This week we look at how many patient charges apply to prescriptions for appliances.

Q. How many patient charges apply to the following prescriptions...?

1. Rx – Mepore Ultra 10x11cm x 10 & Mepore Ultra 8x7cm x 10

Professional fees = 1
Patient charges = 1
No charge items = 0

Where more than one appliance of the same type is dispensed (except hosiery) only one patient charge is applied and one professional fee is paid. This is irrespective of size because the appliance is of the same type, even if the size is different.

2. Rx – Cotton crepe bandage 7.5cm X4.5 m x 1 & Open wove bandage 10cm x 5m x 1

Professional fees = 2
Patient charges = 2
No charge items = 0

Here there are two appliances, each of a different type, and so there is one charge (and one professional fee) per type, so two charges in total.

3. Rx – Scholl Softgrip Class 2; below knee, closed toe, large x 2 pairs

Professional fees = 1
Patient charges = 4
No charge items = 0

Elastic hosiery is the only exception to the above rule: More than one prescription charge is payable where more than one piece of elastic hosiery is supplied. So for each ‘piece’ of elastic hosiery one charge is payable. A pair of stockings is two pieces so two charges apply and two pairs would incur four charges.

Elastic hosiery appliances include anklets, leggings, knee-caps, below-knee, above knee or thigh stockings and are listed in Part IXA (alphabetically) under “Elastic Hosiery”. This is where you will find the description “graduated compression hosiery ”

4. Rx - Sigvaris Magic Class 2; below knee, closed toe, large x 2 pairs

Professional fees = 1
Patient charges = 1
No charges items = 0

Sigvaris Magic is listed in Part IXA of the drug tariff as a lymphoedema garment. Lymphoedema garments have their own section in Part IXA which does not come under “elastic hosiery”. So, where more than one appliance of the same type is dispensed (except hosiery) only one patient charge is applied.

So, before charging the patient for an appliance make sure you know where in the drug tariff it is listed. And remember, if an appliance isn’t listed anywhere in Part IX, it cannot be dispensed.

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