Prescriptions
May 21st 2006, 4:43 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Prescriptions
Without getting into the whole Medicare/Drug Company debate, I have to say the American way of filling prescriptions is wonderful. I just touch toned my refills through to my Pharmacy, 5 minutes later the Pharmacist calls and asks if I have enough tablets left, as it wouldn't be ready until Tomorrow and would I like them to make up a part order for today.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
May 21st 2006, 5:48 pm
#2
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 853
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Without getting into the whole Medicare/Drug Company debate, I have to say the American way of filling prescriptions is wonderful. I just touch toned my refills through to my Pharmacy, 5 minutes later the Pharmacist calls and asks if I have enough tablets left, as it wouldn't be ready until Tomorrow and would I like them to make up a part order for today.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
Lucky you gruffbrown! My experience is not as idyllic! My US husband and I are senior citizens
and have partaken of the new Part D Medicare Plan .The first time we went to our local pharmacy for a prescription covered by the new Plan the bossy pharmacist informed us that we can have only one month's worth at a time, and cannot get a refill until 6 days before the tablets (or whatever) are used up.
"What if we are going away for a month?" we said "What if we need extra tablets to take with us ?"
"You must make special arrangements with the pharmacist".
Cue for US husband to have a hissy fit. "I will not ask permission from a pharmacist to go on vacation!!!" :scared: I took several steps back!!
Anyway, we get by on a month at a time for now, but when the next presecription is due we shall probably go mail-order or something, then I think it's possible to get 3 months at a time. Wonderful American organisation....
May 21st 2006, 9:11 pm
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,271
Re: Prescriptions
Actually our doctor in the Uk had a linkup with Lloyds pharmacies and they would send them through electronically to them who would them call you to say they were ready or deliver if you couldnt get in to pick them up. For free.
May 22nd 2006, 12:04 am
#4
Back where I belong!
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
Posts: 5,989
Re: Prescriptions
After surgery in England, I was diagnosed with endometriosis (something that I needed medication for everyday), my surgeon wrote me a 3 month prescription & I took it to the hospital pharmacy (the hospital I worked in, so I knew some of the staff in there). The pharmacist came out & told me I could only have a 2 week prescription, so I asked her when I should come back for the rest, thinking they were low on supply. She said I should go to see my GP for another prescription, I said why should I, my surgeon has asked for a 3 month supply (I'm skilled in the art of reading doctor's scrawl!), so that's what you need to give me, this isn't a debate, he's the doctor that's handling my case, so I think he knows best. She again insisted that I would need to get another prescription from my GP, but wouldn't directly say why, I asked her over & over again, but still no real reason.
So I said, don't bother, I'll get it elsewhere, when she seemed reluctant to give me my prescription back, I got my phone out to dial my surgeon, she looked miffed & handed it back over. Off I went next door to Sainsburys, I got it there no problem! I saw that bitch everyday after that happened & she would never make eye contact with me, she used to spot me & then look at the ground until after we'd passed!!!
That's the only problem I ever had in England, I just can't believe I used to get pissed off about paying a measly £6, oh well, I guess I didn't really know how lucky I was! The only problem I've ever had here with prescriptions is the cost when the doctor prescribes a brand name drug! :scared:
So I said, don't bother, I'll get it elsewhere, when she seemed reluctant to give me my prescription back, I got my phone out to dial my surgeon, she looked miffed & handed it back over. Off I went next door to Sainsburys, I got it there no problem! I saw that bitch everyday after that happened & she would never make eye contact with me, she used to spot me & then look at the ground until after we'd passed!!!
That's the only problem I ever had in England, I just can't believe I used to get pissed off about paying a measly £6, oh well, I guess I didn't really know how lucky I was! The only problem I've ever had here with prescriptions is the cost when the doctor prescribes a brand name drug! :scared:
May 22nd 2006, 12:06 am
#5
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Re: Prescriptions
OK, OK, so I had a positive experience, I'll stick to moaning next time
(I posted this before I read yours Partystar)
(I posted this before I read yours Partystar)
Last edited by gruffbrown; May 22nd 2006 at 12:08 am.
May 22nd 2006, 12:08 am
#6
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Re: Prescriptions
Always ask for Generic, if they have it...
May 22nd 2006, 12:25 am
#7
Wind, earth, fire, water
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: DC metro area
Posts: 1,670
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by Dimsie
Lucky you gruffbrown! My experience is not as idyllic! My US husband and I are senior citizens and have partaken of the new Part D Medicare Plan .
The first time we went to our local pharmacy for a prescription covered by the new Plan the bossy pharmacist informed us that we can have only one month's worth at a time, and cannot get a refill until 6 days before the tablets (or whatever) are used up.
"What if we are going away for a month?" we said "What if we need extra tablets to take with us ?"
"You must make special arrangements with the pharmacist".
Cue for US husband to have a hissy fit. "I will not ask permission from a pharmacist to go on vacation!!!" :scared: I took several steps back!!
Anyway, we get by on a month at a time for now, but when the next presecription is due we shall probably go mail-order or something, then I think it's possible to get 3 months at a time. Wonderful American organisation....
and have partaken of the new Part D Medicare Plan .The first time we went to our local pharmacy for a prescription covered by the new Plan the bossy pharmacist informed us that we can have only one month's worth at a time, and cannot get a refill until 6 days before the tablets (or whatever) are used up.
"What if we are going away for a month?" we said "What if we need extra tablets to take with us ?"
"You must make special arrangements with the pharmacist".
Cue for US husband to have a hissy fit. "I will not ask permission from a pharmacist to go on vacation!!!" :scared: I took several steps back!!
Anyway, we get by on a month at a time for now, but when the next presecription is due we shall probably go mail-order or something, then I think it's possible to get 3 months at a time. Wonderful American organisation....
Last edited by User Name; May 22nd 2006 at 12:47 am.
May 22nd 2006, 12:49 am
#8
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by User Name
Tell me about it. I am responsible for a senior who does not have any medical insurance. It was a very difficult decision bringing her to the USA, but she is a lot happier with me even though visits to the doctor to get prescriptions are very costly, as is filling the prescriptions.
May 22nd 2006, 1:47 am
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 853
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Yep, really glad I preempted my post with "Without getting into the whole Medicare/Drug Company debate".
Hmmmm - sorry if I spoke out of turn!!
chunter chunter.
May 22nd 2006, 1:59 am
#10
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,014
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Without getting into the whole Medicare/Drug Company debate, I have to say the American way of filling prescriptions is wonderful. I just touch toned my refills through to my Pharmacy, 5 minutes later the Pharmacist calls and asks if I have enough tablets left, as it wouldn't be ready until Tomorrow and would I like them to make up a part order for today.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
I like the fact that my doctor will give up to 3 refills on one prescription. That way I just call the pharmacy before I want to collect, instead of having to call the doctor first.
May 22nd 2006, 2:33 am
#11
Not dead yet
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: In a world of my own where I know everyone
Posts: 15,042
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by Partystar
After surgery in England, I was diagnosed with endometriosis (something that I needed medication for everyday), my surgeon wrote me a 3 month prescription & I took it to the hospital pharmacy (the hospital I worked in, so I knew some of the staff in there). The pharmacist came out & told me I could only have a 2 week prescription, so I asked her when I should come back for the rest, thinking they were low on supply. She said I should go to see my GP for another prescription, I said why should I, my surgeon has asked for a 3 month supply (I'm skilled in the art of reading doctor's scrawl!), so that's what you need to give me, this isn't a debate, he's the doctor that's handling my case, so I think he knows best. She again insisted that I would need to get another prescription from my GP, but wouldn't directly say why, I asked her over & over again, but still no real reason.
So I said, don't bother, I'll get it elsewhere, when she seemed reluctant to give me my prescription back, I got my phone out to dial my surgeon, she looked miffed & handed it back over. Off I went next door to Sainsburys, I got it there no problem! I saw that bitch everyday after that happened & she would never make eye contact with me, she used to spot me & then look at the ground until after we'd passed!!!
That's the only problem I ever had in England, I just can't believe I used to get pissed off about paying a measly £6, oh well, I guess I didn't really know how lucky I was! The only problem I've ever had here with prescriptions is the cost when the doctor prescribes a brand name drug! :scared:
So I said, don't bother, I'll get it elsewhere, when she seemed reluctant to give me my prescription back, I got my phone out to dial my surgeon, she looked miffed & handed it back over. Off I went next door to Sainsburys, I got it there no problem! I saw that bitch everyday after that happened & she would never make eye contact with me, she used to spot me & then look at the ground until after we'd passed!!!
That's the only problem I ever had in England, I just can't believe I used to get pissed off about paying a measly £6, oh well, I guess I didn't really know how lucky I was! The only problem I've ever had here with prescriptions is the cost when the doctor prescribes a brand name drug! :scared:
May 22nd 2006, 2:34 am
#12
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by Dimsie
Hmmmm - sorry if I spoke out of turn!!
chunter chunter.
chunter chunter.
May 22nd 2006, 2:35 am
#13
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,061
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Without getting into the whole Medicare/Drug Company debate, I have to say the American way of filling prescriptions is wonderful. I just touch toned my refills through to my Pharmacy, 5 minutes later the Pharmacist calls and asks if I have enough tablets left, as it wouldn't be ready until Tomorrow and would I like them to make up a part order for today.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
Compared to the UK, where you had to ask for a Prescription refill 3 days in advance and then go and pick it up from the Surgery. And God forbid you left it too late and had to explain to the surly receptionist that you'd almost run out, to be told the Doctor is too busy to write one out and it's really all my fault for being a stupid halfwit patient.
Anyway Positive rant over
Living life through Chemistry, the American way.
NC Penguin
May 22nd 2006, 2:36 am
#14
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
Was this a prescription for Viagra by any chance?
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
May 22nd 2006, 2:40 am
#15
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 30,102
Re: Prescriptions
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
Was this a prescription for Viagra by any chance?
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
