Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the implementation of recipes issued abroad in Poland and vice versa. This problem is regulated by the latest directive on the free choice of the country and place of treatment by patients from European Union countries. This introduces the principle of mutual recognition of prescriptions by EU countries and regulates the method of purchasing reimbursed drugs.
Nowadays, when more and more people live outside Poland, the "prescription law" finally had to be regulated. Access todrugsand the right to use medical care in the country in which we are staying should be clearly and substantively specified. The EU regulation complements the regulations governing the free movement of persons and services within EU countries. In accordance with the new regulations,prescriptionsissued by Polish doctors will be available throughout theEuropean Unionand vice versa - prescriptions issued by doctors from other countries, patients will be could be bought in Poland. There is one condition - a given drug must be approved for sale in the country of purchase. Currently, Polish prescriptions do not honor, among others Finland, Great Britain, Ireland, Austria and Italy. However, Greece, Hungary and Portugal accept them. This situation will change and will be governed by EU-wide rules.
Reimbursed drugs - refund for their purchase
Although these changes are very beneficial for us, one should remember about the rules of drug reimbursement. For a drug that is subsidized by the state in Poland, you have to pay 100 percent in another country. its prices. In many cases, drugs that are reimbursed in Poland are not subsidized in another country. The patient will therefore have to pay for the drugs at the full rate in force in the country, and then get a refund in the amount guaranteed by his insurance in the country.
Transition period - time to prepare doctors to fill prescriptions legibly
Until January 1, 2014, there will be a transitional period before the EU directive will enter into permanent force. Until then, all member states have to change their internal regulations so that the adopted directive can startfunction without limitations. After this date, no state will be able to limit or change the scope of application of the "prescription regulation". First of all, doctors must prepare for the mutual recognition of prescriptions - prescription forms will have to be filled in in such a way that every pharmacist in each EU country can read them and dispense the appropriate medicine.
