Letter from GP

[MaryH]

Hi there, I have just received a letter from my GP stating that due to new recommendations from now on I have to take my yellow warfarin book into the surgery where they will photocopy it and then make sure that I am given the correct dosage. When I contacted the receptionist she said that this was now Government Policy. Has anyone heard of this or having to do it?

[PepperT]

Oh yes, I have had major problems getting warfarin prescriptions for my elderly father in law, I even have to take yellow book to gp when requesting the prescription. They check the book and then tell me if I can get it or not!. Infuriating he is a long term user and that isn't likely to change. He has even been without medication for 5 days while we argue with the receptionists that medication is due! We have also been told it is new Government policy

[MaryH in reply to PepperT]

It is strange that enclosed with the letter I had a small questionnaire from the same surgery asking how I would feel about the GP surgery running a warfarin clinic and would I want an injection into a vein or would a thumb prick do! I was seriously thinking that this was a way to get a warfarin clinic in the surgery then they would deal with the yellow book. It is infuriating being treat like a four year old and not be able to give the correct reading and dosage over the phone. Ironically, it was the same surgery that suggested that I should have all my medications delivered as I am disabled, but I would be able to take in my Yellow book every time I had been to the hospital warfarin clinic. I wonder if anyone else has had this problem and exactly what Government policy this is as the last I heard NICE were suggesting more self-testing. Thank you for replying to me.

[minnime63]

Wow, Dobiedogz! That sounds almost civilised! Whereabouts are you?

[GinaD]

Is the pinprick test methodology the same as the self test? I do not know personally, but have read on this site, that the self test method is not always accurate on those of us who have had positive ANA tests. I know my local hematologist insists on the venous draw procedure because he doesn't trust the finger prick method.

Gina

[Firefoxie007 in reply to GinaD]

Hi,

If you have your machine tested every three months, it's fine. I've had a self testing kit for over 5 yrs, I had their first machine which was at an experimental stage (the old machine was heavy and bulky) but when it was approved to work, they then bought out this flimsy machine, works the same way, and I've never had a problem.

So as long as you get the machine tested by the hospital, it's as safe as houses as one says.

Hope this helps.

Tina

[bernieembleton]

I have no problem. I have been self testing for four years now. It has given me independence. Every now and then, I have venous bloods to check if there is any descriptions. So far all well.

[Yissica]

National Patient Safety Agency says to GP's the following:

"In many cases, the healthcare professional who issues repeat prescriptions for anticoagulants, for example the general practitioner, is not the same practitioner who monitors and adjusts the dosage of the therapy, for example the anticoagulant clinic practitioner. It is for the prescriber supplying the repeat prescription to ensure that it is safe to do so. Repeat prescriptions of anticoagulants should only be issued if the prescriber has checked that the patient is regularly attending the anticoagulant clinic, that the INR test result is within safe limits”

This is why they need to see evidence of your regular blood checks. You will also find the pharmacy dispensing your prescription will now request to see your yellow book or warfarin record as we also have to check that the dose and tablet strength prescribed is correct.

It is all for your safety. If you are housebound you may be able to arrange for a copy of your results be faxed to the GP from the clinic.

Your warfarin record should state: dose, INR target range, next appointment date and duration of treatment.

[minnime63]

Very civilised! Much better to be able to pop in if you feel it's low. I hate the monthly hospital checks and the waiting around x