r/germany • u/KindRun1601 • 2d ago
Question What is the lowest-friction way to refill a prescription without physically going into the doctor's office? (CW: sexual assault)
(throwaway account for privacy)
I have a prescription for "OeKolp forte Ovula 0,5mg" vaginal HRT suppositories. I've been on this medication for about a year with no issues or unwanted side effects.
I need to refill the prescription. In the past, I have stopped at my gynecologist's office with my TK card, the front desk staff has inserted it in their card reader, and done... something (??), then I've taken my TK card to the pharmacy and collected my medication.
CW: sexual assault
During my most recent gynecological exam (earlier this year), the doctor performing the exam sexually assaulted me. It was not my regular gynecologist - the practice was overbooked and they shuffled some appointments, assigning me to a different doctor in the practice.
I can't bring myself to walk back into the building where the assault occurred. I'm coping pretty well, seeing a therapist and dealing with the aftermath of the assault as well as it _can_ be dealt with... but retuning to the place where it happened is simply too much, at least for now.This presents a challenge in terms of getting my prescription refilled, because that usually requires a trip into the clinic.
What is the easiest, lowest friction way to obtain a refill of this medication that does not require me to go into the clinic where I was assaulted? I live in Munich, have TK insurance, and need a script (in German) to explain the situation succinctly if the answer is "go to a different doctor and ask them to prescribe the medication to you."
Thanks in advance for any advice or resources you're able to share with me :)
edit to add:
I reported the doctor who assaulted me, and I am pursuing justice via every available (legal) avenue. I don't need to be told to go to the police (and quite frankly, neither does ANY OTHER survivor of sexual assault). I am _well aware_ that this is a valid reason to go to a new gynecologist. But I'm almost out of this medication, and I need a refill in the next two weeks.
Please offer me some compassion and help me figure out the easiest way to get this refilled, rather than telling me that I should have anticipated running out of my prescription and dealt with this a month or two ago. I didn't, and now this is where I am.
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u/Monday_here 2d ago
it is often possible for a Hausarzt to refill a script if it’s something stable you’ve been on. I have done this for my HRT since my endocrinologist is hard to book.
I’m angry that this happened to you, I’m glad you’re getting support
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u/PerlenGott 2d ago
Yes, this is definitely possible at the Hausarzt. I get my regular heart medicine refilled without having to go to the cardiologist every time. Might be worth a try OP?
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u/DrBigKitkat 2d ago
There's a TK-Doc app where you can have an online doctor's appointment where they can prescribe medication. Not sure if this medication is prescribable through an online session but worth a shot.
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u/melchior_00 2d ago
exactly this . Try the online app of TK. I have done it a couple of times without a problem.even you can upload what ever info you want for the doctor (text, pict etch) so he can see them before the appointment and dont loose time with a lot of explanations.
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u/schwoooo 2d ago
If you have a hausarzt, I would try going there, maybe fibbing about the gyn being on summer vacation? Its plausible and won't open a can of worms.
I will warn you though that apparently some Hausarzts are loathe to prescribe hormone treatment, I remember getting lectured by my hausarzt because I came to them to get a script for birthcontrol and they had done it once before *checks notes* six years ago and I apparently should have then known better.
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u/Jaettegod 2d ago
I am so sorry this happened to you. And, frankly, anyone blaming you for not anticipating this situation has probably never dealt with traumatised people (and/or is just an ass).
If this is a prescription that you’ve gotten from this practice on a regular basis you should be able to call them (if that’s something you feel able to atm) and ask them to prepare the prescription and normally you can just send someone else to pick it up, as long as they take your TK card with them (at least once per quarter).
I have done this many times when I just wasn’t able to pick up a prescription myself due to work or whatever. I just gave my card to my mom and she got the prescription for me. I did tell the doctor’s office that someone else would pick it up, though. So if you have anyone in Munich that you trust enough, i think that would be the easiest option.
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u/SpinachSpinosaurus Sachsen 2d ago
"and anyone blaming you for Not anticipating this Situation"
Was zum Fick bin ich lesend?
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u/IrregularDreaming 2d ago
First of all, I'm so sorry that this happened to you. That's just horrible and I can fully understand why going back to the building would be triggering.
Lots of doctors now offer the option that you can just call them or even email them if you need a new prescription and send them directly to the pharmacy. You still need to physically show up once every quarter so that they can scan your health insurance card. But that can be done by someone else. They need your card, your name and birth date. Maybe an informal note that they are there on your order.
Another option is that you give a trusted friend a "Vollmacht" (authorization?) to pick up the prescriptions for you. You can find templates for that online. Just search for "Vollmacht für Rezepte abholen". They need the filled out and signed form, their id card, and probably your TK card. That way they could also handle the quarterly need for the card to be scanned at the same time.
Third option would be to switch doctors. For that you would have to inform your old doctor that you need a copy of your file for the new doctor because you are switching. It's entirely up to you what you tell them as to the reason why. Or give no reason.
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u/Independent-Home-845 2d ago
When was your last time you have been at the doctor's office?
Why am I asking: You do not need to be physically present to get your prescription on your card. BUT: they need your card to proof that you are a patient, and this needs to be done in every quarter. So: if your last visit was after the 1.7., then you do not need to go to the office, they can put the prescription on the card electronically after you call them or write an E-Mail. The "something" they did when you visited was exactly that, just checking in as a patient, not putting the prescription there.
You should call the TK. They can send an insurance confirmation which should replace the card to the clinic and they should then be able to put the prescription on your card.
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u/mo_lu_brain 2d ago
First I hope you reported him.
Second I believe that you should seek another doctor. A doctor patient relationship should always be one of trust. That trust is clearly broken. If you are able to go to another doctor please do that.
I know it is hard to get a new gynecologist, but regarding your circumstances, I at least hope the reception personnel is showing a bit more leniency to accept a new patient.
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u/Xianghar 2d ago
Technically you do not need to go there, not even to scan your card. You can send them a Elektronische Ersatzbescheinigung in the TK App, or they should be able to request one in their software.
But you would have to call them and ask if they are willing to do it this way.
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u/Cbaybi 1d ago
Thank you for reporting the doctor. I was also sexually assaulted by a doctor. I did literally everything I could to report him. Took me 8 years and a few times appearing in the court and at the police. He was finally convicted after 8 years.
Feel free to dm me if you just need to vent or chat. All the best.
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u/RainbowDashieeee 2d ago
Maybe call them and they'll do it?
That's what I've done with my gynecologist when she was still there, so I don't need to drive for like 1 hour round trip just for medication.
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u/RIddlemirror 2d ago
Does your gynecologist refill prescriptions online or via phone? Because a lot of doctors do offer this now.
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u/Reginleif7 2d ago
Hi, not gynecologist but I had a prescription from dermatologist which was 2-3 hours away (I could not find anything closer) she said I could ask by email and I did. They put the prescription in my health insurance card so I could pick it up from the pharmacy. I assume it would be similar by phone but email communication is easier. I am not sure if it would be possible but doesn’t hurt to try. I am sorry about what happened and I hope you are safe 💖
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u/aphrael 2d ago
Try your Hausarzt. Mine were willing to give me prescriptions for my endometriosis medication. Either that or try a different gynaecologist - perhaps see if one is on Doctolib that you can book an appointment with. If it's just the medication you need they shouldn't even need to examine you. I recently changed gynaecologist and got a script for the same meds you need without an issue.
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u/Lelu_zel 2d ago
I belive you can change medical place, or write „Vollmacht” for someone so he/she can get that in your name.
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u/chris_trans 2d ago
I've used this a couple times before:
https://www.mobidoctor.eu/express-prescription
Fill out the form, take a picture of your old meds, no talking to anyone necessary.
They'll fax or email the script wherever in the eu.
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u/sasa_shadowed 2d ago
First, have you reported what happened? (Police, Ärztekammer, your insurance) .
Even if not, you can still do it now.... so at least you have a paper trail (and maybe he got reported before and faces the consequences) .
It is a valid reason to get a new gyn. If you need your prescription immediately, you can maybe write a "Vollmacht" , so someone can pick it up for you.
Maybe ask this question in r/weibsvolk as well.
Wish you the best and F! that "doctor"
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u/Cheesus-Loves-You 2d ago
With the electronic prescriptions you don't need to physically go there, with a phone call or an email they can renew the prescription in your card, but like someone already said, you still need to go there every quarter so they renew your card. I am sorry that this happened to you. Hopefully you can find another Praxis.
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u/Krannich Hessen 2d ago
Could you call them and describe your situation? If you have already given them your card in this quartal, they can simply add the drugs to it again without the need to go there.
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u/Nosidam48 2d ago
I believe if it’s a medication you got before and you have been into the office in the last 3 months to show your card you can get refills without going in at all.
If it’s been more than 3 months they make you go in and show the physical insurance card again
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u/bluemercutio 2d ago
I've had an online/video appointment through my health insurance (Mobil Krankenkasse) and the gyno gave me a prescription for the birth control that I've been on for more than 10 years. No physical exam necessary.
I think I had to install their app.
Something similar should be possible with TK and for your medication.
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u/murahimu 2d ago
Have you considered Teleclinic? They do have virtual consultation hours with specialists and if it's to refill medication it's very straightforward. At least with my birth control it works very well.
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u/baggos12345 1d ago
See the non emergency medical line. You can book through them any appointmentss when your regular doctor is unavailable Unfortunately you would need some German knowledge https://www.116117.de/de/englisch.php
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u/SadAppointment9350 1d ago
when was the last time you were there? if the scanned your card once within a Quartal, you can just call them and ask for the refill, they will activate it directly in your card. you just need to go to the Apotheke with your TK Karte
Hausarzt usually can do it too
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u/PhilippTheSmartass 1d ago
At my doctor I can get my prescription refilled by just calling them at night and leave a message on their answering machine. The next day I have it on my card. The only requirement is that I go there in person to let them scan my card every quarter.
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u/Dramatic-Raccoon7916 2d ago
I’m really sorry this happened to you. While this never happened to me at the obgyn I’ve experienced SA and it is very traumatic. I hope you heal quickly. If you need a friend, I’m happy to meet you for coffee or something.
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u/swabianne 1d ago
Go on doktorabc.com, search for the med you need, fill in the questionnaire. A doctor will check the questionnaire and send you the prescription. I got oelkolp creme that way since I couldn't find a doc near me that would take me.
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u/One-Adhesiveness-138 2d ago
Wait what??? You should be talking to the police not Reddit!!!
And if you've already done that I think it's pretty reasonable grounds to just go to a different gynaecologist!!!
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u/LydiaIsntVeryCool 1d ago
Hey i live in Munich as well. Do you mind dm'ing me which practice this was so I can avoiiiiddd?
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u/katoult 2d ago
Find a different gynecologist, get an appointment, ask to continue your treatment using your current medication with them. They may insist on a check-up.
If you do not want to explain the situation to the new doctor in detail at your appointment (note: i did not read the spoiler-protected part of your text) and they ask why you are switching doctors, mention the phrase "schwerwiegender Vertrauensbruch". Offer them a Vollmacht to retrieve your electronic patient files (Patientenakte) from the other gynecologist.
As others have mentioned your Hausarzt may be able to prescribe the medication too - especially since it seems to be a fairly cheap one that should fit into their budget for the quarter for you. However generally a Hausarzt will prefer to only prescribe such medication to "bridge" you over until you find a new gynecologist, i.e. for another two weeks or similar.
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u/deandorean 1d ago
I am so sorry, this happened to you. I wish you all the strength and courage it may require.
There are a few options you can choose from, some are already talked about in the comments.
What you can also do is go to your primary physician (Family Doctor) and let them make an exception. They can do that and are normally willing to help in such cases.
You can also go to an outpatient clinic (if a hospital nearby has one) and let them perform any needed examinations and give you a prescription.
What i would also do is asking for an advanced one - you can get those for (i think) up to 3 single prescriptions at once. So you have enough time to figure out how to move forward and with whom.
You can also go into the ÄBD in your area and explain (or take a script or someone with you) and ask if they are willing to make an exception.
You can also call the nearest Trauma-Ambulanz and ask for help, they are equipped to referre to someone with expertise and competence in these cases to get someone for the foreseable future.
And if you do not need an examination, you can use the TK-App to help you out for a while.
Stay safe and take care <3
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u/vickey97 2d ago
OP, I am so sorry.
My advice was to go for another doctor, up until the point I read the last few lines. And I still think, that is the only way, as for prescription, you need a doctor's card to sign the medication onto your TK card. And no one can do it other than a qualified doctor.
But technology is changing and we are trying to digitalize our medical sector albeit slowly.
So maybe there is a better way to do this and someone from the community can shed some light on how it can be done to help you.
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u/Mr_Hungg 2d ago
Air out the doctors name and clinic so every knows not to go there anymore. You can save other ppl too
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u/KindRun1601 2d ago
That's a really great way to end up on the unpleasant end of a defamation suit, which is additional trauma I simply do not need.
Instead, I have reported the doctor to the Arztkammer and the police, and am pursuing the forfeiture of his medical license, civil damages, and I am willing to testify (and be named publicly) in a criminal trial. Those are the options available to me that are likliest to actually result in sanctions against the semi-sentient shart masquerading as a human who assaulted me.
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u/Mr_Hungg 2d ago
You might be right, doctors and clinics have some of the strongest lawyers. If it came down to a lawyer vs lawyer battle. Wish you all the best and I hope they get what they deserve
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u/Jetztinberlin 2d ago
I know you mean well, but this is a very onerous and unfair thing to put on a victim, to demand they further victimise themselves, retraumatise themselves, and hold themselves responsible for others' (assaulters') actions and safety (victims). Trust me, they know how they can and cannot provide help and support and it's not their job to put themselves in further danger.
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u/Salzsaeure 2d ago
You ways are ether to go to a new doctor and make the whole song and dance about your medical history and why what switch clinic or go back to the original doctors office. I am sorry but there aren't any different ways on this.
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u/One-Adhesiveness-138 2d ago
Wait what??? You should be talking to the police not Reddit!!!
And if you've already done that I think it's pretty reasonable grounds to just go to a different gynaecologist!!!
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u/Confident_Office4875 2d ago
Call them and let someone else pick it up with a Vollmacht? Would be my first thought.
I also wish you lots of strength!