Private prescription

A private prescription is supplied outside the PBS subsidy arrangements applicable to that supply. The patient generally pays the pharmacy's private price. This is different from a private doctor's consultation: consultation billing and prescription subsidy are separate questions and should be checked separately. Australian Government, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme: PBS frequently asked questions

Ask what the price refers to

When a service quotes an assessment fee, it usually describes the appointment or review, not everything that might be supplied afterwards. Ask the pharmacy for a price before collection if you need to plan costs. An eScript token does not itself provide a complete quote.

If you expected a PBS supply but are quoted a private price, ask the pharmacist to explain why. There may be eligibility, prescription or supply conditions to clarify. Do not assume that changing pharmacies or booking another consultation will automatically change the subsidy position.

Clinical suitability still comes first

The prescriber decides what treatment is appropriate. A private prescription does not mean that ordinary professional standards have been bypassed or that a requested treatment must be supplied. The pharmacist still undertakes dispensing checks. Medical Board telehealth guidelines Australian Government, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme: PBS frequently asked questions

Tell the doctor if cost is likely to prevent you following the plan. That is relevant clinical context. Ask whether another appropriate approach is available, rather than quietly not starting treatment and leaving the clinician to assume it was used.

Keep records for later review

Retain the pharmacy receipt and treatment details if you need to discuss costs, reimbursement or continuity of care. Any private insurance reimbursement depends on the policy and circumstances; do not assume a prescription is covered because a consultation was paid privately.

Doccio's prescription service assesses whether a new prescription is appropriate. Its listed service fee is separate from pharmacy charges. If you already have a valid prescription and only need a price explanation, start with the pharmacy. If the clinical plan needs to change, return to the prescriber so a doctor can decide the appropriate next step.