What is the practical difference?
| Question | Repeat-prescription renewal | Online consultation |
|---|---|---|
| What is it for? | Review of qualifying existing stable chronic treatment. | Assessment of symptoms, new concerns or questions requiring fuller review. |
| What does it cost? | R258 | R320 |
| Who decides? | A registered South African medical doctor. | A registered South African medical doctor. |
| Is a prescription certain? | No. Approval is case-specific. | No. The appropriate outcome depends on assessment. |
| Can examination still be needed? | Yes. | Yes. |
I already take medicine, but something has changed. Which route should I use?
If you have a new symptom, a new concern or want a change in treatment, describe the issue through the consultation route rather than presenting it as an unchanged repeat. Include your existing medicines and relevant history. The doctor decides whether online assessment is enough or examination is needed.
Does an online consultation replace every face-to-face visit?
No. Some decisions require examination or in-person assessment. FM Med also provides physical GP care. Email the practice at support@fmmed.co.za for appointments. Do not use an online form to wait for urgent treatment.
What do both routes have in common?
Both require accurate patient information and independent doctor review. Submission and payment do not guarantee a prescription. Schedule 6 medication is excluded from the online service. If a prescription is approved, it is sent directly to the patient’s selected pharmacy.
Read the patient FAQ for the existing process and payment information. This comparison does not change either form or its terms.
Important service limitations
Every request is independently reviewed by a registered South African medical doctor. Submission and payment do not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. Schedule 6 medication is excluded from the online service.
FM Med is not an emergency service. Requests needing examination, urgent treatment or in-person assessment must be redirected to appropriate care. Do not wait for an online response if urgent care is needed.
Choose the appropriate next step
FM Med’s online services are available throughout South Africa. Use the prescription-renewal form — R258 for qualifying stable chronic treatment. For a new symptom, new concern or fuller assessment, use the online consultation form — R320.
Approved prescriptions are sent directly to your selected pharmacy. Read the existing patient FAQ and terms and conditions. You must personally check the application, confirm the declaration and submit the request.