getting scripts filled interstate for strong medications, what to do?

we tried that but as the script is for morphine injections (that i give to hubby) there are drs that think it's all to suss, and we can see why as there are people out there that rort the system, which makes it hard for the genuine ones. we even had one doctor that didn't believe us and was treating us like bleep so we asked him to phone the pain unit at Flinders medical centre and they will verify what medications my hubby takes and the drs said oh the pain unit is just trying to scam him too, he ended up giving us the script but was very rude about it.

I think the doctor writes "Regulation 24" on the script and then the chemist can give you the lot at the one time (if that's possible/legal in your case). At least that is what works for me here in NSW.
Mark

I think getting all your scripts filled all at once is called "regulation 24". I used it before a trip this year and had no trouble getting 6 months of scripts at the one time.

Graeme

we did try at about 6 different chemists even in different states- NSW and VIC and was told the same thing, when we got home we talked to our doctor about what happened and he didn't know we couldn't get the scripts filled, so he checked up and yes they are right it is illegal, so don't know how others have done it without trouble unless the doctor that wrote the script was once a dr in the state that the person was trying to fill the script because once a dr is registered in a state they always are (unless de registered) and they can be registered in more than one state. because of what hubby's medication is we can't get more than 2 weeks supply at a time.
thanks chris.

Perhaps prescribing "narcotics" is different to non-narcotic blood pressure pills, as in my case.
Mark

yes it is, we have no troulble with getting more scripts for that before we leave. thanks anyway chris

Hi Chris, sorry to hear more details of your predicament. It sounds as if its the morphine thats the problem, and perhaps its not unreasonable to have some extra safeguards in place there.

Maybe your doctor could give you a letter outlining your treatment that you could give to a Dr in the state you are visiting, as it does sound as if you need a prescription in that state. Though Im surprised that your doctor was unaware of the limitations. Maybe he could follow up with the Dept of Health to find out what your options are, or you could call them and hope you dont get the run-around.

As you say there must be others in your situation. If you find anything useful please post the info here.

Cheers,

Val

i did do that google search and got the same answer before i posted my question on here.
chris

Mate, you simply do not understand the difficulties and hassles caused by this situation for GPs who are constantly the targets of addicts and rip off artists and justifiably regard this situation with suspicion. You also have no appreciation of the RULES and regulations governing this situation. Your doctor bashing clap trap is not constructive. The doctor does not make the regulations but must abide by them. Also the issue has nothing to do with the DVA - in relation to narcotics the same rules apply. Also the fact that your Dr is recommended by the DVA means nothing more than the fact he is registered with the DVA (and any Dr can do it) - it does not reflect in any way the quality of his knowledge, dedication or services.

For the original poster, can I suggest:

1) get a letter from your doctor stating what medications you are on, the doses and the frequency with which they are taken;

2) ask your doctor to include in the letter something to the effect of "please do not hesitate to contact me for verbal confirmation" (I add this because addicts and rip off merchants are not above stealing stationery from doctors surgeries and writing their own letters);

3) take the medications as prescribed - if you take them more frequently than prescribed (and therefore turn up earlier than expected for another script) then this looks VERY suspicious

4) do not get cheesed off when you are treated with suspicion - if you are above board, then it is no reflection on YOU even though I know it feels like it is. The doctor is not to blame for this suspicion, it results from the bad behaviour of many before you. Consider the possibility that yesterday this doctor may have been abused or even assaulted by an addict - possibly more than once!

5) make an appointment with a Dr close enough to the time your next script is due to indicate you are using your medications appropriately but not too late to sort out hassles or refusals

6) please do not see the doctors with which you deal as the culprits who are causing the difficulties you will encounter. Addicts and rip off merchants are the cause; rules and regulations are the solution - unfortunately they are cumbersome and they don't work that well.

7) finally please be philosophical. The situation presents some difficulties but too bad. We all have to try to work within a system that doesn't work very well. If you have better solutions then talk to the politicians and try to change it.

Good luck, safe travels and I hope this is of some help.

Mark

My doctor bashing stems from the fact that their doctor, according to them "didn't know we couldn't get the scripts filled". Those words made me suspicious of that particular doctor. I then compared him/her with the doctors mentioned in the other posts and was dumbfounded by his apparent lack of "interstate" knowledge.

I gather that its not just a simple headache and therefore the doctor should have had more than a "newby" set of skills and knowledge. To hear what they said about him surprised me.

I have struck useless twits in emergency myself. Junior doctors who didn't even protect themselves from the toxins in me when I presented myself for treatment at emergency while I was on chemo, for minor things like heart stopped (ambulance then pacemaker) and also an 11 hour nose bleed. The nose bleed was a symptom of the cancer. I had to remind them to read again the letter I had given them. Then there was action. Out come the purple suits etc etc. I was on chemo for 6 months last year and about to start again. That's what I struck and I thought they had struck the same.

My apologies if I misunderstood their own words.

Regarding DVA. Veterans get access to heaps of assistance and counselling from the Government and I thought he may get some advice from them on any "linked" services for travellers. As in fact I have and it helps on extended trips. I can continue the chemo as I travel. In fact I took treatments up on Cape York last year. The chemicals were shipped or whatever up there for me as they not the general chemo ones. I certainly wasn't allowed to carry them. They scare me the way everyone stays clear. Even the giant horse flies and mosquitoes wont even land on me.

Phil

hi Dave, his script goes through the drug authority but doesn't need an authority number
thanks chris

We do have a National Building Code.

It is Called the Building Code of Australia ;) Has been around since 1996.

i haven't heard that but it wouldn't be before time, i don't know why it wasn't a nation wide registration from the begining.
chris

thanks for that mac, about time, now all i have to do is findout if this will solve our problem, i wonder where we should start to look to get the answer, i might ask our gp next visit
chris