Medication review with GP

[Amanda89]

I've just had a call from my GP asking me to come in on Monday to dicuss and review my medication which I've never had before. Slightly confused as anytime I've went to see my GP about Crohns problems, they've never wanted to change my medication and have always just sent a referral to my specialist.

Does anyone else's doctors surgery do this?

 

[DustyKat]

A review doesn’t necessarily mean change Amanda but if it did then i would ask that they defer to the GI.

Perhaps it is part of a new service or the like?
I know we are in different countries but my kids for example now have one of these place:

Chronic Disease Management Plan
People with a chronic medical condition may be able to get Medicare benefits to cover allied health services that help manage their condition.
If you have a chronic medical condition, your doctor may suggest a GP Management Plan. If you need treatment from two or more health professionals, your doctor may also put a Team Care Arrangements plan in place for you.

A GP Management Plan is a plan of action agreed between you and your GP. It identifies your health care needs, sets out the services to be provided by your GP and lists the actions that you need to take.

A Team Care Arrangements plan lets your doctor work with, and refer you to, at least two other health professionals who will provide treatment or services to you.

You may be eligible for Medicare benefits for specific allied health services if your doctor prepares both types of plans for you.

http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/chronic-disease-management-plan

In Oz it would be considered a part of the GP’s role to review medications but again if you are on meds prescribed by a specialist i doubt they would change them. Our GP certainly wouldn’t fiddle with the Crohn’s meds.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Amanda89]

Thanks Dusty, I feel a bit silly now I was just talking to my friend who has a Chronic disease and it turns out the appointment is just to make sure they are up to date with all my current medication and are prescribing me the right dose and check your blood pressure as well.:ybatty:

 

[DustyKat]

Nothing silly about wondering hun and no such thing as a dumb question.

The main thing is your friend was able to set your mind at ease and that is all that counts.

Dusty. :Flower:

 

[littlemissh]

All patients on repeat medication have to have medication reviewed by their GP on at least an annual basis.
Sometimes that can be done on the basis of clinic letters, but other times GPs like to see you and make sure all is well, you have had revenant blood tests, other checks necessary for the meds you are on. They won't mess with medication if you are not having issues with them, but can try and improve things if there are issues.
Very much a tick box exercise, a sign of good medical care though.

 

[UnXmas]

My GP does this all the time. Even though many of my meds were initially prescribed by consultants, the repeat prescriptions come from my GP surgery, so it's their responsibility to review them, especially with meds that have potential side effects when used long-term. E.g. I'm on the pill and so every six months or so they call me in to check my blood pressure and renew the repeat prescription. They also called me in when they realised I was ordering too much codeine.

It's usually pointless, just rules they have a responsibility to follow, but it can be a good opportunity to discuss your meds and any side effects you may be getting.