Navigating the realm of prescriptions can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between private prescriptions and those issued through the NHS. At Consult Pharmacy in Aylesbury, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed healthcare decisions. We wanted to share frequently asked questions with you:
Why am I being given a private prescription?
If you’ve recently had a consultation with a private doctor or healthcare professional, you may find yourself holding a private prescription. Private consultations fall outside the scope of the NHS, which means private doctors cannot issue NHS prescriptions. Instead, they provide private prescriptions for medications or treatments recommended during your consultation.
Can I ask my GP for an NHS prescription if I have seen the clinician privately?
While it’s possible for your GP to issue an NHS prescription for treatments recommended during a private consultation, several factors may influence this decision. These include the specific medication being prescribed, its availability on the NHS, and your local NHS guidelines regarding treatment options. In some cases, your GP may offer an alternative medication available through the NHS or recommend further consultation with a specialist.
What is the difference between a private prescription and an NHS prescription?
One significant difference between private and NHS prescriptions is the cost. With a private prescription, patients are responsible for covering the full cost of the medication along with a dispensing fee charged by the pharmacy. In contrast, NHS prescriptions entail a fixed cost per item which is £9.65, unless the patient is eligible for free NHS prescriptions.
How do I get my medicines if they are on a private prescription?
Once you’ve received a private prescription, you can take it to the pharmacy of your choice for dispensing, like us at Consult Pharmacy. Private prescriptions typically include detailed information about the medication and its usage instructions. After dispensing the medication, we will retain the private prescription for our records.
If you have any questions about private prescriptions or need assistance with your medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
Consult Pharmacy – Your Trusted Partner in Health
