That is a very important point, Aussie. Having a doctor who listens can be crucial to your health, too. And, like it or not, there are doctors out there who are nuts, who are control freaks, who just don't care, etc.

Here in the U.S., payment for meds is usually tightly linked to insurance. If someone asks for extra, the automatic answer is NO, and people think that is cast in stone. If they quiz the doctor or pharmacy, it turns out that the ins. co. will only pay for one month at a time, and that if YOU will pay for the full prescription cost, your doctor can write a separate prescription and there is no problem.

Like with most things, when someone says, "NO", ask questions. Often times, the answer is really, "No, but..." and there are exceptions to the rule.

Sue