FAQ
Morning Amanda
I Hope you are well?
I am unsure what the rules around special containers are?
For example – Madopar & Cholestagel, both have special containers. Currently we are not always dispensing full bottles. We write the date opened on the container and what the expiry will now be – is this correct?
Hi,
All good here, hope you are too?
The special container rules are generally on items where you should dispense the full pack however, I know in my dispensary, we would at times split the pack.
The products which have ‘Special Container rules’ usually have a desiccant in the pack.
But the ‘Special Container’ rules are more about the reimbursement -so example being the Madopar in the tariff, are all a 100 pack.
And the Special Container rule is on 100.
So, If you prescribe 90, and dispense 90, you will get paid for 100.
However, if you prescribe and dispense 120, you will only get paid for 100! as the special container rule is on 100 and you have to be 50% or more into the next pack, to get paid the full amount.
If you prescribe and dispense 160, which is more than 50% of the 2nd pack, you will get paid for 200.
This rule applies whether you prescribe it generically or branded.
Hi Amanda
I have just been given a prescription from my nursing team for Ipratropium bromide nebules and Salbutamol nebules, given in an emergency situation. The patients is not age exempt or exempt for anything other reason and no levy has been taken from the patient! The nurse has generated a prescription – how do I claim for these items? Can I mark the prescription as Personally administered or Immediately Necessary?
Hi,
No sorry these items are not classed as Personally administered and Immediately Necessary doesn’t exist anymore! If you submit these prescriptions- you will suffer 2 x £9.90 of Prescription Levys (Wrong Group Movement).
Good afternoon Amanda
Hope you are ok?
I’m hoping you can help me with something. I have been looking at the Drug Tariff and possibly found a quick win 😊 If we write Adcal D3 generically -Colecalciferol 400unit / Calcium carbonate 1.5g chewable tablets, we will get reimbursed £5.12.
However I have found an equivalent products which has a cheaper list price. Can we dispense this product against a generic prescription?
HI there,
I am very well thanks – hope all is good with you?
Yes you are correct, if you write the prescription generically, you will get reimbursed £5.12 less clawback of course. As it is then a generic prescription – its an ‘open prescription’ and you can dispense an equivalent. Just be mindful when working out profits that you take into account all the wholesaler discounts and Manufacturing discount schemes so for example ‘Adcal’ gets 15% combined discount.