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Doctors - prescriptions

KiliKili Posts: 1,104
in The potting shed
Hi Guys, can you tell me what the situation is in the UK?

I recently tried to get a repeat 3 month prescription to which I was informed "the Doctor needs to see you as he has not seen you in six months". 

Not wanting to blow my own trumpet ,but I'm pretty fit for a 63 year old, run, bike and hike regularly and only need antacids and an inhaler for mild asthma from a prescription. I asked why does he need to see me as there's nothing wrong with me I just need a repeat prescription.

 "Its the new guidelines for people on long term medication so we need to see you regularly"

So I ask how may times a year am I expected to attend a Doctor to get a prescription  "Four came back the reply"

Now at £50 a visit here where I live obviously I don't want to see a GP unless I have to.

Apparently its due to "Professional Guidelines"

Is this the case in the UK , are "Professional Guidelines" forcing you to see your GP 4 times a year to get medication?

'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

George Bernard Shaw'

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Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    No idea what the current Guidelines are but I believe UK GPs are supposed to see their patients on long term prescriptions either every six months or 12 months as appropriate.  
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    My OH regularly requests Repeat Prescriptions here in the UK and doesn't seem to have a problem. I'm pretty sure he has not been told to attend 4 times a year in order to receive the necessary prescriptions.
    I have been asked to make an appointment for a Blood Pressure test - my last one was some 8 years ago when I joined the practice. The reason I was given was that as one of their patients (tho rarely visiting ) they wanted to ensure my health. I don't have any Prescriptions tho.
    Perhaps it is different if you are a Private patient as opposed to an NHS patient ? Perhaps also depends on what medication you need and how often it needs checking and updating ?

  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    @Kili  I live in France and it is the same policy here.  Every three months for long term medication which, as you, I have mild asthma.  I am in the waiting room longer than the consultation!! (25euros)  Blood pressure, stethoscope and "how are you sleeping?"  If all is ok ...... Outski!!  My GP is pretty available.  If I wish to see a specialist, you cannot be seen under 3 months.  Opthalmologist,  gynaecologist, dermatologist etc.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I find it depends on the medication requested on repeat, in an NHS setting. Are you in private care?

    I find it is the medication or illness that need review, not me. I think I have an 'asthma review' every three years or so. One strong type of medication I am on needs review every six months, though for years it was every three months, because it was strong meds and they needed to check carefully how things were going....
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I think it's once a year here. The chemist lets me know in advance.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    No idea on the rules. Going by experience, OH is only called to see the GP if the pattern of his medication use changes drastically. I don't think he's seen him in the last 2, possibly 3 years. I imagine there's some reliance on the pharmacist keeping an eye on him. But his use is dependent on need so he isn't taking it all the time. When I was taking a regular medication (a few years back now), I had to go for a check up every 3 months. But then that one was known to have fairly serious side effects. 
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I've been on the same medication for years and can't remember the last time I saw my GP.  Certainly not in the last 2 years.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Maybe in the NHS the timing of reviews depends on the practice you are with.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    Fire said:
    Maybe in the NHS the timing of reviews depends on the practice you are with.
    Very likely, and also on the medication in question and the reasons you're taking it (whether it's a progressive condition or not). I would hope that GPs are allowed to use some discretion. @Kili - perhaps the reviews are less to do with you and your general health and more to do with the medication and the effects it is known to have on some people taking it - as was the case for me.
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • KiliKili Posts: 1,104
    Fire said:
    I find it depends on the medication requested on repeat, in an NHS setting. Are you in private care?



    Not private care as such. There's no NHS here, but Doctors appointments are subsidised by the Government else it would be £100 a visit. Any operations or consultant visits are free, but if you need to visit a GP you have to pay towards it.

    'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

    George Bernard Shaw'

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