using-your-tor-charges-and-prescriptions, Chapter 4 [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Everyday Needs
Using your doctor, charges and prescriptions
All patients registering with a GP are entitled to a free health check. Appointments to see the GP
can be made by phone or in person. Sometimes you might have to wait several days before you can
see a doctor. If you need immediate medical attention ask for an urgent appointment.
You should go to the GP’s surgery a few minutes before the appointment. If you cannot attend or do
not need the appointment any more, you must let the surgery know. The GP needs patients to
answer all questions as fully as possible in order to find out what is wrong.
Everything you tell the GP is completely confidential and cannot be passed on to anyone else
without your permission. If you do not understand something, ask for clarification. If you have
difficulties with English, bring someone who can help you, or ask the receptionist for an interpreter.
This must be done when you make the appointment.
If you have asked for an interpreter, it is important that you keep your appointment because this
service is expensive.
In exceptional circumstances, GPs can visit patients at home but they always give priority to people
who are unable to travel. If you call the GP outside normal working hours, you will have to answer
several questions about your situation. This is to assess how serious your case is. You will then be
told if a doctor can come to your home. You might be advised to go to the nearest A & E department.
Charges
Treatment from the GP is free but you have to pay a charge for your medicines and for certain
services, such as vaccinations for travel abroad. If the GP decides you need to take medicine you
will be given a prescription. You must take this to a pharmacy (chemist).
Prescriptions
Prescriptions are free for anyone who is:
under 16 years of age (under 25 in Wales)
under 19 and in full-time education
aged 60 or over
pregnant or with a baby under 12 months old
suffering from a specified medical condition
receiving Income Support, Jobseekers’ Allowance, Working Families or Disabilities Tax Credit
Original text from the Government handbook Life in the UK: A jouney to citizenship
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