A Victory Over Bureaucracy

[Sean Regan]

Earlier this year, as I'd been troubled for years by a drip down the back of my throat that made me cough more frequently than I should, (no treatment worked), so finally my doctor sent me to a specialist. Usual thing, camera down my throat. etc., nothing found. The consultant said. "Don't blow your nose too hard. Don't eat citrus fruit. Use these nose drops daily."

Problem solved!


I've been using the drops for months, I've had two repeat prescriptions.

Last week I asked for another. This was refused, by some jobsworth doctor at the practice (mine is on holiday).
I got an e-mail to say I had to see a doctor before any more prescriptions would be issued.
No appointment available until next week. So I'd already been without the spray for five days and was feeling the effects of not having it.

Now I know that medical practices try to limit the over-prescription of drugs, but there's ways of doing this.

So I won't say "I let fly" at the practice, but they got a strongly worded e-mail.

"What would be the point of me seeing a doctor who doesn't know my history?
Why couldn't a prescription have been issued and a note left for my doctor on his return querying the situation?"
"Was the refusal because someone at the practice thought I was likely to over-dose on nasal spray before he returned?"

I got a return e-mail to say I could have a prescription, but a note would be left for my GP.

I replied "For cryin' out loud why couldn't someone have done exactly that, as I'd suggested, in the first place?!"

No response. I collected my prescription without comment.

 

[Owdboggy]

Been there, done that. We have had to get really stroppy over repeat prescriptions even though mine are absolutely necessary for me. There is probably an automatic flag which comes up after so many and unless the Office staff are on the ball, the refusal is sent out automatically.

 

[auntiecindi]

Oh the whole medical system could use some help. The prices of care are pretty insane. I had 6 stitches on my finger cost $1600.00. The meds I am on sell for thousands of dollars per month, thank God I am low income so I get the drug for free.

 

[Owdboggy]

And people complain about the NHS. Last time I needed stitches, it cost me......nothing but a 2 hour wait in the A&E dept of the local hospital.
My medicine costs me...................nothing.