But if i'm paying full whack then is it the doctors discretion as to how much i receive?

Saint, it probably is up to the doctor.  I used to work at the prescription pricing authority (over 16 years ago) and the rules change all of the time. Doctors used to get a payment for the prescriptions they wrote and chemists got the money back for the prescriptions they dispensed.  But like I say it was a long time ago so the rules might have changed.

Oooh - thanks for that

Hmmmm

So a private prescription is different?

I believe each repeat prescription item should last no less than 28 days.

a repeat  presciption will be a repeat of what ever amount was prescribed on the original

if the original hasnt been put on to your record with a repeat option available you will have to go through your doc to get another one issued - usually the amount is whatever the doc feels a suitable time for what he is treating you for 

So 28days should not cost more than £7-8 ?

Private prescriptions, I believe are totally different, they usually cover stuff that aren't available on the NHS. It's one that you have to pay for in it's entirety, plus depending on your Doctor you might have to also pay him a fee to write the prescription.

I don't think it's written in stone but as far as I know, it should be around that.  If the box has 21 days' dosage, I'd expect that's what you'd get.

OK thats good advice - thank you everyone

 . . . and a very Merry Xmas 

me too indefinitely (as in it will continue until he changes the medication then that will be every two months) 

if it will be for a long time, have you considered a pre-payment certificate as that can make things a bit cheaper?

Y'see i don't "need" the meds so it wud be as a private prescription

Maybe you would be better off buying a PPC.

Can you explain as i have no idea

*i see a bunny with something on its head appearing*

is it something you could buy online - maybe work out cheaper than a private script?

Nope - needs a prescription

Or i could be open to all sorts of stuff

Oooooooooh I'm nosy - what is it you want?

Oooh you cheeky monkey!!!

Pre Payment Certificate

*potential bunny*

Can you explain wot that is?

Can I ask what they are?  Not being nosey, but I know the last time I thought I needed a private prescription, I could actually just go to the pharmacy and buy them without paying the Doctor to prescribe.

I know

G'wan .................gis a clue

Oh i;ve checked this bit - i wud need one

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2422.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=161

Soozy it has nothing to do with my willy ya cheeky girl - ok

Does it start with a V?

I was thinking P.

Oh wow that looks good. Can a doctor refuse this?

As it would potentially save me a fortune

That's my, unfortunately fulsome, experience.

My clue

Ooooooooooooh far ruder than it looks - I was thinking a word that rhymes with  one syllable.

Perhaps i could talk it through on NHS Direct

You purchase the PPC and each time the doctor writes you a prescription you tick the back of the prescription that you have a PPC.

People who unfortunately need medication throught the year use PPC as it saves them money.

I know we've been kidding you on, but if you are worried about something, you could give them a call.

Its ok Yoyo - its not something i need and i'm not worried.

But thank you for your concern

That's okay then.

NHS Direct wouldn't think i was wasting their time wud  they?