Gaylord Doc Accused Of Dolling Out Pain Meds

<p><em><a href="mailto:payettepc@interlochen.org">By Peter Payette</a></em></p> <p>A family doctor in Gaylord has had his license suspended after being accused of overprescribing painkillers. </p> <p>Donald Bills practiced medicine at an urgent care clinic. Narcotics police say his patients would come from as far as the Upper Peninsula to get prescriptions.</p> <p>The complaint alleges he prescribed drugs like methadone and oxycodone to more than 130 people who were either accused of drug violations, or are suspects in investigations. It also alleges he didn't follow basic medical guidelines to screen patients, or consider other alternatives for pain management.</p> <p>Dr. Bills could not be reached by Interlochen Public Radio but he did tell the Gaylord Herald Times that he does not think he did anything wrong.. He says he will retire rather than fight the charge. </p> <p>Addiction to prescription painkillers has become widespread in recent years. Some treatment centers in Northern Michigan say it is starting to rival alcohol addiction as public health problem.</p>