Prescription Charges

moneysaver890

Just wondering if anyone can help. Today was my first time getting a prescription, a box of 28 tablets. If next time I was to request 2 boxes instead of 1, would this be classed as 2 separate prescription charges, or just 1 charge if they are identical items?
I know there's the pre payment certificate, but it's just the one medication.

Spoonie_Turtle

It should be one item, as it's one medication.

moneysaver890

Thankyou, just trying to save a bit of money instead of paying each month. Hopefully they will do it for me.

35har1old

moneysaver890 said:

Just wondering if anyone can help. Today was my first time getting a prescription, a box of 28 tablets. If next time I was to request 2 boxes instead of 1, would this be classed as 2 separate prescription charges, or just 1 charge if they are identical items?
I know there's the pre payment certificate, but it's just the one medication.

Its down to the doctor i have in the passed applied for my prescription early and been asked why. 

Murphybear

The government has told GPs to limit prescriptions to one month/4 weeks worth at a time. The final decision is up to the individual surgery.  It’s a real pain if you take regular medication for long term health issues such as diabetes. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Murphybear said:

The government has told GPs to limit prescriptions to one month/4 weeks worth at a time. The final decision is up to the individual surgery.  It’s a real pain if you take regular medication for long term health issues such as diabetes. 

As far as I understand, the intention is to reduce waste (and thus expense) when people either needed to change dose or change medication, or died.  Once you have a stable dosage for a long-term condition it is reasonable to ask for more at once - your GP doesn't have to agree but they may have some discretion depending on the exact policy.  Nothing to lose by asking.

moneysaver890

Thanks everyone. I've bought one of the 3 months pre payment certificates for now as I needed another temporary medication.

Cant believe how expensive prescriptions are these days!

Murphybear

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Murphybear said:

The government has told GPs to limit prescriptions to one month/4 weeks worth at a time. The final decision is up to the individual surgery.  It’s a real pain if you take regular medication for long term health issues such as diabetes. 

As far as I understand, the intention is to reduce waste (and thus expense) when people either needed to change dose or change medication, or died.  Once you have a stable dosage for a long-term condition it is reasonable to ask for more at once - your GP doesn't have to agree but they may have some discretion depending on the exact policy.  Nothing to lose by asking.

Thanks for this.  My GP retired last year so I might try my new one.  

DullGreyGuy

Murphybear said:

The government has told GPs to limit prescriptions to one month/4 weeks worth at a time. The final decision is up to the individual surgery.  It’s a real pain if you take regular medication for long term health issues such as diabetes. 

It is, though some GPs are more sensible... thankfully with diabetes you are entitled to a medical exemption certificate so at least you dont have the charges and just the hassle of going to the pharmacy frequently.