Repeat prescription policy

This policy is based on best and safe practice for the patient.

Please be aware that there are many reasons why a Doctor may insist on seeing the patient rather than simply issuing a repeat prescription. This is for the benefit of the patient, to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate treatment with the best outcome and the minimum of side effects or interactions with other medications the patient may be taking.

There are some conditions that may be suitable to have repeat prescriptions occasionally, and other conditions where a yearly consultation with a Doctor would be just as suitable and safe.

If the patient would like to have repeat prescriptions without seeing the Doctor, ask them to discuss this with their GP, they will advise the patient what is safe and appropriate for them.

This request may be in person or over the phone, please document this.

Must have 3 monthly review with doctor

(NOT suitable for repeat prescriptions)

• Heart conditions including heart failure and angina, unstable hypertension
• Diabetes
• Asthma or chronic respiratory condition (CORD) – unstable
• Patients taking anti-depressant medication
• Patients 70 years of age and over
• Children under 6 years must see a Doctor for every prescription **
• Children 6-15 years for repeat prescriptions **
• Patients with multiple health problems
• Patients taking more than 5 medications

Must have 6 monthly review with doctor

(Suitable for repeat prescriptions)

• Thyroid conditions*
• Contraception (BP must be checked with each prescription)*
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)*
• High cholesterol with NO other medical conditions*
• Stable asthma
• Gout with NO other medical problems
• Stable hypertension

* Some of these patients MAY be suitable to have a Doctor’s consultation annually with repeat prescriptions in between. HOWEVER, the patient will need to have their blood pressure checked by a Nurse with each prescription, and they may need a blood test arranged. This must be documented by authorising Doctor under patient action plan.

** Children 15 years and under can have a repeat prescription for paracetamol and non-steroid skin creams without seeing a GP.

General rules

• If a repeat prescription has been authorised by a Doctor, this will be documented under the “Patient Alerts” (SHIFT+F6) and should have an auto-prompt so that this information is immediately visible when opening patient records – if not documented, do not give a repeat prescription to this patient. Advise them to come in and discuss the possibility of further repeat prescriptions in the future with their GP.
• NB; please add in to ‘notes’ section of Patient Alerts if patient requires BP check, blood test etc between GP reviews.
• Repeat prescriptions are $15 (up to 3mths supply) for CSC or HUHC holders; $15 for 1 month or $25 for 3 month supply without CSC or HUHC; Children under 18yrs with CSC or HUHC $5.00, without CSC or HUHC $10.00 and Children under 6yrs $5.
• Advise patients of 2 day minimum time period to be allowed for repeat prescriptions to be generated.
• Document prescription request and pharmacy name and fax number if prescription is to be faxed. Document NSSG – not seen, script generated, if this is the case. The prescription must be signed by a doctor before being sent to the pharmacy or given to the patient.
• Under no circumstances are repeat prescriptions to be given for anti-biotics, anti-depressants, sleeping tablets, any controlled drug or to any casual patients without seeing a GP.
• If a patient simply cannot get in to see a Doctor prior to running out of medication and are not eligible for a repeat prescription – discuss with GP on duty. A prescription of up to 3 days can be issued at the discretion of the Doctor on duty to allow patient enough time to make appointment with one of our doctors.

Ewk 01/05
CR 11/05
LAST REVIEWED:
January 2005, next due January 2007
Fees reviewed November 2005