Many who smoke cannabis wonder if they should share this with their health care provider. We spoke to Dr. Julio Paez, M.D. and here's what he had to say.
"We do not want patients to feel like their is a stigma or judgement. We encourage our patients to share this information with their health care provider to make sure we provide the safest care," says Dr. Paez.
Further, Dr. Paez, adds the following reasons to share this important health information with your provider.
1. We Need a Complete Picture of Your Health
As a physician I need to know about anything that might impact your health. Your medical history and present history allows me to best determine the risks and benefits of potential treatment options. Cannabis and pharmaceutical drug interactions can occur. In fact, in certain cases cannabis may adversely affect patients taking common pain medications. In addition, some antidepressants also blend poorly with cannabis and can cause abnormally fast heart rate.
2. HIPAA
As a physician the HIPAA, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act offers the promise of a safe space at a doctor's office or hospital. HIPAA makes your patient records and conversations private. This means, what you share with me, stays with me.
3. A Cannabis Conversation Might Save Your Life
Cannabis users who smoke the drug can have limited airway flow much like cigarette users, the smoke irritates your airway. This is important if you are having a procedure requiring sedation. As your provider, I need to be prepared to adapt and make your procedure safe for you.
Lastly, Dr. Paez shares, "Our role as physicians is to understand your health and body in order to provide you with the safest and most pain-free procedure. This information is part of your confidential medical record. It is crucial to anyone using cannabis to disclose this information to your provider."
