Chronic medication: when and how to refill a prescription from the pharmacy
You need a prescription from your doctor every 6 months
If you are registered for a chronic condition that requires you to take chronic medication, you need to visit your doctor at least every six months, so he or she can see how you are doing on your chronic medication. If the medication is still appropriate, your doctor will give you a 6 month repeat prescription. This is a legislative requirement. A pharmacist is not allowed to dispense medication to you if they do not have a valid prescription. Remember, you do not have to submit the prescription to the Scheme to ensure funding once you are registered (unless specifically requested to do so).
Obtain monthly refills from your pharmacy
Once you hand this prescription in at your pharmacy, you can receive your chronic medication refill every month. To prevent medicine abuse, fraud or member debt, schemes allow members to get their chronic medication only once a month. We recommend getting your medication every month around the same time to ensure you don’t run out.
As this is sometimes not possible, the Anglo Medical Scheme allows you to collect medication a few days early, but not less than 24 days after your last claim. However, to make sure you only get 12 refills per year the pharmacy system will only allow for a maximum of 3 refills over each 3-month period.
Advanced supply for overseas travel
If you are travelling overseas, you can apply for an advanced supply of your chronic medication. Call the Call Centre to ask about the process, the necessary forms and documents. Advanced supplies will only be approved in the current financial year, ending on 31 December. If you are planning an overseas trip in January, you will have to pre-fund your chronic medication and submit your claim when you are back.