I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I am really impressed with primary care here in France and the outcome of having “too many” doctors.
This afternoon, I went to see my généraliste – the equivalent of a GP in the UK. I made the appointment this morning and saw him straight after lunch.
All I needed was a new prescription.
In the UK I never see my GP when I need a new prescription, I send in a repeat prescription form and pick up two month’s supply at my local pharmacy.
My repeat prescription has a ‘review date’ on the bottom, but all that happens is that when that date is reached another date appears.
Here a prescription is valid for 3 months. You take it to a local pharmacist, they keep a copy and you can go in at any time and get what you need from the prescription.
When the 3 months expires you must go back to see your généraliste for a new one.
This caused some confusion between the receptionist and me the first time I needed a new prescription – it was a surprise for me that I had to see a doctor and a surprise for the receptionist that I thought I didn’t.
And when you see the doctor, you get a 10-15 minute consultation with a full physical examination and review of blood results and of how you’ve been since the last visit, a discussion about any changes to your medication, a chance to ask any questions and then a new, hand-written prescription.
I’m sure many would say that the UK procedure is more efficient, but, given the potential dangers of the immuno-suppressive drugs I’m on, the French system is much safer.
