Source: GenPro
Recent advertising promoting 12-month prescriptions is creating expectations that are unrealistic, unhelpful, and in many cases not in patients’ best interests, says GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers.
“These ads imply that everyone will be able to access a 12-month prescription, that it will be simple, and that people will save money,” Dr Chambers says.
“But this is over-egging the situation. It’s not how prescribing works, and it risks leaving many patients confused and disappointed.”
Not Everyone Will Qualify
Dr Chambers says the public messaging fails to reflect clinical reality.
“Many people will not qualify for a 12-month prescription. It is always at the discretion of the GP. If a patient requires regular monitoring—blood tests, blood pressure checks, medication adjustments—they’re very unlikely to receive a 12-month script,” he says.
“We’re already seeing patients coming in with unrealistic expectations because the ads have told them what to expect. A significant number will be told ‘no’ and – understandably – they are grumpy about it.”
Only a limited number of medicines are routinely suitable for 12-month prescribing. “Certain statins, once stabilised, may be appropriate. Thyroid medications and vitamin D supplements are other examples,” Dr Chambers notes. “But conditions like diabetes—despite being referenced publicly—require regular monitoring and dose adjustments. It’s unlikely many people with diabetes will be eligible for 12-month scripts.”
“Lower Your Expectations”
Dr Chambers’ message is simple: temper expectations. “We are asking for the advertising to be dialled back. Otherwise, GPs will be dealing with a lot of frustrated patients whose clinical circumstances simply don’t allow for this option,” he says.
The suggestion that patients will save significant money also needs to be treated cautiously.
“The government points to savings of up to $120 a year in GP fees. What they haven’t acknowledged is that this revenue loss will have to be recovered elsewhere,” Dr Chambers says. “Many patients already request repeat prescriptions through apps or websites. That revenue supports general practice viability. If that income disappears, practices may have to increase other fees. There’s no cap on prescription fees, so it’s entirely possible these could increase substantially.”
“Upward pressure on fees is almost inevitable. The idea that patients will see large net savings needs to be tempered.”
Limited Impact on GP Workload
The Government has stated the policy will free up GP time for more appointments. Dr Chambers disagrees.
“I don’t know any GP who renews these kinds of routine prescriptions during appointments. The suggestion that it will significantly reduce workload is overstated. It might free up enough time for a cup of tea.”
GenPro has long advocated for a more cautious approach. “Our preference has been six-month prescriptions, not 12 months. Some practices may choose to adopt a six-month threshold regardless.”
A Need for Realistic Communication
“Ultimately, we want patients to have accurate information—not spin,” Dr Chambers says.
“This change will help a proportion of people, but not everyone. Expectations must be realistic, so patients aren’t left disappointed and GPs not having to manage frustration created by misleading advertising.”
