The difference between a prescription renewal and a refill

There are various problems that can occur in the complex world of pharmaceuticals. One of the most frustrating and possibly dangerous is also one of the simplest.

The problem is that medical providers sometimes do not refill prescriptions when they should. This potentially life-threatening issue could be grounds for a medical malpractice suit.

The doctor’s responsibilities versus yours

To understand this, it is important to understand the difference between a refill and a renewal. A refill is something that comes with your prescription and, basically, is a way to get a fresh batch of medicine.

The renewal is a different matter entirely. Renewals come after the pharmacy gives you your last refill. The doctor or healthcare provider would need to write a new prescription, sometimes after an appointment to check your progress or determine that you still need the medicine.

This is a process, and there are many things that could go wrong. However, there are also many safeguards in place that should make sure you get what you need. That is, the safeguards should work if your provider is doing at least the bare minimum.

The dangers of inappropriate delay or denial

There are many potential injuries you could suffer if your provider failed to renew the prescription you needed. You could suffer pain, your condition could worsen or, in the case of a family member whose renewal did not go through, you could even lose a loved one.

Some of these injuries are serious and permanent. Some lead to expensive complications in an illness or condition. Whatever the injury happens to be, you might be able to recover some of the cost if it was, indeed, due to a negligent mistake by a medical provider.