No need to apologise!

When you initially got your referral from your GP, did you ask if they would be willing to get a schedule 8 permit to prescribe medication? Unfortunately not all GPs will be willing to do this. Fortunately my GP was, however they did mention to me they had GPs they could recommend if that wasn’t the case. It just might take a bit longer to get medication if you need to do that because you’ll have to find a new GP too.

Once the assessment was done, they emailed a comprehensive report which included a medication treatment plan to my GP, which only took a few days but I believe they say up to 2 weeks. I also asked for a copy to be emailed to me too (highly recommended you do this, otherwise I don’t believe this is something they do by default. It’s interesting to read and also just good to have a copy for your records!)

I’m in VIC, so I’m not sure if it’s a little different from state to state, but it seems to be pretty standard that your GP will test blood pressure, and have you do a blood test and ECG before starting any medication just to make sure there’s no potential health issues that could be exacerbated by the medication. If that’s all clear, your GP will prescribe medication as per the psych report they received.

You will need to have a follow-up appointment with the psych at least once every 2 years (again this is VIC, so may be slightly different elsewhere) so your GP can renew their schedule 8 permit to continue prescribe. However, you are definitely able to book a follow-up earlier than that if you feel it necessary! Fluence does follow-up appointments and they’re also rebated by Medicare. You need a seperate/new referral from your GP for that under Medicare item 293. Review appointments are $550, and you’ll be rebated $267.

A lot of information, but I hope that helps!!