13 replies to this topic

[Dave Bishopstone]

Hi,

One of the criteria for obtaining exemption from paying for NHS prescription items is the existence of a permanent fistula, requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance. A permanent fistula is defined as a permanent abnormal passageway between two organs in the body or between an organ (i.e. bladder) and the exterior of the body.

Does anyone know if having a 'suprapubic catheter' in place comes within that definition - as it requires an appliance, viz: the catheter.

Cheers

[Trinity]

Dave Bishopstone, on May 31 2009, 11:11 PM, said:

Hi,

One of the criteria for obtaining exemption from paying for NHS prescription items is the existence of a permanent fistula, requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance. A permanent fistula is defined as a permanent abnormal passageway between two organs in the body or between an organ (i.e. bladder) and the exterior of the body.

Does anyone know if having a 'suprapubic catheter' in place comes within that definition - as it requires an appliance, viz: the catheter.

Cheers

I would hazard a guess at not as it is not a permanent fistula but I do not know for sure.

[greybeard]

Doubtful I should think, but worth asking.

[edlee]

By the definition you quoted, it certainly seems to me that it would fly.

The doctors I have talked to about an SP, call it permanent,,, even tho they admit that many aren't,, they still say that they are supposed to be.

Try checking the official definition of a stoma.
ed

[Dave Bishopstone]

edlee, on Jun 1 2009, 08:39 PM, said:

By the definition you quoted, it certainly seems to me that it would fly.

The doctors I have talked to about an SP, call it permanent,,, even tho they admit that many aren't,, they still say that they are supposed to be.

Try checking the official definition of a stoma.
ed

Hi Ed,

Thanks for your reply. Looking up 'stoma' reveals "Any operation that creates a stoma ends with '-ostomy".
A suprapubic cystostomy (also known as a vesicostomy) is a surgically-created connection between the urinary bladder and the skin which is used to drain urine from the bladder.

Using those definitions suggests to me that a permanent (albeit replaced periodically) suprapubic catheter used by many SCI folk, including my son, would probably be deemed a 'permanent fistula'.

Dave

[Tinbasher]

I get free prescriptions via the "unable to attend the pharmacy without assistance" exemption. A few years ago the SIA suggested that a wheelchair implies assistance and my Gp was happy to sign me up.

Tin

edlee, on Jun 1 2009, 08:39 PM, said:

By the definition you quoted, it certainly seems to me that it would fly.

The doctors I have talked to about an SP, call it permanent,,, even tho they admit that many aren't,, they still say that they are supposed to be.

Try checking the official definition of a stoma.
ed

Edited by Tinbasher, 01 June 2009 - 08:13 PM.

[wheelywendy]

Tinbasher, on Jun 1 2009, 09:13 PM, said:

I get free prescriptions via the "unable to attend the pharmacy without assistance" exemption. A few years ago the SIA suggested that a wheelchair implies assistance and my Gp was happy to sign me up.

Tin

edlee, on Jun 1 2009, 08:39 PM, said:

By the definition you quoted, it certainly seems to me that it would fly.

The doctors I have talked to about an SP, call it permanent,,, even tho they admit that many aren't,, they still say that they are supposed to be.

Try checking the official definition of a stoma.
ed

i get free prescriptions on this basis too, my gp told me needing assistance included needing a wheelchair, as like he says if i dont use the assistance of my wheelchair then i cant get out the house, so speak to your gp

[russ1]

Dave Bishopstone, on May 31 2009, 11:11 PM, said:

Hi,

One of the criteria for obtaining exemption from paying for NHS prescription items is the existence of a permanent fistula, requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance. A permanent fistula is defined as a permanent abnormal passageway between two organs in the body or between an organ (i.e. bladder) and the exterior of the body.

Does anyone know if having a 'suprapubic catheter' in place comes within that definition - as it requires an appliance, viz: the catheter.

Cheers

I was informed that it did when I applied for mine, it is certainly a permanent fistula and it certainly requires an appliance - QED

It's a far better bet than trying to argue that needing a wheelchair is the same as a person in the definition "A continuing physical disability which means the person cannot go out without the help of another person" IMHO

[ems]

Hmmm.. I was told to apply whilst in stoke, and have had the exemption ever since! Its valid for life, or till I'm old or something anyway.

[purple_faeries]

hiya

Yes, an SPC counts for free prescriptions, another forum I am a member of ( http://forum.bladder...lfoundation.org ) tackles this issues fairly frequently.

Hope this helps

Hannah

[russ1]

ems, on Jun 2 2009, 11:23 PM, said:

Hmmm.. I was told to apply whilst in stoke, and have had the exemption ever since! Its valid for life, or till I'm old or something anyway.

Only lasts 5 years I'm afraid after which you should reapply - I was sent a letter by the pricing authority with the reapplication forms to do so but doing so remains your responsibility.

From the govt website FAQ

"Medical Exemption Certificates

Q. What will be covered by the certificate?
A. Your NHS prescriptions.
Q. How long will it last?
A. For administrative convenience, a Medical Exemption Certificate will last for 5 years or until your 60th birthday, whichever is the sooner."

[ems]

I've never reapplied, I've had a new card sent everytime, no one has asked me to sign any forms or anything.....weird. My lastest card expires 2013, I never asked for another one last yr, it just came in the post.

[fastwheels]

Nhs Prescription Exemption

if you got a stoma such as a ileostomy or colostomy you are exempt

or you have a disability which its hard to go by your self to the doctors & you need help to colect your medication or you got to be with some one when you go to the doctors i.e a pa or one of your family


here is a list you could qualify

Permanent fistulas (caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy etc)


Diabetes


Hypoparathyroidism


Myasthenia gravis


Myxoedema


Epilespy, requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy


Physical disabilities hampering mobility

you would qualify for this part of the Exemption (Physical disabilities hampering mobility) because your in a wheelchair

http://www.leeds.gov...e06dc7a3365.pdf

im medical exempt under Physical disabilities hampering mobility

from fastwheels

Edited by fastwheels, 04 June 2009 - 06:32 AM.

[Zammo]

ems, on Jun 2 2009, 11:23 PM, said:

Hmmm.. I was told to apply whilst in stoke, and have had the exemption ever since! Its valid for life, or till I'm old or something anyway.

Yes I was told to apply whilst in Stoke too. My card runs out 2011 apparently.