Anyone Heard of 11th State Consults?

[Mattysville]

hey i found a consultation place on another forum i think cannabis.com. they are called 11th State Consults. Anyone ever heard of them or used them? I need to get my card but without a primary doc it's hard to find one that'll take my insurance. I use cannabis to deal with sever lower back pain from a motorcycle accident, i would just like to finally make it legitimate. I want to grow for myself and stop going to dealers, i need afordable quality meds and i'm sick of being paraniod trying to obtain them. I hope these people are legit but I don't want to set myself up for something bad to happen because they're fakes.

 

[Tamorin]

Yeah theres a bunch of that out there. I havent heard of them but i suggest u find dr. Who can perscribe it from.the internet they were listed once or.twice now thru the media and go to them.

 

[Serapis]

It was only a matter of time before this happened.... It will lead to new laws or amendments that require issuing Dr to be licensed in same state.

 

[HghFlyrJD1]

It was only a matter of time before this happened.... It will lead to new laws or amendments that require issuing Dr to be licensed in same state.

I know CT or MA Drs can sign for RI patients

 

[madmikeri]

Just to help try to clear things up

"Practitioner" means a person who is licensed with authority to prescribe drugs
pursuant to chapter 37 of title 5 or a physician licensed with authority to prescribe drugs in
Massachusetts or Connecticut.

It does not have to be a Doctor; a Nurse practitioner can also "recommend” there is no prescription.

A practitioner shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner,
or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action
By the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline or by any another business or
Occupational or professional licensing board or bureau solely for providing written certifications or for otherwise stating that, in the practitioner's professional opinion, the potential benefits of the medical marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for a patient.

 

[madmikeri]

I think the best way to get into the program is through your current doctor, He/She knows your history, so you should start there. I know this can be difficult, but if you are properly informed, you can educate the doctor on how things really work.
You should start with some facts to back up why you are seeking alternative medication. Show that you have done some research, and you are not just a pothead. I know the ASA and many other organizations have pamphlets specific to different aliments. Here is a few link that might help (I am using cancer as my example)

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/marijuana
http://www.gsalternative.com/2010/07/marijuana-shows-promise-as-cancer-cure/

I could list out tons of links but I think you get the point.

The most common reason I hear of that doctor’s give for saying they cannot sign is the risk of federal prosecution, and as their ability to write prescriptions comes from the federal government. This was the case, but it has changed. Point out they are not writing a prescription they are simply stating that, in their professional opinion, the potential benefits of medical marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks that medical marijuana could cause..

Conant v. McCaffrey is, at its core, a case about doctors’ ability to give advice and recommendations to patients suffering from serious and debilitating illnesses. In October 2003, the Unites States Supreme Court let stand a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals permitting physicians to recommend marijuana to patients whom they believe might medically benefit from its use. Conant v. Walters, 309 F.3d 629 (2002). Thus ending the seven-year dispute between the federal government, physicians, and patients over the freedom to discuss medical marijuana as an alternative medication

I am sure this will not always work, but I hope it helps.

 

[Tstat]

I also want to know if this place is legit and legal. My Dr. wont recommend it for my back and just gives my opiate based drugs. I called them and they said to bring $300 cash. Sounds shady. I also can't find anything about them on the web...

 

[NoBarriers]

There is a RI Dr that charges $400 and I know of at least 15 people, myself included, that have gone to him. Best $400 I ever spent. I have the information if anyone needs it.

 

[madmikeri]

If you are referring to Dr. P he is no longer doing this.

I have learned a little about 11th state, here is what i know so far. They ask for some kind of medical documents to verify your claim but not a copy of your medical record, Also the $300 is paid upfront before your meeting, so you could pay for them to say no. My suspicions started when I called them and asked the Doctors name and was told I would find that out when I arrived at my appointment. I then called the Department of Health and they had no information on any such practice. Anyone who is not willing to give there credentials upfront is most likely hiding something. Seems kinda shady to me so far. This service will most likely vanish sooner then later just like the others have. I heard a few rumors of another service starting up that sounds to me like it will be more legit then this one (when i know more about them I will pass on the info).

 

[CuriousDaimon]

Excellent gum-shoeing, MadMike. I'm a little concerned that they would not reveal--at least--credentials up front. I could understand not wanting names to get out ahead of the service in case you are from the media, but a little idea of the medical professional skills involved would be beneficial.

As for the money-up-front, MediCann in California gave me a recommendation when I was living in San Francisco. Their cost was $90 with the same up-front, no refund policy. Their service was to evaluate your medical conditions regarding MMP recommendation. I paid for the time/costs associated with examination and medical opinion, regardless of whether that opinion resulted in a MMP card or not. If you go to the hospital with chest pains, and it is just heartburn, you (or your insurance) still has to pay the hospital even though it was not serious and worth a visit.

I really believe RI could use a legitimate recommendation provider, one who does not diversify into the other (more compelling) areas of our community. Stick with the medical side if you are medical, I believe could be the lesson learned from others who attempted such services in the past. The thread is long buried about The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation coming to RI, but perhaps they will come now that the CC's are licensed.

Keep up the good work, Mad Mike!

CD

 

[Mattysville]

Excellent gum-shoeing, MadMike. I'm a little concerned that they would not reveal--at least--credentials up front. I could understand not wanting names to get out ahead of the service in case you are from the media, but a little idea of the medical professional skills involved would be beneficial.
CD

When they called me to confirm my appointment they told me that its a nurse practitioner that does the exam. They also gave me the address at that time. it seems legit. $300 is a bit pricey but thats the cost of doing business in RI.

 

[HghFlyrJD1]

When they called me to confirm my appointment they told me that its a nurse practitioner that does the exam. They also gave me the address at that time. it seems legit. $300 is a bit pricey but thats the cost of doing business in RI.

400 was the normal.So 300 seems fair IF your gonna pay i guess.

 

[Tamorin]

Yeah i got lucky before the dr. Upped jis price paid 300 myself, sad part was i had all my medical history just didnt want to go thru my regular dr.

 

[madmikeri]

I wanted to validate the license of the person, I know that the good doctor recommended a few people but his license was not valid at the time, and the DOH rejected the applications. I totally agree with paying upfront, but $300 for an office visit is insane, also the fact they do not want your medical record is sketchy, there is a huge difference between a medical record and medical documentation. If I go to the ER and get an X-ray that is documentation, but in most cases if you have a debilitating condition you should have a lengthy medical record.
My concern is doctors that let patients into the program that do not belong, they are the ones who will give the program a bad name, these are the types of people who are getting arrested for illegal activity and then try to hide behind the card. It is these kinds of patients who push legislators into coming up with bills like HB5401. The last "good Doctor" let a lot of bad apples into the program, The DOH is/was aware of his activities and that is why he is no longer here, This is also another reason HB5401 had more backing this year than it did last. If the program continues to be abused the possibility of them changing/removing, the program is greater.
I do 100% agree we need this kind of service for many reasons, but it needs to be legit!

- $300(cash) for an office visit leads me to believe they do not care about the patient only the $$ most people with a debilitating condition are on a fixed income and will have a hard time coming up with the cash!
- A medical service that does not ask for a medical record... seems sketchy
- Not revealing a names so you can check the status of their license ... WAY sketchy

I know of 4 people that have appointments with this service... 2 of them should get approved, ?? HOWEVER, if the other two get approved then service is a JOKE and should be shut down! I will keep you informed.
The rumors I am hearing is that the DOH is looking to start a service like this, as I learn more about it I will keep you up to date.

 

[nl3004.kind]

i've gotta agree with mad mike on this one...

a state-run clearing house for approving patients who legitimately qualify under the regs of the system as it stands would be able to be self-funded, and much more rapid.

with access to the dept of health, the turn-around on applications most likely would in the 1 to 2 week range.

as long as the dept was honestly committed to processing the applications in a rapid and professional fashion, there would be less of these issues with abuse/misuse of the system as it stands, and there would be a bit more governmental oversight...

the only question is if the patients would sign off on this...

i know some folks are really worried about their names being on a list somewhere, but unless the dept gets subpoenaed there should be no disclosure of confidential medical information...

plus the subpoenas MUST (by law) be on a case by case basis, as opposed to a governmental agency (like the dea) seizing the computer of the one doctor who has everyone's names on file somewhere (which HAS happened in other states btw)...

interested to hear how many folks think that this is a good idea...

 

[Mattysville]

I agree that not giving credential up front is shady and i wish it wasn't the case. As for medical records I agree partly with what your saying MadMike, however in certain cases there isn't a lengthy medical record. I spent 6 years in the military and when discharged the only record I was able to obtain is immunization charts. Further more the back pain and spasms I endure each day are from a motorcycle accident I was in AFTER leaving the military a little over a year ago. since leaving the military I have not gone to a doctor (even after the accident) other than my chiropractor because I (like many people in RI) did not have health insurance. I allowed my fractured (never confirmed officially by xrays) arm to heal with nothing more than a sling and tylenol (and of course some cannabis) because the person who hit me did not have insurance and I could not afford to go to the hospital to get checked out before leaving the scene of the accident. The only records I have are a police report detailing the accident and my chiropractor records from the last year.

 

[NoBarriers]

Some people don't have lengthy medical records because of lack of insurance and maybe some other reasons. So they should be denied? There should be MORE access not less. The last thing this program needs is more government interference and control and as patients we should not be lobbying to "Shut down" any service that gives more patients access. The exclusive "Club" mentality of many patients is pretty sickening. Just because someone doesn't look sick doesn't mean they aren't.

Once I finish my MD I'll start pointing the finger at people that "I" don't think should have a card. Untill then I'll just be happy for the people that get there card whether they pay for it or not......

Good luck Matty, let us know how you make out.....

 

[madmikeri]

Yogesh B. Pancholi, MD, according to HEALTH documents, came to Rhode Island from New York where he was being monitored by the NY Committee for Physicians Health, beginning in March 2000. At that time, his monitoring contract responsibilities were transferred to the RI Medical Society Physician Health Committee. Doctor Pancholi was diagnosed at the Farley Center as having an impairing disorder, alcohol abuse, and marijuana abuse. He was reported to have bought "substances over the internet which were designed to provide false negative readings for substance abuse monitoring by the Physician Health Committee."

Further, Dr. Pancholi has advertised his medical marijuana business in a local magazine where he offered to teach people "how to grow marijuana and perform the evaluations which he charged between $350 and $400 (cash only) per patient.

The Director of Health has determined that the continuation of the practice of medicine by Dr. Pancholi "constitutes an immediate threat to the health, welfare, and safety of the public."

hummm looks like the same kinda deal here with 11th state, only time will tell.

 

[Mattysville]

I wouldn't say it looks the same. it is obvious that Dr. P was not operating his practice safely and he paid the price for it. I would be willing to bet from the information I've heard around, that 11th state is going to be run slightly better. Don't quote me on that of course. I'm sure once the state finds a way to shut them down they will try, and if successful there will just be another consultation group following in their wake. it is a business that will prosper. as long as there is the MMP in RI and no decrim or tax and regulate bill in place for the state people will do what they need to do to cover their asses. I know having people without legitimate health problems in the program discredits the validity of the program, but for those patients who do truly need this "drug" to live a semi-normal lifestyle taking away potential access is more criminal to me than someone who uses it for recreational use getting a card to ensure they don't go to jail for having a roach in the ashtray at their home. As the late Jack Herrer said, "All use of cannabis is medicinal, you use it to feel good and if it makes you feel good it is medicine." I understand your concern MadMike, but until this state institutes a reduced/removed penalty bill for recreational users people will work the system to protect themselves from their government, who against the will of the people, still claim that cannabis is MORE harmful than cigarettes, alcohol, and (according to the Sched I and II lists provided by the DEA) cocaine. http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/scheduling.html If you didn't know cocaine is Sched II because it is in fact prescribed and used by dentists.

 

[Haribo]

Not just Dentist use it. I beleive they use in hospitals as like a topical solution.