require extra time;
• If pill counts are not correct, doctors don't want a patient to try to buy replacement off the street or other illegal means.

Pill Counts are to protect patients AND doctors. If you are responsible about taking only what is prescribed, you should never have any problem or complaint about appearing with your meds in hand to show them you are a responsible patient.