Have you ever considered the significance behind the prescription your GP hands you? Or perhaps you’ve found yourself thinking, “I don’t feel like paying for a piece of paper?” In a world where information is freely available on the internet, and self-sufficiency is celebrated, it’s easy to overlook the value of a GP’s prescription.
There are many reasons why you may need a script (or prescription) for medication. The reasons for choosing a specific medication for a particular illness won’t be outlined here, nor the complexities of the government requirements as to how they are prescribed. Instead, we’ll try to explain the reasons why a repeat or common script is dealt with by your doctor in a particular way.
Let’s explore the impact that these pieces of paper have on your journey to optimal health. We’ll also cover simple tips to help save you an extra trip to your doctor when you forget to ask for your script.
1. Monitoring your Medication:
Your GP serves as a guardian of your medication regimen, overseeing its effects and possible complications. From adjusting dosages to monitoring for adverse reactions, your GP is like a safety net. Making sure your medications are doing their job without causing any trouble. They’re there to catch any red flags before they turn into larger problems.
For instance, consider the contraceptive pill. While widely prescribed, your doctor considers during your consultation:
- your medical history,
- your current health (such as your blood pressure) and
- medications you’re taking at the same time
There are contra-indications for the pill, such as migraines with aura (visual disturbances). Preventive health and sexual health such as sexually transmittable diseases may also be discussed discreetly. What may seem like passing remarks during the consult, are critical to your well-being. To help keep you well informed, and prevent further complications later in life.
2. Are there better prescription alternatives:
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is an Australian Government program that subsidises medicines to make them more affordable. This means you can access medicines when you need them most.
As of June 2023, there were 928 different medicines in 5,261 brands listed on the PBS.
Advances in medicine and pharmaceuticals (medications) are continual. Your GP has daily interactions with medications and knows where to find the best information on updates. Their training, continuing education and regular communication with pharmacists mean they know what medicine may work best for you.
With the previous example of the contraceptive pill, a new brand or medication may be more cost-effective or a healthier option for you. Your doctor understands you and your history. A discussion with you in a confidential room helps the collaborative relationship between you and your doctor.
3. Keeping Up with Changing Healthcare Guidelines:
Healthcare guidelines change regularly, reflecting medical and best practice advances. Your GP keeps abreast of these changes, combining them into your care plan.
Pregnancy is an example of when guidelines change – a once-safe medication can be unsafe during pregnancy. Or a medication thought to cause problems may now be safe due to changes made by the manufacturer.
During your appointment, your doctor can check you’re taking your medicines safely, according to medication guidelines. Understanding the correct time, amount (dose), and how often you take them is critical. Doctors take time to simplify complex medical information for their patients. What appears simple is the result of many years of medical training, allowing them to explain complex subjects in just a few words.
Tips to save you an extra trip to your doctor
Here are some ideas on how to make things easier for your next script:
- Set reminders for script renewals. These can be on your phone or noticeboard. Or try booking your next appointment after you’ve seen your GP. This, means you see your usual GP, at a mutually convenient time.
- Check your medication and scripts before your appointment. If you opt for e-scripts these will be on your phone messages. “Pinning” these at the top of your messages can make it easy to find.
- Place your paper scripts in an easy-to-find location.
⦁ If you have a regular pharmacy, ask if they can help keep them on file. Pharmacies want to help with your medication and will work with you and your GP to streamline your care. - Ask your GP for a repeat prescription. This can open up a conversation about when you should schedule your next appointment or why a repeat script may not be needed.
- Occasionally your GP can provide a repeat prescription for when you can’t see your GP. The Practice at Clem Jones Centre staff can be contacted at admin@tpcjc.com.au
Your GP’s prescription isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s part of your health journey. By understanding how exploring other options, and staying informed, you empower yourself to make informed decisions about your well-being. So next time you get a script, remember it’s your GP’s commitment to your well-being, helping you live your best life.
