Repeat prescribing--a study in one practice.

A survey of the prescribing habits of a group practice of 10,500 patients was conducted during a three-month period to compare the pattern of repeat prescribing with that practised during consultations. Further analysis into therapeutic groups and categories depending on the length of treatment prescribed was performed. The results obtained were compared with annual prescribing rates and it was found that monthly figures could not be accurately extrapolated.