Drug Tariff Simplification Changes

A wide range of provisions laid out in the Drug Tariff as well as those provisions which are not detailed in the Drug Tariff as well as those which have developed over time have been reviewed.  These provisions range from small to larger more complex issues.  The DH and PSNC have agreed to implement the changes in two phases - phase one in April and phase two in July.

Although these changes have no effect on the overall value of the national pharmcy funding package, some of the changes will affect how elements of the funding settlement are delivered to community pharmacy.  Any such changes have been agreed with the principles of fairness and funding equitability as a primary concern.

In April 2012, phase one will be implemented which includes:
 

• Reimbursement for purified water
• Payment for droppers and applicators
• Reimbursement for diluents when not specifically
       prescribed
• Payment for oral preparations which require reconstitution
       from granules or powder and the associated fee which recognises that due
       to the limited stability of the reconstituted product, contractors may
       need to dispense additional containers

In July 2012, phase two is due to be implemented, including changes to:
 

• The payment system to reflect the increased cost of
       dispensing split packs
• Payments for Methadone oral liquid
• Out of pocket expenses
• Broken Bulk
• Common pack list

For further details regarding these changes please click here.

Posted Monday March 26th 2012