Menu Home Search

This page is used with kind permission by Wessex LMCs

Requests to convert private prescriptions to NHS FP10

Updated on Monday, 7 October 2019, 1440 views

Under NHS GMS Regulations the patient is entitled to receive any drug which is available on the NHS, via an NHS prescription.

Therefore, GPs can convert a private script to an FP10 if the patient requests this.

However, the GMC duty to prescribe only in the best interests of the patient and only within your level of competence, takes priority.

There are a number of circumstances when prescribers will decline the request or offer to prescribe an alternative medicine.

He or she may decline to prescribe if:

In any of these circumstances the patient will retain the option of purchasing the recommended medicine via a prescription from their consultant in the private sector.

There is also no provision for refunding any money already spent on private treatment, including medicines.

We have some template letters for patients requesting prescriptions following outpatient appointments:

Prescribing following assessment or treatment in the private healthcare sector

Prescribing following assessment or treatment in an NHS Hospital or Out-patient Clinic

Related guidance...

Self Prescribing and Family Members

Over the last year LMC has been made aware of a number of GPs who have been reported to the GMC for self-prescribing. The LMC would...

Private prescribing of Sildenafil

Changes to NHS Availability of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments - Changing Prescribing Restrictions for Sildenafil As of 1 August 2014,...

Prescribing - Nurseries, schools and OTC Medications

Nurseries and schools should not be asking parents/carers to obtain prescriptions for OTC/P medicines they can purchase for...

Prescribing - Unlicensed Medicines

In theory, GPs should nearly always prescribe medication for an indication that is named within the product licence of the specific...

Duration of Prescriptions and 7 Day Prescribing

This is a recurrent issue and something that we are contacted about at the LMC on a regular basis with GPs and practices asking whether...

Advice for GPs for requests to prescribe sedative prior to dental procedures

Dentists should not direct patients to GPs requesting they prescribes sedating medications, such as diazepam. If a dentist wishes to...

Somerset LMC weekly Update Friday 25 November 2016

Sent to all Somerset GPs and Practice Managers This and previous updates are available here Fresh Looks Thin Skin - LMC...

Men B Vaccination in Non Eligible toddlers

the GMS contract is designed in such as a way as to specify what you can charge registered patients for, rather than saying that you may...

Follow-Up of Patients Receiving Private Care

General practice responsibility in responding to private healthcare GPC England has published guidance on general practice...

Duty of care regarding communication of investigation results

The GPC are aware that in some areas, some hospital doctors have been instructing GPs to find out the test results which the hospital...