Disallowed items

The NHSBSA publish, each year, a list of disallowed items. Disallowed means that it will not be processed for payment, these are not to be confused with  items referred back for more information, when there is not sufficient details on the script e.g. endorsements such as  the manufacturer, list price etc.

In 2021, just under 800,000 items were referred back to pharmacy contractors by the NHSBSA for further clarification. That works out to a monthly average of 66,458 items .

Advice for community pharmacy teams to avoid dispensing disallowed items

• Ensure that the PMR system is kept up-to-date to reduce the chance of inadvertently dispensing items that have recently been amended or deleted from the Drug Tariff
• Check that any appliance or medical device (indicated by a CE mark) is listed in Part IXA, IXB or IXC of the Drug Tariff for more info see: https://www.numarknet.com/advice-guidance/tariff-tip-ten
• Check that a prescribed drug, food supplement or cosmetic is not listed in Part XVIIIA(Drugs, Medicines and Other Substances that may not be ordered under the NHS) of the Drug Tariff
• If the prescription is issued by a Community Nurse prescriber or Dentist that the item is included in their respective Nurse Prescribers’ or Dental Practioners’ Formulary
• Check that the prescriber’s qualification enables them to prescribe the product as some prescribers only allowed to prescribe certain products
• If unsure call 0800 783 5709 option 2 & ask information services
   

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Each week we will be highlighting a popular question or issue addressed by our information services team to help keep you informed about the hot topics being discussed by other members.

If you have any questions about the Drug Tariff - send Sue a message or call Information Services on 0800 783 5709