Find out the most common questions that people ask about how prescriptions and repeats in NZ work.
How repeat prescriptions work is when the label on your medicine says that there is a ‘repeat’ it means that a further supply is available from that pharmacy, up until the date stated on the label. Make sure you return to the pharmacy where the original prescription was sent to, to collect your repeats (which pharmacies can refer to as ‘refills’).
At ZOOM Pharmacy, we know when you are due for your next monthly refill/repeat. ZOOM will automatically pack and deliver them to your door, without you even having to ask!
When the label on your medicine says that there is a ‘repeat’ available you must get your repeat from the pharmacy where the original prescription was sent to. At ZOOM Pharmacy, we know when you are due for your next new prescription. and can help organise it before you run out. *Ts & Cs apply
Yes, your doctor or medical centre can easily and quickly send your prescription to any pharmacy in New Zealand, simply by fax or email. If your medical centre refuses or delays sending your prescription to your preferred pharmacy, or directs it to their preferred pharmacy instead, remind them – ‘it’s my decision what pharmacy I use – not yours’.
The Ministry of Health says ‘the right of patients to choose their pharmacy is a fundamental right enshrined in The Code.’ Your medical centre is duty bound by: the Code of Ethics for the New Zealand Medical Profession, the Medical Council of New Zealand ‘ and ‘Good Prescribing Practice‘.
At ZOOM Pharmacy, our contact details for your doctor or medical centre are:
- FAX 0508 9 666 96
- SECURE PRESCRIPTION EMAIL script@zoompharmacy.co.nz
When you are due to get your next new repeat prescription, you can either book an appointment to see your doctor, or request it over the phone or through your patient portal. At ZOOM Pharmacy, we know when you are due to get your next new prescription, and can help organise it for you before you run out.
Some prescriptions are free in NZ. Currently you pay $5 for each new prescription item. There is no $5 prescription charge for children under 14. If your medicine is not fully subsidised, you may have to pay additional costs. At ZOOM Pharmacy, if you are on four or more regular pills/tablets every day, use our monthly medicines service – and get FREE prescriptions, with FREE daily sachet packs and FREE delivery to your door. *Ts & Cs apply
When you request your next new or repeat prescription from your doctor, you will need to pay for your repeat prescription from your medical centre, even if you don’t need to go in and see them.
A prescription for three month’s medication may be dispensed by your pharmacy all at once, or they may give it to you in three, monthly lots.
If your medicine is dispensed monthly, you are often asked to pay the total amount owing up front at month 1. There are exceptions however, depending on the medicines you are on, if they are fully funded or not, and if your medicines are packed into monthly blister or sachet packs. In these instances, pharmacies may charge you on a monthly, as you go, basis.
The key is – if you are unsure, always ask your pharmacy, so that you know what to expect.
At ZOOM Pharmacy if you are on four or more regular pills/tablets every day, use our monthly medicines service – and get FREE prescriptions, with FREE daily sachet packs and FREE delivery to your door. *Ts & Cs apply
To get free prescriptions, once you, your partner, and any dependent children under 18, have collectively paid for 20 prescription items in a year (from 1 February), you all will NOT have to pay the $5 charge for any new prescription items until 1 February the next year. At ZOOM Pharmacy, if you are on four or more regular pills/tablets every day, use our monthly medicines service – and get FREE prescriptions, with FREE daily sachet packs and FREE delivery to your door. *Ts & Cs apply
In NZ the prescription cost is $5 for each new prescription item. There is no $5 prescription charge for children under 14. If your medicine is not fully subsidised, you may have to pay additional costs. At ZOOM Pharmacy if you are on four or more regular pills/tablets every day, use our monthly medicines service – and get FREE prescriptions, with FREE daily sachet packs and FREE delivery to your door. *Ts & Cs apply
Ask a pharmacy if you can get your prescription medicine delivered by them. At ZOOM Pharmacy once we receive your prescription then confirm your order with you, your medicine will automatically be delivered to your door, anywhere in New Zealand.
From the date your prescription is written by a NZ health or medical practitioner, in most cases it is valid for 3 months (90 days) for dispensing – and government funding. You can still get your prescription dispensed after 3 months and up to 6 months after it has been written – but you will need to pay full cost ie government funding will not apply. An important exception is a triplicate controlled drug prescription (eg morphine, oxycodone). From the date your prescription is written by a NZ health or medical practitioner, it is valid for 7 days only.
At ZOOM Pharmacy, we will gently remind you if you have a prescription or medicines order sitting with us, so that you can confirm your order and get your medicines sent to you, well before your prescription becomes invalid.
Do you want medicine delivery to your door? When you get your medicine from ZOOM Pharmacy, we deliver directly to your door anywhere in NZ. Simply send ZOOM your prescription. You can do this through your patient portal, or tell your medical centre to send it. A pharmacist will then get in touch and take it from there.
At ZOOM Pharmacy, if you are on four or more regular pills/tablets every day, use our monthly medicines service – and get FREE prescriptions, with FREE daily sachet packs and FREE delivery to your door. *Ts & Cs apply.
In New Zealand, a pharmacy online prescription – for both funded and unfunded prescription medicines – can be dispensed and delivered to your door from ZOOM Pharmacy. How does ZOOM Pharmacy work? It’s as easy as one, two, three!
ONE …
Get your prescription sent to ZOOM Pharmacy by your medical centre or patient portal.
TWO …
Once ZOOM receives your prescription, we will contact you to confirm your order, and to answer any questions you may have.
THREE !
ZOOM packs up your medicines, and organises delivery to your door by a NZ Post courier in 1-2 working days, anywhere in New Zealand.
