In the UK, many residents are familiar with having to pay for prescriptions when they visit a doctor, but the rules surrounding it can be a bit complicated, to say the least!
As of 2023, the rules for prepayment prescriptions and medical certificates have been updated, so here, you will be given a crash course on how NHS payment for prescriptions works!
Do you have to pay for prescriptions? In England, the majority of working-age adults have to pay for their prescriptions.
In 2023, the current prescription charge is £9.65 per item. However, there are certain groups of people who may be exempt from paying for prescription costs.
If you live in Wales or Scotland, you will be eligible for free NHS prescriptions. You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you live in Northern Ireland. Also, if you are aged 16, 17, or 18 in England or are in full-time education, you will also be entitled to free NHS prescriptions. If you are currently pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, you are also eligible for free NHS prescriptions, but you will need to hold a maternity exemption certificate.
Please note that if you have a certain medical condition, you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions and will be awarded a medical exemption certificate. In addition, hospital inpatients do not have to pay prescription charges for any medication they receive while they are in the hospital.
However, if you don’t meet these exemptions, there are some ways that you can reduce health costs in England.
If you have multiple items on your monthly prescription, you can get a reduction in your NHS prescription charges when you apply for a prescription prepayment certificate, PPC.
In the NHS, there are two types of prescription prepayment certificates available.
There is a three or 12-month NHS Prescription Prepayment certificate or PPC, which will cover all of the NHS prescriptions that you get in this period. This can help people who have complex medical conditions, which may require them to pay a lot of money for medication. At the time of writing in 2023, the NHS PPC is £11.16.
There is also the option for people who are receiving hormone replacement therapy or HRT to have a prepayment certificate solely for the purpose of paying for this medication. You will only be eligible for this if an NHS GP puts you onto one of the hormone replacement therapy options that are covered, such as Bedol and Elleste.
You should also note that as of August 2024, some of the medications that were previously covered by the HRT PPC will no longer be covered, as the medications are set to be discontinued.
You can check online whether the HRT you take falls into this category by looking on the NHS website or, alternatively, you can Contact Us for more information.
Following the pandemic of 2020, more people than ever have been accessing their GP and other health services online. So, it should come as no surprise that in 2023, there will be the option for NHS patients to access their medical records and meet with doctors using an app that is downloadable for smartphones – GP at Hand.
Here, we will walk you through how to sign up for the app and the benefits of being able to access all of your medical files from home.
So, how do you sign up for this service?
It is simple and ensures that you can get access to the care you need when you need it (including online video consultations with GPs and nurses), as well as having access to your medical records on the go.
To register, you must need to follow three simple steps.
So, why is it worth having online access to copies of your medical records? Or having access to a GP surgery from your phone?
For one thing, it prevents the need for travel. Your GP practice may not be close by, and, following a long day at work, you may not want to have to go into the surgery to get access to a care service or to get your test results. With the online services that NHS England can offer, you can access your health records with the click of a button, book an appointment with your GP, or reorder a repeat prescription.
It is also safe. All records are confidential and are protected by the general data protection regulation GDPR. Before you can access your medical records, you will need to provide information like your contact details and NHS number so your NHS GP or Primary Care Support England will know that it is you who wants access to the GP record. This may require a facial scan via your smartphone, as well as putting in a password and PIN.
Having an NHS app where you can do all of this also saves time. You don’t have to call your GP surgery to access your medical files, as the online record includes information that you will need for most legal proceedings or work-related meetings. Also, it allows you to look after your own health and care on the go, ensuring that all appointments are booked and that all of your prescriptions are ordered. It also allows the NHS staff at your GP surgery to focus their time on more crucial tasks than putting through repeat prescriptions, making the service better for everyone and speeding up waiting times on the phone and in surgery.
If you have any questions about signing up for GP at Hand, feel free to contact us.
Do you want to request a referral from your GP?
Whether you want a specific treatment or require further testing, you are entitled to ask your GP for a referral to the NHS.
That being said, they may suggest that you try certain treatments or undergo certain tests before they refer you to see if your condition improves.
If you would like to find out more about the GP referral process, then the blog below will tell you everything you need to know.
Firstly, you need to make an appointment with your NHS GP. This can be done either online or by contacting your local practice directly. Once you are at your appointment, you should explain to them why you think you need to see a specialist. As mentioned briefly above, they may suggest other tests or treatment before they refer you.
If your GP thinks that you need to see a specialist, require an outpatient appointment, or would benefit from mental health support, then they will write you a referral letter. This is included on the NHS England, which means you will not be charged for this service.
It is worth noting that once you are referred by your GP, it can take quite a long time before your appointment request is dealt with, as there is normally a waiting list. The exact length of time will be dependent on what type of treatment or testing you require, although the current average for waiting times is around 14 weeks.
That being said, under the NHS Constitution, if you are referred for a non-urgent medical issue, you have the right to start treatment within 18 weeks from the date of your referral.
Yes, your GP can decide not to refer you if they do not think that you need to see a specialist. That being said, if you are rejected, you can ask for a second opinion from another healthcare professional. This ensures patients are getting the help that they need.
No, you do not. If you want to pay for private health treatment, then you can get in touch with your preferred specialist without needing to involve your GP. However, if you have private medical insurance, you may be required to obtain a referral letter.
It is also recommended that you ask your GP for the referral, as then they will be able to pass details of your medical history to your private healthcare provider.
The NHS e-referral service (e-RS) is an electronic advice and support tool that is designed to make it easier for GPs to manage patient referrals. More specifically, it enables clinicians and patients to book appointments with the healthcare provider of their choice.
If you have an NHS log-in, you can receive your first outpatient appointment request information via email instead of a letter. It also acts as a directory for healthcare services, such as names of clinicians, treatments available, and conditions treated.
If you would like more information about GP referrals or any other aspect of the NHS service, please Contact Us here today.
Whether you are unwell or you live with a long term condition that requires medication, it can feel like a long wait to collect your prescription, especially if you don’t know when it is due to be ready.
Discover how to find out when your prescription orders are ready to be collected and how long they typically take. Plus, how to use the NHS app to track your repeat prescriptions.
You can contact your GP surgery at any time to find out when your prescription is ready to collect. If you have a nominated pharmacy, you can also call them or drop in if you live nearby. If you are picking up your prescription from your local pharmacy, make sure that you take your ID with you, as they may request this.
You can also check the status of your prescription on the NHS app, which is free to use and available for everyone.
Typically, it takes up to 48 hours for an NHS prescription to be ready to be collected, but this can vary from one practice to another. If you have ordered a repeat prescription via the NHS app or through your NHS GP, then allow 2-3 working days for it to be sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
If you need your NHS prescription urgently, you can ask them to fast-track your order.
Many UK pharmacies offer a text message service for prescriptions; for instance, Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy do, as well as some independent pharmacies. If you would like to receive a text from your pharmacy when your prescription is ready to be collected, all you need to do is opt into this service.
To check the status of your prescription or repeat prescription on the NHS app, you need to log in to your account and then head to the “Prescriptions” page. Here, you will be able to view your current orders and see if your prescription is ready to collect.
There are three possible statuses:
Ordering repeat prescriptions and waiting for them to be ready to be collected is the same process as standard prescriptions. You can ring your GP surgery to see if your repeat prescription has been issued, or you can contact your pharmacy directly.
You can also check to see if your repeat prescription is ready to be collected by logging into your account on the NHS app.
You can contact us for more information on collecting your prescriptions or any other aspect of the NHS.
Convenience is something we all want more of in life. After all, the more convenient life is, the easier it is to enjoy it, to have a good work-life balance, to take care of our finances and family, and, of course, to ensure we have good health. That’s why making more convenient is one of our core values.
In this article, we discuss a key aspect of that – whether or not you can get a prescription without seeing a doctor. Read on to find out more!
The NHS is the backbone of the UK’s healthcare system, and for many years, it’s worked in much the same way. If you want to get a prescription for any health condition you might have, you need to make an appointment with your GP, wait in the waiting room, then finally get into the consulting room for a face-to-face consultation.
That’s not always convenient, especially if you work, have mobility issues, or have other appointments to schedule.
For those with chronic health issues, repeat prescriptions are the norm. A repeat prescription means refilling the prescription every time the patient is nearing the end of the medication they were given last time, and it’s a necessary part of many people’s healthcare.
This kind of prescription service is a drawn-out procedure, where patients have to visit the doctor for a checkup and then go to their local pharmacy to pick up the medication. That’s not ideal, especially for those with limited time or mobility issues.
So, can you get a prescription without seeing a doctor? It would be easier for those who need a repeat prescription – after all, they already know what medication they need and how much to take.
The answer is yes. If you need a repeat prescription, there’s no need to see a doctor face-to-face. Instead, you can make an appointment with an online doctor at NHS GP and quickly and easily refill your medication. Online healthcare services are all about convenience, and they make an ideal alternative to the traditional in-person routine that was the only choice just a few years ago.
Online platforms connect patients with licensed healthcare professionals who can assess their medical needs through virtual consultations and instantly approve a repeat prescription online. There’s no waiting around; you can do it when it suits you, and you can rest assured you’re connecting with qualified doctors.
Something that’s a positive for many people is the fact that many online healthcare services collaborate with local pharmacies to make the prescription fulfilment process much easier. Once a prescription is approved, patients can pick up the medication from the local pharmacy of their choice.
Contact us today to find out more about our online doctor services and our online consultations, whether you have specific health concerns, need a general checkup, or want to refill a repeat prescription. We’re here to help in any way we can.
When it comes to your health, having a GP you can trust and rely on is crucial, but it’s not always the case. If you find that you’re not happy with your current GP and you’re in a situation where you need to find a new doctor, it’s important to know what you can do so you can get the healthcare you need from someone you’re comfortable with. With that in mind, read on to find out how to change GP services and find a new GP surgery without any hassle. Knowing how to find a new GP in the NHS services is vital whether you’re new to the area or simply dissatisfied with your current doctor.
You’ll already know what you want from a new doctor – or at least you’ll know what you don’t want when you think of your current one – and that means you can start researching local GP practices. One of the best ways to do that is to use the NHS GP website, which will give you a list of available GP practices in your area.
Look for patient reviews and ratings to get an idea of the quality of the service you’ll get at each different surgery, and specifically look for comments regarding the accessibility of NHS services and the overall experience patients have had.
After choosing a new GP practice, the next step is to register with them. This is generally a straightforward thing to do and usually involves filling out a registration form that you might be able to do online. Make sure you have proof of your address and identification, as that might be needed when you register with a GP.
Before making the switch, it’s a good idea to let your current GP know you’re changing GP services. This can usually be done by contacting the practice and giving them the details, and this is actually your ideal opportunity to provide (polite) feedback about why you’re leaving. By letting your current surgery know you’re swapping, they can arrange the transfer of your medical records quickly, helping to make the move a lot smoother.
If you have any problems when it comes to switching to a new doctor, don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice and guidance about what to do. Many patients feel awkward about even asking how do I swap GP services, let alone going through the process, but it’s really nothing to worry about – and if it’s the right thing for your health and peace of mind, then it’s definitely something you’ll want to do.
Changing GP services might seem like a daunting task, but with good research and careful planning, it’s something you can – and often should – do with ease. Doctors are there to help people, and if yours isn’t or you can no longer access your previous GP surgery, then registering elsewhere is a wise thing to do.
Prescriptions are vital when it comes to ensuring your health conditions are kept in check, and they give people the crucial medications they need to keep themselves as healthy as possible – or to recover from illness – when needed. However, have you ever wondered how long do pharmacies keep prescriptions for or if there’s an expiration date for the document itself? If so, keep reading because we’ve got some answers for you that might just be useful.
In most cases, a standard prescription is typically valid for six months from the date it’s issued by a health professional. What this means is that people generally have a six-month window to get the medication from the pharmacy using the prescription; otherwise, they’ll need to get a new document from their doctor.
So essentially, you’re on a countdown that starts as soon as the prescription is written and sent or handed to you, and understanding that there is an expiry date on your prescription can be useful – in other words, it’s best to get your prescription filled as soon as possible. Not only will it still be valid, but you clearly need the medication, or it wouldn’t have been prescribed, so don’t put it off.
For anyone with a chronic condition requiring ongoing medication, repeat prescriptions are very important. These prescriptions allow patients to get refills of their medication when they need it, but they’ll still have the same six-month validity period. Therefore in most cases, the answer to how long is a prescription is six months.
This is a convenient system that means those needing long-term medication can get it when they run out without seeing a healthcare provider first. Although, of course, regular checkups with your doctor to make sure the medication is still right for you are important.
Not all prescriptions are created equal, and various medicines prescribed may come with different rules about their validity, for example. Although the standard time is six months, it’s always essential to check the prescription to make sure that’s the case, especially if you can’t get to the pharmacy for a little while.
Seeing two dates on your prescription can be confusing, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. The date on the prescription is the date the document was created, and then other date will be the expiration date – they will normally be six months apart, as we’ve said.
As your prescription expires, it’s wise to make an appointment with your doctor to evaluate your health and check your prescription is still right for you. They can make adjustments before you refill the prescription to keep you as healthy as possible.
Knowing the lifespan of a prescription is so important when it comes to managing your health, especially if you have a chronic condition and need a repeat prescription. Knowing how long pharmacies keep prescriptions is a big part of getting things right and staying on top of your condition.
If you have any questions or need advice, you can visit the NHS GP website and contact us to find out more.
Although it is possible to use NHS services without having your NHS number on hand, it can be useful to have this available in certain situations. For example, if you’re registering with a new GP practice, the process can be quicker when you know your NHS number.
This is the situation when registering with NHS GP, though it is worth noting, that we are still able to register you with one of our NHS GP surgeries through our quick, online form. If you are able to provide us with your NHS number, it does make it easier to locate your medical record without however – and that results in registration being completed sooner.
There’s just one issue: how do you actually find your NHS number?
You will have received an NHS number if you have previously registered with a GP in England. This is a ten-digit number that takes this type of form: 328 777 1236.
If you’re unable to find your NHS number, the good news is there are multiple ways to solve this problem. These methods are:
Conveniently, the NHS provides a service that allows you to gain access to your NHS number. The ‘Find your NHS number’ service involves you inputting the following information:
Your number will then be sent by the NHS by email, text, or letter, depending on your preference.
It is possible to get updates about the “checking” status and if your order prescription will be changed or paused. To do this, you can contact your nominated pharmacy or GP surgery. They will then be able to tell you if it’s possible to collect your prescription as normal, or if any changes have been made.
spanIf you have the NHS app, this is another simple method to find your NHS number. This number is displayed prominently at the top of the app after logging in, below your name, for extra convenience.
Have you not downloaded the NHS app yet and created an online account? You can start the process by visiting the following NHS app link.
One of the advantages of a repeat prescription is that you can avoid booking GP appointments to simply receive your next dose of medication. This is convenient and helps to avoid potential delays in getting the medication you need.
This aspect is boosted even more when you use NHS GP to manage your repeat prescriptions. With just a few clicks, you can put in a request for your next prescription from your GP. This is then delivered for free either to your home address or your nominated pharmacy.
Is a letter or document you have received from the NHS readily available? If so, good news: this is another way to gain access to your NHS number. As for what type of documents you may have received from the NHS, this includes an appointment letter, prescriptions, test results, and hospital referral letter.
Again, your NHS number will be displayed prominently next to your name on any of these documents.
If you cannot locate these documents from the NHS, including any prescriptions papers or test results, there is a direct way to find your NHS number: speak to your GP practice.
As long as you are registered with your GP practice and you ask them for your number, they be able to provide it to you without issue. However, for privacy reasons, you could be asked to provide them with proof of identity, such as a driving licence or passport.
If you would like any more information about your NHS number or are struggling to locate it via the above methods, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help.
Glandular fever is typically transmitted through the exchange of saliva, commonly referred to as the “kissing disease.” It can also spread through coughing, sneezing, and sharing utensils or personal items with an infected person. The Epstein-Barr virus is highly contagious, and it’s essential to take precautions to prevent its spread.
If you suspect you have glandular fever, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management. A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination, evaluate your symptoms, and may order blood tests to confirm the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus.
As glandular fever is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in treating it. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and promoting recovery. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate fever, sore throat, and body aches. It’s essential to avoid contact sports and heavy lifting during the recovery period to prevent spleen complications.
Recovery from glandular fever can take several weeks or longer. While most people make a full recovery, some may experience fatigue and weakness for an extended period. Engaging in gentle physical activity and gradually increasing energy levels can aid in the recovery process.
A repeat prescription is beneficial in that you don’t have to receive continual GP approval to gain your next prescribed dose of medication. These are provided on a continual basis based on a schedule across a set period of time.
Repeat prescriptions are provided when ongoing access to medication makes the most sense. This can be for a long-term issue such as high blood pressure, for example, or it could be for something like the contraceptive pill.
While a repeat prescription is generally straightforward, there are certain aspects that can cause a little confusion. This is the case when it comes to the “checking” status that might be found on your repeat prescription.
If you have received a repeat prescription and seen it come with a “checking” status, you might be a little worried about what this entails. This is certainly the case when that status wasn’t present on your previous medication.
However, it is not something that should carry any concern. “Checking” is simply a notice that a routine check is being made by your GP or pharmacist. This inspection is done to ensure your prescribed medication remains a suitable and safe option for your current situation.
That doesn’t mean you should be hesitant to take the medication you have just received a prescription for. A GP wouldn’t approve a prescription if it wasn’t right for you and your particular situation, so you can rest assured that the med
It is possible to get updates about the “checking” status and if your order prescription will be changed or paused. To do this, you can contact your nominated pharmacy or GP surgery. They will then be able to tell you if it’s possible to collect your prescription as normal, or if any changes have been made.
One of the advantages of a repeat prescription is that you can avoid booking GP appointments to simply receive your next dose of medication. This is convenient and helps to avoid potential delays in getting the medication you need.
This aspect is boosted even more when you use NHS GP to manage your repeat prescriptions. With just a few clicks, you can put in a request for your next prescription from your GP. This is then delivered for free either to your home address or your nominated pharmacy.
By managing your prescriptions online, it is easy to see if that “checking” status has resulted in any change to your medicine. If that change results in the repeat medication being refused, you can then use our platform to book a GP appointment online to arrange a potential new course of medicine.
If you would like to learn more about NHS GP and how it can assist with managing your repeat prescriptions, make sure to contact us. A helpful member of staff from our practice will then get in touch and guide you along the way.
