Fargo doctor, patients defend his practice
by The Associated Press
 
FARGO, N.D. -- About 20 patients of a suspended Fargo doctor joined him at a news conference to support him.

Dr. Rodney Lee, who runs RapidCare clinics in Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks and Detroit Lakes, says he treats hundreds of patients for chronic pain management.

Lee said he has about 600 patients with pain issues. He says no other doctors in the area will treat multiple pain management patients.

State officials say they suspended Lee's license for sloppy handling of narcotics, letting assistants fill out drug prescription forms for patients, and accepting unused drugs from his patients and keeping them in an unlocked drawer.

Lee told investigators his medical practice is overextended. The medical board has scheduled a hearing on his suspension for August 13th.