Repeat private prescription for HRT

[SoLongFurlough]

If I access a private GP will they give me a repeat prescription for HRT?
Or can I use a private healthcare plan for this?
I have made over 150 phone calls over the last two days & still not been able to even enter the telephone queuing system so there’s no point in wasting any more time on it
I’m already on HRT (75 mcg patch) & wanted to move up a strength

Google it! I just googled private pharmacy hrt and it came up with loads of options.

My private GP sends the information to my surgery with options. I am on 75 evorel but have the option to increase to 100 if I want. I declined testosterone but she put it on the prescription and I can order it if I want

Not quite sure what you mean, so apologies if I'm not answering you correctly.

Private medical insurance tends not to cover menopause anyway.
You won't get cover for medication on your private insurance.

I see a private menopause consultant (but I pay- not covered by insurance as it's classed as 'ongoing'.)

My private prescriptions are through my consultant, each time I need one (either at an appointment or in between, by post.)

I don't involve my GP at all.

With a private prescription you pay the RRP price of the drug, not the NHS prescription charge.

I don't know if @Greensleevevssnotnose has another method of doing this but I've never wanted to involve my GP.

@Greensleevevssnotnose can you explain to me a little better how that works?

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells so if I see a private menopause consultant they would give me a prescription for say 6 months where I would pay for the medication? Or once a year?
I would like to change to 100 mcg patch or alternative the gel so I could increase the dose myself

@SoLongFurlough The amount they would give you depends on the situation (your own, and supply.)

A few months back, Oestrogel and some patches were classed as shortage medicines and no one was allowed more than 3 months on a prescription (either NHS or privately.) This might not apply to you but just saying!

If you need a review of treatment/dose, you'd be given the appropriate amount. In my experience, a private dr won't give you an entire years' drugs- they like to review a little more often- more like every 6 months or so. If it's a new type, the usual time is 3 months, then a review.

It's also better for you, because if the dose isn't right, or you want to change types, you don't want to have bought HRT and waste it.

Obviously if the once-a-year fee for HRT comes into force, this is for NHS and you couldn't use it for a private prescription.

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells I’m in N.I where we currently have free prescriptions
can I ask roughly how much you pay for this service?

If the cost of HRT is free, do you mean it's free on a private prescription?

It's free for NHS prescriptions for anyone over 60 in England.

If you mean the cost of consultations, every Dr is different and you need to check with them.

@JinglingSpringbells everyone in N.I gets free prescriptions regardless of age
I meant how much does your HRT cost including the private consultation
Thank you btw this is all very helpful

If you get free prescriptions then the cost I pay isn't relevant, is it?

Unless I am misunderstanding you and you'd pay for a private prescription.

Consultations - You will pay whatever the private GP you choose charges. You can ask their PA or they will have fees on their website.

There's not much point saying what I pay, as all Drs have different fees.

I went private, I now get my prescription through the independent pharmacy online and they have been great. Bupa drop in do a bi-monthly check in and I'm good to go.

Unless I am misunderstanding you and you'd pay for a private prescription
sorry yes this is what I mean.
I’d be happy to pay for a private prescription if it meant that I could get what I wanted

This sounds like the type of thing I’m after - can you explain how it works?

I get a drug prescribed privately.

The consultant charges me £20 to write the prescription and the chemist charges me cost price to get it (today that was £6 for 3 months, if a private GP writes an antibiotic script, that might only be £2 at the chemist)

It’s not HRT and I am in England, but it might be a helpful data point.

I recently got HRT privately. Oestrogen gel, utrogestan & testosterone. Cost £180 for 4 months (not including appointment with private GP)

That's interesting.
I've been badgering my GP to put my HRT on repeat but it's not been happening. But that might be because of shortages you think. I guess I just have to be realistic then.

I'm expecting the age limit for free prescriptions to go up the minute I hit 60 😂

I saw a doctor at the Newson health clinic and paid for my initial prescription. I then got a letter / report from them that I gave to my nhs Gp and my doctors surgery issued the prescriptions from then (nhs).

When I first went in December the consultant wrote to the GP with the medication she was prescrbing, I believe they have to to avoid contraindications whenever the medication changes she does the same. My NHD gp issues the prescriptions and I pay the NHS price

I'm not sure if it is available in NI, but I do my HRT through Boots online doctor, and it is so easy to do. My prescription stuff is £74 for 3 months, no prescription charge separately or postage. Looks like Estraderm 100 mcg is £56 for 24 patches

The consultant charged £350 for the first 45 minute consultation and every three months a checkup is £150 the medication is on top of this. I pay myself at the Nuffield Hospital but my NHS gp issues the prescriptions at normal price 9:35 per item. I get three months at a time. From next week I will get the prepayment certificate

I think as you are in NI, @SoLongFurlough you need to investigate what happens there. It may be very different and fees may vary. In England most consultants charge around £300 or more for the first appt.

@Greensleevevssnotnose Has your GP taken over your HRT 'care' or not? I'm wondering how this would work (for other women) when they need an annual review. In theory, the doctor who issues the prescription is the person responsible for it, even if it's been 'recommended' by a consultant. The GP would be following protocol to ask you to have a review with them.

I know friends etc who have had drugs prescribed by a consultant (not HRT) and then repeats are then done by the GP BUT the GP will ask to do an annual review (and there is always the 'risk' they may not want someone to continue with the treatment, or ask for further information to confirm it's necessary.

Yes I have been looking at this & think this is the way to go.I’ll still get the progesterone prescription & just pay for the higher strength patches

Yes that’s helpful thank you