aussieant

hi ,
just wondering if anyone could tell me how you obtain drugs for a long term condition such as blood presure. my partner has to take certain drugs and i wondered how the system works over in Aus. do we need to see a doctor each time she needs pills or can you get repeat prescriptions easily enough.
whats the charge?. is there a set fee like the UK?. i would be grateful if anyone who has blood pressure treatment could let me know how they get on obtaining drugs.

thanks y 'all

wargod

Any takers? I'd be interested too !

Wendy

Not many Ozzie posters on just yet, it's the middle of the night. Try bump it up about 10ish

Polyphemus

In the meantime:

Browse this site

http://www.homepharmacy.com.au/about...ion_prices.cfm

may give you an idea of prices / poss concessions (eventually- expect to pay full price for 2-3yrs) Check for the generic names of all your drugs

Repeat prescriptions are available, but will cost in multiples of the drug (i.e. not same fee for one week or six months whatever the drug as per NHS)

May be different regs depending on your state of residence so check the individual states websites (Google)

examples for SA here http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/...?u=53&cat=4498

diddy

I went to see the Doctor when I arrived. My BP was as per UK on medication. He gave me a one month prescription which I can repeat 5 times without going back to see him. When the fifth lot is coming to an end, I'll go and see the Doctor and he'll probably prescribe another 6 months worth.

I pay $42 to see the Doctor and get $30 back from medicare. The prescritption costs $28 per month.

Paul.

ABCDiamond

If people have the time, and want to save that $12 difference, ask in your area for a "Bulk Billing" Doctor. (You can ask at the local Chemist)
Visits to these Doctors can be free.

Our local doctor "Bulk Bills" all patients, another "Bulk Bills" only Children, and another "Bulk Bills" on two days each week.

I think I have been lucky, since arriving here in 1986, I have only ever had to contribute once, to a normal GP visit. That was before I hunted out the local "Bulk Biller"
Specialists are different though.

wargod

Thanks Paul & ABCD

Cuddles

Hi I went to the doctors for blood pressure tablets and he has put me on the same as England and a months supply only cost $20. I suppose it must depend on what your on and how many mg you need. I also take Thyroid tablets and they worked out to be $21 for 6 months supply.

On the other hand my son needed antibiotics for an infection and they cost $25 for 5 days supply. Hope this has been a little help.

Lin

aussieant

thanks everyone for your posts. any more info would be greatly appreciated