I wanted to know, if we are prescribed thyroid supplement by someone like Dr. S, do we then have to pay each month for the prescription - I am just trying to work out what sort of long term costs could come out of a referral.
Do we pay for private prescriptions of thyroid ... - Thyroid UK
Do we pay for private prescriptions of thyroid support?
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shawsAdministrator
Dr S wrote to my GP asking him to prescribe - he wouldn't so I had to pay for my meds but I didn't pay for further prescriptions.
• in reply toshaws
Wow, thanks for such a prompt response - I really appreciate the way people here respond so promptly. At the moment I am working with a herbalist to see if I can't get an improvement to my thyroid-like symptoms (diagnosed with ME/cfs) but I know part of me is trying to weigh up the costs with regards to seeing Dr. S or Dr. P.
Thanks again Shaws, really helpful 
I will just mention that, as far as I know, before the TSH blood test was introduced in the 1960's and everyone was medicated due to clinical symptoms no-one had CFS or Fibro. This is how Dr Skinner (Virologist) became involved.
How come you didn't pay for further? Intrigued.
I suppose it comes within the fees I paid. You get 3 months meds at a time. If your GP decides to prescribe on the NHS that would be better.
Yes for sure. He did initially then his senior partners told him he could no longer treat me.
My GP wouldn't prescribe either. Why do we always hit a brick wall and not be allowed meds which make us so much better.
It's like the twilight zone that we've entered 
Did you expect, when first diagnosed, that we would have to read and study so much about the thyroid gland that we now appear to know much more than most who are supposed to be more knowledgeable.I left school a 15 - I always thought the GP knew about everything until, that is, negligence caused my mother's demise.
Hi I see Dr S too and he has written regularly to my GP. GP wouldn't prescribe Levo on NHS even though Dr S said I needed it. Now I'm on NDT and Dr S has written to my GP again asking for it to be prescribed on the NHS free prescription, but no response. I'm interested to know if you have found a way round this.
Thanks
No, there's really no way round it. The GP's can make there own decision.
Thanks Shaws for getting back. It's a tricky one this. If I manage to get my NDT on the NHS I'll let you know. My GP has just summoned me re my blood test results so it looks like showdown is about to start.
He will probably be nervous as they think we'll have heart attacks and maybe afraid of his job. He may suprise you but it will be interesting to know what he says.
In case - Dr Toft ex of the British Thyroid Association says that the appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range – 0.2-0.5mU/l.
(He is not talking about NDT but I think the TSH should be about the same)
Thanks Shaws. Funny enough I was researching Dr Toft today. Thought my GP might be more receptive to his comments especially his later opinions.
That's very interesting to me - I walked into my docs ten years ago with low basal temperature, ticking every thyroid-type symptom in the box with the exception of TSH levels
(coming in at normal range). Within a year I had a diagnosis of ME/chronic fatigue and have been on sickness benefits and struggle for any normal range of activity - like many people here I have been to hell and back (and back again).
My t3 has been out of my clinic's range and has only recently climbed back in. I am now at 3.7 after being 3.1 and 3.2 ( in a t3 clinic range of 3.5-6.5) Still my current doc has absolutely refused to refer me or treat me for anything other than symptomatic relief: dry skin cream, antidepressants, painkillers.I'm sure my story isn't unique - without this site I would feel utterly hopeless.
I have an exemption certificate for hypothyroidism but as my doc won't support me I have to pay.
• in reply toMrsmoon
Thanks Mrsmoon - I get help normally too, but I guess this whole situation isn't what anyone could call normal, having to go off and see other docs etc., when our own GPs have developed a strange phobia of responding to anything but the thyroid test outcomes...
Mrsmoon• in reply to
Thanks Townie. I couldn't agree more.
I was surprised that one of the first things my pharmacist told me when I took in my first Levothyroxine prescription was to apply for a NHS exemption certificate by asking my GP for the appropriate form. After sending it off, the card came through in a matter of weeks and it covers ALL medication you will need for ANYTHING for the rest of your life. I thought this was common nationwide?
Not if the prescription is a private one. Only NHS prescriptions are free.
Thanks for this. Even if the referral to the specialist was made by your GP? I shall be able to test this tomorrow when I have my second visit to the endo when I know she is prescribing meds. Will let you know.
Please do. I've tried different pharmacies and all say as private I have to pay. 
Sorry that I can't confirm one way or t'other if I would have had to pay for a private script from the endo as I needed only vitamin D and she immediately said I could buy them off the shelf in the pharmacy. I can also then ask my GP to prescribe when they run out apparently. I am now hopeful that my aches and pains will begin to lessen as a result of taking the D3. Fingers crossed.
Hi Most GP`s will not prescribe on Dr. S instruction but will always for a private endo. best to ask, you may be lucky!
Jackie
• in reply toJackie
That's helpful thanks - I'm trying to think forward about choices and outcomes - there's such a lot of good information and support here, so that makes it easier
I was told by my doctor when I was diagnosed rhat I don't pay for. My prescription as I have an exemption card if that what u mean
Thanks Shezz - I normally have an exemption card with my NHS prescriptions, but I was wondering about if I went to see someone like Dr. Skinner and was prescribed thyroid hormones, would I have to pay for them privately. It seems that sometimes, after a person has seen a private endo, people's own docs then prescribe hormones, but not in all cases.I hope I got that right
I see a private GP and therefore pay for a private prescription each time I need more medication.
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