Written by a health professional, the prescription is a document that contains a medical prescription. There are different types. Who can provide a medical prescription? What is its validity period? How to get one online?
Definition: what is a medical prescription?
A prescription is a document on which the doctor writes down his medical prescription. The order may include either a list of medications what to recommend physiotherapy sessions, radiological or blood tests or spa treatments.
What is a medical prescription used for?
A medical prescription allows a patient to be able to obtain the treatment, equipment (glasses, contact lenses, crutches, etc.) or exams (imaging, blood test) prescribed to him by his doctor. The prescription is also essential to obtain reimbursement from health insurance and mutual insurance.
What are the mandatory information on a prescription?
A prescription must include the following information:
- identification of the doctor;
- the date prescription;
- the name and the first name of the patient and if necessary, his age and weight;
- common name (DC) of each active substance with possibly the name of the drug,
- the dose per shot with the number of shots per day;
- the duration of treatment or the number of boxes;
- Signature of the doctor.
The doctor must specify on the prescription when he prescribes a non-reimbursable drug. A prescription is a medical document that must be dated and signed by the prescriber. It engages the moral, professional and legal responsibility of its author.
What is the difference between a prescription and a prescription?
A medical prescription is a act by which a doctor gives recommendations to his patient that he must respect in order to heal himself. The medical prescription often includes a list of remedies (medicines) but it can also indicate the medical devices to be installed or other health professionals to contact (for example a physiotherapist or a specialist). The medical prescription that indicates dosage and conditions of use of a drug is written on a prescription.
Who can provide a medical prescription?
Only a general practitioner or specialist can provide a medical prescription, as well as certain health professionals. This is the case of midwives and dental surgeons.
What are the different types of prescription?
In France, there are five types of prescriptions:
► The classic prescriptionwhich can be handwritten or printed, and shows the mandatory information in addition to the medical prescription.
► The bizone prescription : this type of prescription is reserved for patients with a long-term illness (ALD). It has two distinct zones: the upper part for care 100% covered by health insurance and the lower part for care that is not related to ALD.
► The secure prescription : it is mandatory for the prescription of drugs classified as narcotics and orders for professional use.
► The exception order : it concerns the prescription of exceptional drugs or devices.
► The electronic prescription : the dematerialized prescription is booming and should eventually replace paper prescriptions.
How long is a prescription valid for?
The period of validity of a prescription depends on the prescription. A prescription for medication, excluding oral contraceptives, is valid for three months from the date of issue. For a prescription for narcotic drugs, this period of validity is reduced to three days. After this time, the pharmacist will no longer be able to dispense the medication. The duration of treatment cannot exceed one year. In the case of a long treatment, the drugs can only be delivered for a period maximum of one month, renewable until the expiry date of the prescription. The rule is different when it comes to a medical device (crutches, IUD, compression stockings, etc.): the prescription is valid for 12 months. A biology, physiotherapy, speech therapy or imaging procedure is not subject to any specific time limit. A prescription for glasses remains valid for 1 year for people under 16, 5 years for people aged 16 to 42 and 3 years for people over 43. As to lentils, the prescription is valid for 1 year before the age of 16 and 3 years beyond.
A drug prescription can be renewed for periods of one to three months, for a maximum duration of one year. The renewal request can be made to a general practitioner, even if the prescription was made by a specialist doctor.
An online prescription cannot be obtained only after a teleconsultation with a doctor. It then obeys the same obligations as the prescription prescribed in the medical office.
Thanks to Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner, author of my healing herbal teas (Leduc editions).