Red, blue, yellow or green: the prescriptions and prescriptions issued by the doctor in the four different color codes each have a different meaning and only a limited “shelf life”, which is also quite different. Basically, the following applies: a maximum of three drugs may be prescribed per prescription.
Different colors identify the prescriptions
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The red cash prescription (with red color on white paper) is the most common. “Kassenrezept” it is called because the prescribed drugs are reimbursed by the statutory health insurance. This prescription is valid for four weeks from the date of issue.
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The blue private prescription initially get privately insured. They can redeem it up to three months after issuance. A blue prescription also get legally insured, if the prescribed preparation is not part of the benefits catalog of the statutory health insurance and they must therefore pay it in full themselves.
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Narcotics or strong painkillers are prescribed on a yellow prescription, whose prescription is subject to strict conditions and regulations. It must be redeemed seven days after issuance, otherwise the prescription expires.
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The “green prescription” is a special feature: this is only a recommendation of the doctor for over-the-counter drugs. In principle, they must be paid out of pocket. The Green Prescription is valid indefinitely and can contain any number of medications. It serves primarily as a reminder for the patient.
What information must be on the prescription?
The following information must not be missing from your health insurance prescription:
- Health insurance company name
- Name, address, date of birth of the person for whom the prescription was issued.
- For BKK also the employer, number of the fund, the insured and the contracted doctor.
- Code for the status of the insured (eg employee)Validity period and date of issue.
- Name, specialty(ies) and address of the contract physician, signature.
- The possible reference to exemption from prescription charges
- Active ingredient, dosage and dosage form or name of the drug, if the doctor has checked the box “Aut idem”.
