Published by Computachem Services

P.O Box 297.
Alstonville. 2477
NSW Australia

Phone:
61 2 66285138

Few would argue that we have one of the best drug subsidy system in the world.
It gives a leg-up to concession holders to purchase their medicines, and even more of a leg up if they have to purchase more than 52 prescriptions per year.
It allows non-concessional patients (the "generals") the opportunity to contribute the first twenty three dollars of life-saving therapy, helping them out even more after seven hundred dollars worth of medication is purchased.

The frustrating and time consuming explanation to the patient that they cannot have their blood pressure medication that they only had dispensed three days ago, would work absolutely brilliantly if the prescription wasn't presented back three days later (having been filled by another pharmacy) for re-dispensing.

Add to that the numerous people who are "going away for two or three months".
I find it especially comical when the quizzed patient isn't entirely sure of where they are going, and even more entertaining if they mention that it is to a subtropical area.
Usually, by the time they are counseled on malarial prophylaxis, and you have explained why they really need to purchase two or three packets of Imodium and Gastrolyte, they come clean.

It is interesting to hear the push for actual prices of medications to be printed onto the labels.
But since the government seems to rightly and wrongly owe so many people so much, I question its likely success.
I wonder if Mrs Smith is going to be angry that the government is paying an extra twenty dollars per week to keep Mrs Jones alive, even though she cheats at bridge and has a dog that barks all night.

Furthermore, if the doctor changes a patients medication from an ACE Inhibitor to a Diuretic, what will the patients reaction be?
Will they be upset at time of dispensing that they have gone from an expensive medication to a relatively cheap one?
Anyone who has ever tried to explain to a patient that two cross-licensed products come from the same factory floor, only to receive the answer of "I don't want the cheapies, I want the better one" will know the difficulties that we will face with these people.

The Health Insurance Commission has done relatively well in December 2002 with its advertisements reminding pharmacists not to dispense another prescription if it is not due, and GPs not to write another prescription for an item if it is not due.

Perhaps for 2003, this line of advertising can be directed to consumers.