An older patient has severe osteoporosis and a collapsed vertebra. She is in constant pain and receives relief only from taking a narcotic painkiller, four times a day, which is addictive. For your...

An older patient has severe osteoporosis and a collapsed vertebra. She is in constant pain and receives relief only from taking a narcotic painkiller, four times a day, which is addictive.

For your initial post, answer the following:

1. Should the physician supply enough medication to provide relief or only enough pills for the patient to take when she is experiencing pain that she absolutely cannot bear? Think this through and formulate questions that might help you decide what stance to take.


2. Also, what medical and legal requirements will you need to fulfill as a medical assistant or medical biller?