Written prescriptions

RE: Written prescriptions

Rob Loxley — Thu, 19 May 2016 14:56:54 GMT

[quote user="Sammy82"]Pricematching is often impossible when drugs like Metacam are cheaper online than from Henry Schein![/quote]

Do not confuse the manufacturer's list price with the net-net price you actually pay after wholesaler and manufacturer/buying group rebates etc

RE: Written prescriptions

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 19 May 2016 14:21:32 GMT

[quote user="Sammy82"]I don't actively encourage written prescriptions but if people ask for them I don't argue as they are entitled to get one.[/quote]Don't lose sight of the fact that your clients who don't ask for prescriptions and pay you are also entitled not to have their fees increased to subsidise the cheapskates who want to buy off the internet. And you are entitled to make a profit and to have a decent standard of living.

[quote user="Sammy82"]Pricematching is often impossible when drugs like Metacam are cheaper online than from Henry Schein![/quote]I know its just one example but there are a lot of meloxidyl products that you can buy from the wholesaler with a good discount from the manfacturer on which you can make a decent profit and still match the internet pharmacies, especially if you're charging a realistic prescription fee.

RE: Written prescriptions

Sammy82 — Thu, 19 May 2016 13:48:08 GMT

I always write the prescription to cover the time until the next check up is due, so 6 months at the most. Usually I write it out for a months supply at a time to be repeated 5 times. As far as I am aware prescriptions for controlled drugs must not be for more than one month's supply and they are only valid for 1 month anyway. I don't actively encourage written prescriptions but if people ask for them I don't argue as they are entitled to get one. Pricematching is often impossible when drugs like Metacam are cheaper online than from Henry Schein!

RE: Written prescriptions

Laurence Webb — Tue, 17 May 2016 19:39:18 GMT

[quote user="Matt Hilary"]

If there isn't a practice policy in place I'd be happy to provide a prescription for sufficient medication until the next check-up is due (which might be 1-12 months depending on the condition and treatment).

[/quote]

As Matt said. When examining an animal we make a habit of writing when the animal is next due to be reassessed (apart from stuff like Frontline etc which we generally accept as 12 months unless there has been weight change that would affect dosage).

If a record says that medication can be prescribed for 3 months then we will dispense/issue a written prescription with enough meds to continue up to that date. There is an exception with controlled drugs such as phenobarbitone, which I am personally not happy prescribing or dispensing in huge qunatities.

I found this works better than a practice protocol that states fixed times for different drugs. You may be happy for a stable hypothyroid to have 3-6 months medication but if they have just started treatment and need dosage monitoring and adjustment then you are going to want to see them much sooner and prescribing 6 months of medication would be foolish.

RE: Written prescriptions

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 17 May 2016 19:06:46 GMT

There is a thread on this somewhere else but basically I virtually never write any prescriptions. I charge a £15 fee and give them a lecture on how if I don't make a living I may not be here next time they need me. I will usually compromise and offer a big discount on repeat dispensing and will nearly match the internet price. 99% of clients accept this and good riddance to those that don't.

But in answer to the OP the most I would prescribe is 3 months and I would insist they came back for a check-up/monitoring blood tests as necessary, as I would those who accept my discount. I would maybe stretch that to 6 months for a pack of Advocate etc but haven't had to write one yet for that.

RE: Written prescriptions

Matt Hilary — Tue, 17 May 2016 18:51:22 GMT

RE: Written prescriptions

Ceri Gruffudd Jones — Tue, 17 May 2016 18:36:39 GMT

We have a policy of re-examining animals on chronic meds every 3 months so this is the longest I would write a prescription for, as a general rule. Clients may not be happy but they need to realise that you are losing business and have to recoup some of that money, also that prescribing is a serious professional activity and should not be thrown around lightly.

Worm / flea treatment I would probably prescribe for up to 12 mo, as I would not insist on examining and animal within that time to continue dispensing them in person.

Hope this helps,

Ceri