Here is the text from the paper:
Beginn: 25/9/2023
Ende: 25/12/2023
Anz. wiederh. Bez.: 3
Bezugsmenge: 11 Stück
Does this mean he prescribed 3 doses or 11 doses?
I will call the doctor tomorrow, of course.
I asked two pharmacists and they couldn't tell me what 3 and 11 in this prescription mean.
I take it to mean this:
"Anz. wiederh. Bez." is "Anzahl wiederholte Bezüge", meaning that this prescription can be used three times, each to draw the permitted amount.
"Bezugsmenge" is the amount one is allowed to draw (or the pharmacist is allowed to dispense) per time, i.e. 11.
During a period of 3 months starting on 25th September and running up until last date 25th December 2023, the patient can show up at the pharmacist 3 times, and each time be given 11 units of x. That'd make a total of 3x 11 units = 33 units, giving a potential use of the units at roughly one every three days over the three months. That might be okay, for example, for some sorts of painkillers, and a restriction of the amount could be a measure to try to prevent over-consumption, either by dose or duration.
If this doesn't make sense for the actual x prescribed, then perhaps the doctor has made an error on the prescription.
You went to the pharmacist with the prescription? And what they didn’t understand it and sent you away??
Whenever I’ve had a problem with a prescription (Dr made an error recently) the pharmacist has called them and sorted it out. In fact once even, a Dr had said they would fax a prescription through and when they didn’t the pharmacist called and chased it up for me!
I suspect malo doesn't speak German (and the pharmacist didn't speak English.)
I would hope that the prescribing doctor explained the dosage but I suppose not in this case.
It seems the pharmacists charge for their advice which in this case somehow didn't work. I usually have to say "yes yes I'm already familiar with this medication".
I've had pharmacists phone the doctor to confirm if the prescription if they think there's been a mistake. I'd expect them to do the same if the prescription doesn't make sense.
Perhaps anal, but in order to repeat you need to have an initial one, so it could mean 1+3. "Anz. Bezüge" would be a clear match for your interpretation. 44 pieces would allow taking one every other day for the three months whereas 33 are good for one every three days, roughly.
YMMV, but one should be aware that the pharmacy might charge a fee for that phone call, and the Praxis might charge you the time as well.
BTDT, made the Rx a lot more expensive.
I would challenge that directly with the health insurance - transmitting a prescription from doctor to pharmacist is clearly a key part of the job and what you already paid for, not the patient's fault.
The pharmacist makes an administrative charge. I do not know how variable that is.
Thank you all, this was very informative.