Paying for a Prescription

[smurfchops]

Can I just confirm that if I get a prescription for Stronghold from my vet, who has examined my cat, so that I can buy it online, I don't have to pay for the prescription ? Many thanks all.

[Ethel]

It's up to the vet - he can charge for issuing the piece of paper.

Why do you want to buy the drug online?

[smurfchops]

Ethel, I read somewhere that Vet's aren't allowed to charge for prescriptions under a 2005 Act, I wondered if that had changed. I need Stronghold for my cat which is �12.00 cheaper online.

[Ethel]

That was certainly the law since October 2005, but it changed yet again on 1st October 2008.

[Ethel]

Sorry - it is 31st October the changes come in to effect.

[Ethel]

"From 31 October 2008, a reasonable charge may be made for written prescriptions. A veterinary surgeon must not discriminate between clients who are supplied with a prescription and those who are not in relation to fees charged for other goods or services�. (RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct, Part 1D) SPVS (Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons) have offered the following comments to veterinary surgeons: �Practitioners will be aware that on the 31st October 2008, the three year period of issuing a prescription free of charge will end. From 1st November, vets will be permitted to resume charging for writing and producing a prescription. The DTI has stated that it will monitor the situation to ensure that the profession is not using the price of the prescription as a barrier to the client in obtaining competitive prices for medicines. If this is found to be the case then legislation allows for the DTI to determine a fee themselves"

[ytrewq]

Had a letter from our vet, they are charging �9.50 for a precription from 1/11/08. I need a prescription every month for capsules that my dog needs which the vet can not supply. I think I can claim on my insurance, if I can't I won't be happy.

[smurfchops]

Hopefully I will get a free prescription and I will buy six Stronghold instead of three !! Then I will have to go back to the Vet I suppose.

[divegirl]

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/index.php?main_page=pag e&id=10&chapter=0

You can get a repeat prescription.

Lisa x