News Article
04 June 2009
NHS Prescription Services has launched a new online, interactive quiz to help dispensing contractors improve their knowledge on whether to submit their prescription forms as exempt or chargeable. Positive feedback from a similar paper version of the quiz at last year’s Pharmacy Show led NHS Prescription Services to develop an online version. Both the PSNC and the GP Committee (GPC) of the BMA and DDA were involved in testing a prototype on behalf of their members.
Michael Wood, Head of Prescription Services, said; “We are always looking for ways to help contractors improve their understanding of how to apply the rules around when prescription forms should be signed to declare that a patient is exempt from charges. We hope that contractors find this quiz a useful addition to our online education packages. I would encourage all dispensing contractors to try out the quiz.”
A spokesperson for the PSNC said; "PSNC is continuing to work with NHS Prescription Services to improve the accuracy of the prescription pricing process and to ensure that correct payment is made to NHS pharmacy contractors. The prescription charge status quiz is a useful educational tool which contractors can use to understand the way exemption declarations are handled by NHS Prescription Services and why the charge status might be changed during the prescription pricing process."
The GPC also urged its members to use the quiz, saying; "NHS Prescription Services new quiz is a useful refresher tool for practices on why they may change the charge status of a prescription item from exempt to paid, or paid to exempt. It merits a look and it could save you money."
Try the quiz at
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescriptions/quizzes
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
1. NHS Prescription Services is part of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
2. NHS Prescription Services applies Department of Health policy when deciding whether to change the charge status of an item or not.
3. The NHS England and Wales Drug Tariff, Part XVI has notes on the regulations that govern when a patient or their representative must sign to declare their exempt status.
4. NHS Prescription Services’ primary responsibilities are:
• Examination, checking, pricing and analysis of the NHS prescriptions for drugs, medicine and appliances in England.
• Payments to pharmacy contractors, appliance contractors and authorisation of payments to dispensing doctors in England.
• Provision of regular and prompt information on the costs and trends of prescribing in England.
For further information contact:
Fiona Punchard, Communications Manager
Tel: 0191 203 5057
Email: Fiona.punchard@ppa.nhs.uk