Korean Job Discussion Forums

[periwinkle]

Just wanted to give some of y'all a heads up. My co-worker went to the international clinic in Itaewon, and he got a prescription from a doctor. They filled it there. They also gave him a prescription for something that they didn't have in stock, so he had it filled at a yak kook in Itaewon. The pharmacist asked how much he payed for the meds at the doctor's office (the pharmacist said the doctor has a reputation for over-charging his patients). Well, the prescription at the pharmacy was 12,000 won, but my co-worker had been charged 30,000 won.

Also, my doctor prescribed some vitamins for me, and the nurse gave them to me, and then presented me with the bill. The vitamins (Omega 3) were 45,000 won! I told her I didn't want them, but she tried to insist- oh, the doctor says you need to take them. I said I understood, but that I could get the vitamins cheaper at Costco (I think I paid 18,000 won at Costco). She hesitated again, but I repeated (politely) that they were too expensive, and I didn't want them.

Anyway, I just wanted to post this because you don't HAVE to get your prescriptions filled at the doctor's office. It isn't always the case that the doctor marks-up prescriptions that are filled at his clinic, but if you're more interested in saving money vs. convenience, I'd recommend getting your prescriptions filled at a pharmacy.

[steroidmaximus]

That is unusual.

It's more common that doctors will have a deal with a certain pharmacy, and insist you go to that one with your prescription. They won't overcharge you, but they get 'bonuses' for prescribing certain drugs by certain manufacturers.

common practice everywhere, actually.