Re-filling a Prescription

hychamaz · Post by **hychamaz** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:13 pm

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone knew the official time when you can re-fill a prescription. My doctor wrote me a refill on the prescription but when I went to the Pharmacy they told me it was too early. I have been here for 3 years and this has never happened to me before. The original prescription was for 100 tablets, taking 1 a day. Today was the 85th day. When they told me it was too soon, I told them I was going on vacation. They told me Kela does not care about vacations. The pharmacist told me that I could get around the law by having the doctor write me a new prescription. That blew my mind as what the heck is the difference if he writes a new Prescription or refills an old one. I have spoken to my family and friends here and this makes no sense to them either.
Can anyone please shed some light on this ridiculous situation. I really dont think that it is fair that I have to get a new prescription and that his refill isnt good enough. AHHHHHH. Thanks in advance for anyone that can tell me why this is happening.

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AldenG · Post by **AldenG** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:02 am

American pharmacies do the same thing with most health insurers. Sometimes people don't notice if they're self-paying or have a plan with a little more latitude on early refills.

hychamaz · Post by **hychamaz** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:56 am

Yes I know as I worked in an American Pharmacy for years back in my University days. But that doesnt help with my post...

jas_rho · Post by **jas_rho** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:49 am

Yeah that sounds really dumb to me. And not that I can shed any light on this for you but I have also been told years back when trying to by two packs of burana (containing 10 each, just so I didn't have to go back there in a few months time again) that they can only sell me one. I guess it was their way of limiting my intake, but if I wanted to abuse those, I'd just go from pharmacy to pharmacy till I had the amount I wanted anyway. I buy those from the US now anyway to save money...

But back to your topic... I know its a pain but you can also just call your doctor here, explain the problem, and he can call any pharmacy of your choosing and give them your prescription. I have done that a couple times and it works fine. Then when you go in, you tell your name SS# and they will give you the prescription. No actual doctor visit required.

irnbru · Post by **irnbru** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:28 pm

Finnish chemists are quite strange. When you arrive there 3 white coats jump on you straight away and spend their time describing to you why you are not allowed to buy anything.

hychamaz · Post by **hychamaz** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:24 pm

Thank you guys for agreeing with me that this is ridiculous procedure. The story about Burana is quite funny

. So still if anyone can figure this one out I'll be here. Thanks!

mrjimsfc · Post by **mrjimsfc** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:03 pm

The pharmacist told the truth! It's KELA! They don't want to be bothered by paperwork any sooner or more often than they absolutely have to. I guess that (truth be told), they're no different than anyone else.

onkko · Post by **onkko** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:10 pm

Ask if you can buy it full price so you pay kela part? That worked when i wanted 2 50ml tubes instead 1 100ml tube what was prescribed.

Rip · Post by **Rip** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:04 pm

I'm sure the problem is caused by KELA (or the legislation and rules they are ordered to follow). They only compensate for three months worth of drugs at one time. I do not know what would be the best solution. I can only guess that having a new prescription would enable the pharmacy to overlook the 15 days of the old prescription, so that is why they suggested that (sure it sounds stupid). 100 days would be close enough for three months, 115 days is almost four months.

http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english. ... enDocument

hychamaz · Post by **hychamaz** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:14 pm

Thanks guys for all your feedback. I actually met with my doctor today and told him the problem. His solution was that we meet more often. I think I am living in the Twilight Zone. This is th eprivate sector so he obviously gets paid for meeting more often. But what in Gods name does this have to do with solving the problem at hand, I really do think that public doctors who work in the pivate sector in their free time are WAY OVERWORKED! I was so taken back by his answer I just laughed to myself and didnt even try to explain how he was wrong. Oh what a hilarious day lol.

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