Renewal of NHS exemption certificate delay.

dannie

Due to the above being either the fault of the GP surgery and/or the Business Service Authority, would it be possible to avoid future prescription charges, as the fault did not lie with the recipient ?


Thanks.

Sncjw

How long was there left on the certificate when applying for a new one?

dannie

Thanks for replying Sncjw.



One month was left on the medical exemption card.

pmduk

I suspect it's up to the patient to apply in good time. IME, delays are unusual, how long are we talking about?

Alternatives would be to order items before the exemption cert expires, or pay, (getting an official receipt), and reclaim when the new exemption cert is received, not satisfactory, obviously.

dannie

Thanks for the reply pmduk.


The time period delay is nearly two months now. Both two renewals have not been successful. From what I believe, the first renewal was not accepted as the GP surgery sent the wrong form to the Business Service Authority whereas the second form apparently never reached them (and was the same as the first incorrect one anyway). Awaiting further instruction at the moment; surgery trying to obtain the correct forms this time?


Thanks for suggesting "alternatives". Will have to check my exemption status. I agree that payment is unsatisfactory.

[Deleted User]

How did the GP send the wrong form?

You would of had to ask for the form to fill in so therefore surely you knew you were completing the correct one?

All the GP does is stamp and sign to confirm.

pmduk

I've always obtained the form (Form FP92A) from my GP and posted it myself. I'd have to pay any penalty so, I like to retain control. I've never had anything go astray on the post to NHSBSA, though obviously, it could happen.

Are you entitled to free prescriptions under any other route? benefits, low income etc?

There's a useful page here, you might have already seen it.

Flugelhorn

As a GP I tick the appropriate box, sign the form, put the practice stamp in the right place, put the patient's name on the form and then hand it to them to "fill in the rest and post it themselves". Never had a problem with delays - if there was then the usual thing would be for the patient to pay for the meds and get a receipt and then when the delayed card arrives they can get a refund.

tazwhoever

My current 'Medical Exception' card runs out in March. How long before can I apply for renewal? The card that expires every 5 years.

Thanks

dannie

Thanks for the replies. Will update soon as possible.

dannie

Sorry for the delay. I had just had communication with the surgery which did not run "smoothly".

Thanks for all the replies.

MarkN88 - Yes, on both two occasions, the form was given to me via "Reception." Form completed by myself both times, personally returned to them for GP to confirm/post.


pmduk - Yes, thinking similarly "to retain control" ( e.g. photocopy the fully completed form next time and send it recorded delivery). Not checked your link yet but strongly do not think it will apply.

Flugelhorn - Thanks for detailing your surgery procedure.

My surgery has said the same as yourself regarding paying and then obtaining a refund later. Even though I have completed the advised form which was sent on time twice.


tazwhoever - I was informed a month before expiry (via a letter from the Business Service Authority) that a new form had to be completed. Maybe your doctor would allow your form to be completed earlier, if asked.