Question 1

Can I get an online prescription through Livi?

Accepted Answer

Like you would with any other GP appointment, the GP will discuss and assess your condition, and then decide on the best treatment for you. If they think you need medication, the Livi GP will issue you with an online prescription.

If you live in an eligible area, the GP can write you an NHS prescription. But if not, you can pay £39 to use Livi’s pay-as-you-service instead, and the GP will write you a private prescription online. Read more information on the general [prescribing guidelines for the NHS](https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1a-over-the-counter-leaflet-v1.pdf).

Question 2

How much does a prescription cost?

Accepted Answer

In England, there’s a set charge of £9.35 per item for an NHS prescription. Some patients are exempt from this charge and so are entitled to free prescriptions. You can find out if you’re entitled to free prescriptions on the [NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/). If you live in an area that’s eligible for the Livi NHS service, the same standard charge will apply.

If you’re using the Livi pay-as-you-go service instead, the cost for your online prescription will vary depending on the medication. You will be charged the cost of the medication and a private dispensing fee, rather than the set NHS prescription charge. Any exemptions usually given for an NHS prescription will not apply for a Livi pay-as-you-go appointment.

Question 3

How do I get my online prescription?

Accepted Answer

You can collect your online prescription from a pharmacy most convenient to you. You’ll be able to tell the GP which pharmacy you prefer during your consultation. Livi does not currently offer a prescription delivery service for patients.

Question 4

How do I get my repeat prescription?

Accepted Answer

Generally, Livi GPs will not issue routine repeat prescriptions as part of our online prescription services. But in an emergency, our GPs may be able to issue an urgent supply of medication for a maximum of 7 days. The GP will decide whether this is an appropriate request during the consultation with the patient.

Question 5

Can a GP access my medical records for online prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

If you’re using Livi’s pay-as-you-go service, the GP will need access to your Summary Care Record to issue a GP prescription online, for any NHS repeat medication. Some NHS patients will not have a Summary Care Record and this is outside of Livi’s control. In this instance, the Livi GP will make a decision based on the individual request.

If a private online prescription is issued based on the NHS Summary Care Record, the patient must give permission for Livi to send a discharge summary of the consultation and online prescription to their registered NHS GP.

Question 6

Can I get an online prescription if I’m not registered with a GP?

Accepted Answer

Patients who are not currently registered to a GP – (perhaps they’re not permanent residents in the UK) – may be able to get up to one month's supply of their usual medication if the GP feels that this is appropriate. Prescription ordering is always done on a case-by-case basis.

Question 7

How much is a private prescription?

Accepted Answer

If you’re using the Livi pay-as-you-go service, you will be given a private online prescription. Instead of being charged a fixed cost like you would with an NHS prescription, you’ll be charged depending on the cost of the item. Some medications will cost slightly more than others.

Question 8

Can Livi GPs prescribe all medications?

Accepted Answer

GPs at Livi do not currently issue online prescriptions for medication under stricter controls, like controlled drugs. These include narcotic medications (benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, pregabalin, gabapentin and strong opioids like morphine and tramadol).

There are also some medications that can be prescribed under our pay-as-you-go service, but not through Livi’s NHS service. This is because they’re not permitted under NHS restrictions for prescription ordering (e.g. treatments for male pattern baldness).

Livi GPs can still discuss all the available treatments and medication, even if they’re not able to issue the necessary online prescription. If this is the case, they can advise you on your options.

Online prescription services

How to get a prescription online

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