How to acquire prescription meds?

Do we get Rx slips for each medication from the doctors here and give to the GP we register with there? How long does it take to start using prescriptions there?

Can't remember if I asked this before! Will GPs understand our need for a few specialists?

Thanks.

Do we get Rx slips for each medication from the doctors here and give to the GP we register with there?

I would think so - or get your US doctor to write out a list of your medications and treatment perhaps? I believe you should also request your medical records from your doctor in the US, and take them to your doctor in the UK so they can see exactly what treatment you need.

How long does it take to start using prescriptions there?

What do you mean? You can start using prescriptions as soon as you register with a GP and are issued with UK prescriptions - when that is will depend on when you make an appointment.

You will be entitled to NHS care from the day you arrive in the UK, so theoretically you could register on day 1, then make an appointment and have your prescriptions right away (as long as the GP will prescribe them for you).

Can't remember if I asked this before! Will GPs understand our need for a few specialists?

I would imagine that's something you will need to discuss with your GP and arrange with him/her.

Thanks.

Yes, we are doing good at collecting all our medical histories. I was just wondering if GPs are reluctant to refer to specialists.

When I asked how long it would take I meant the process of how fast it is to register, get appt. get the meds and get them filled. Mostly how fast to find a doctor and register.

We land on a Friday so I think we need to recoup over that weekend and then jump in on finding a doctor's surgery, and ask estate agents to help us.

Thanks.

Yes, we are doing good at collecting all our medical histories. I was just wondering if GPs are reluctant to refer to specialists.

I'm not too sure on referrals to specialists because I haven't seen on myself, but it my vary from GP to GP.

When I asked how long it would take I meant the process of how fast it is to register, get appt. get the meds and get them filled. Mostly how fast to find a doctor and register.

In terms of finding a doctor - most GPs will only take patients who live in the immediate area (for example, my childhood GP would only take patients who lived within 5 miles of the surgery), so it'll be a case of seeing what GP surgeries are available in your area and choosing one.

Once you've decided, you just go in and ask to register. I haven't registered with a doctor in a few years so I can't remember exactly how you do it (although I've recently moved so I need to register with one soon), but I think you just fill out a form and then they enter you into the system. I'm not sure if there are any initial appointments required or anything - it may depend on the GP. Then once you're registered you can make an appointment and get your prescriptions.

In our surgery in London, the GP's were discouraged from referring to a specialist , and when they did it took quite a while to get a referral letter, then to actually get an appointment.  If you had private insurance and let the GP know that you were referred quickly with no questions.

Really helpful in your case to get all your medical records and medical history before you come over  to give to your new GP:)
Certainly, if the GP assesses that they can't help you and you need consultant care, you'll be referred, though waiting lists and times to see them can vary per area.   Good luck with your journey  

Really helpful in your case to get all your medical records and medical history before you come over  to give to your new GP:)
Certainly, if the GP assesses that they can't help you and you need consultant care, you'll be referred, though waiting lists and times to see them can vary per area.   Good luck with your journey  

Thanks. So are you saying that if we have extensive histories with the specialists they are likely to understand that we need them? Right now we just need two specialist each.

Husband remembered that he got a great neurologist easily but that was the mid '80s. I assume I have a right to a female gyn? I don't have a problem with male doctors as I was raised by them but I also know for a fact that they don't completely get female physiology because they don't live in a female body.

You generally won't have a gynecologist.  Annual exams (or less frequently than annual, depending on age) are generally handled by nurses.

I don't think that having history with specialists means your GP will understand that you need them.  It's more that the GP will make his or her own assessment as to the necessity of specialist referrals.

I guess I'm asking is it an ego thing like here. Some doctors like to think they know it all. A GP with a brain will know instantly by looking at me I am not typical and once seeing husband's invisible deficits will refer too. Almost everything about me requires
careful consideration. Not ordinary. I have to point out to them that I am tiny so as not to medicate me as though I weigh 200 lbs. If they can overlook the obvious then I will help them consider my other concerns. 

In my experience, registering with the GP was quite easy and straightforward.  I got an application form from my local GP (personal details, contact information, past medical history) and returned it with proof of address and a copy of my passport details page and visa page.  A week later, I got my new NHS card in the mail.

My GP was hesitant to refer me to a specialist at first, and I needed a few trips to see her with continuing symptoms before I got a referral.  My medical records were finally received at that point from my previous GP, and whether or not those had any bearing on getting a referral, I'm not sure.  The referral was requested immediately; however, since my symptoms were bothersome but not considered urgent, I had to wait several weeks before I could see my specialist. 

(to be fair, when I was asked my choice of specialists, I opted for one at the top hospital known for my condition...I could have seen a specialist at my local hospital and that may or may not have been quicker, but I can't say for sure)

About prescriptions though, I got those immediately.  The GP asked what I was on (name and dosage) and wrote out replacements right then and there.

I guess I'm asking is it an ego thing like here. Some doctors like to think they know it all. A GP with a brain will know instantly by looking at me I am not typical and once seeing husband's invisible deficits will refer too. Almost everything about me requires
careful consideration. Not ordinary. I have to point out to them that I am tiny so as not to medicate me as though I weigh 200 lbs. If they can overlook the obvious then I will help them consider my other concerns. 

That really depends on the doctor you end up with, whether in the US or in the UK.  An ego thing is down to the individual doctor.

AQUILA-Thank you that is good information. I am feeling it will be fine. My husband is the one needing a closer eye on medically so I am hoping he gets set up in good time with the specialist. I deliberately have been having my three final doctor visits and the dentist so I should be good for another year unless something happens.

GEETA-Yes and mostly the age of the doctor. I'd say half of the ones here don't like sending me to a specialist. I just tell them they are not trained to consult with on my issues.

Hopefully you will end up with a GP that listens to you and pays attention!

Like everyone says it all depends on the GP and your local practice.

That said, if you want to know more before you move you can check out local reviews (on the NHS site and using google with
discretion) of the practice which may have the information you need to know about getting reffered to specialists. NHS Choices Service Search is a good place to start, you can also begin to look up your particular conditions/specialists on the NHS Choices page to see what treatment choices are available here. You may have some surprises, good and bad, some treatment options just aren't available here - but some options are so much better - I was able to get a hearing aid for free on the NHS(!), something that would have cost $$$$ on my insurance back home.

I would suggest that if you're on prescription meds, you not only bring as much of a supply with you as possible to tide you over in case of a delay in getting a new script, but that you also research the drug alternative in this country. Whilst many of the same medications are available, some will have different names. Some may not be available at all, but something similar will be. Being well informed when you have you initial visit will help speed the process along as GPs may not be familiar with US drugs. Good luck