N.H. in fight with doc who flouts system
NEW LONDON, N.H. — Dr. Anna Konopka insists her system for keeping track of her patients’ medical conditions and various prescriptions works just fine.
But the New Hampshire Board of Medicine disagrees. It is challenging the 84-year-old New London physician’s record keeping, prescribing practices and medical decision making. Konopka surrendered her license last month, which she said she was forced to do, and is going to court Friday in a bid to regain it.
According to the state, the allegations against Konopka are related to her treatment of a 7-year-old patient with asthma, including leaving dosing levels of one medication up to the parents and failing to treat the patient with daily inhaled steroids. Konopka said she never harmed the patient and the issue was that the boy’s mother disregarded her instructions.
But part of the problem also appears to be Konopka’s refusal to register with the state’s mandatory drug-monitoring program. The program, which the state signed on to in 2014 in a bid to help cut down on overdoses, requires prescribers of opioids to register.
Konopka doesn’t have a computer and doesn’t know how to use one, making it impossible for her to access the state system.
Konopka has built a loyal following in New London, population 4,400, and surrounding towns because of her hands-on style, personal touch and willingness to treat almost any condition. She also shuns insurance and takes anyone willing to pay her $50 in cash.