Free Tools to Fight Back
Everything here is free - to read, print, copy, and share. If you are being denied care, you are not powerless. Start here.
The Pain Patients' Bill of Rights
Twelve rights every person in pain is owed. Read it, and download the poster to print and share.
The Pain Snapshot
A clearer way to tell your care team how pain affects your life. Print it and bring it to your appointment.
Letters you can use today
Copy a template, fill in the blanks, and send it. These are starting points, not legal advice.
Letter to your doctor
To document your care and ask to continue a treatment that works.
Dear Dr. [name], I am writing to document my care and to ask for your help continuing the treatment that has been working for me. I live with [condition], and for [length of time] the treatment plan we have used - [treatment] - has allowed me to [what it lets you do: work, care for family, function]. Without it, my function drops sharply and my quality of life suffers. I understand the pressures providers face. I am asking that any change to my care be made for sound medical reasons specific to me, with my involvement, and not because of an arbitrary limit or outside fear. If a change is being considered, I would like to understand the medical reason and discuss it together. Thank you for standing with your patients. Sincerely, [your name] [date]
Pharmacy refusal — Board of Pharmacy complaint
When a pharmacy refuses to fill a valid, legal prescription.
To the [State] Board of Pharmacy, I am filing a complaint regarding a refusal to fill a valid, legal prescription. On [date], at [pharmacy name and location], pharmacist [name if known] refused to fill a lawful prescription written by my licensed provider, [provider name], for [medication]. The stated reason was [reason given, or 'no clear reason was given']. This refusal [caused me to go without necessary medication / forced me to call multiple pharmacies / caused withdrawal and loss of function]. A valid prescription from a licensed provider for a legitimate medical need is legal, and I am asking the Board to review this refusal. My contact information is below. I am happy to provide documentation. [your name] [phone / email] [date]
Medical records request
To get a copy of your own records - evidence that helps your case.
Dear [clinic / medical records department], Under my right to access my own records, I am requesting a complete copy of my medical records, including [office notes, imaging, test results, prescription history, and any treatment agreements]. Name: [your full name] Date of birth: [DOB] Dates of service: [range, or 'all'] Please send the records by [secure electronic copy / mail to the address below]. Please let me know if any fee applies before processing. Thank you. [your name] [signature] [date]
Insurance / prior-authorization appeal
When your insurer denies a medication or treatment.
To [insurer name] - Appeals Department, Member name: [name] Member ID: [ID] Claim / auth #: [number] I am appealing the denial dated [date] of [medication / treatment]. This treatment is medically necessary for my condition, [condition], and has been [effective for me / recommended by my provider]. [Briefly: what you've tried, what failed, why this is needed.] My treating provider, [name], supports this and can provide documentation. I request a full review and a written explanation of the decision, and I reserve the right to an external review. [your name] [date]
These templates are general starting points to help you advocate for yourself. They are not legal advice. A printable pain & symptom diary is coming to this page soon.