From 2026 prescriptions are changing from three months to twelve months. The rule change means that patients on some long-term medications won't have to return to the GP every 12 weeks as they do currently. While patients will still have to pay the $5 prescription charge every 3 months, it's estimated some could save up to $105 in doctors' fees annually. This all sounds pretty good really but this morning a GP got in touch with us to say it isn't that simple. Here to share why some doctors are concerned is Christchurch GP and chair of the General Practice Owners Association Dr Angus Chambers.