New prescription charges

The following applies to prescriptions for April/May 2024

Q. What do I charge for prescriptions dispensed in March but collected in April?

A. Pharmacy contractors in England will be aware of the new prescription charge, applicable from 1 April. This will apply to ALL prescriptions presented for dispensing on or after 1 April.

Some Numark members have enquired about what to do when a chargeable prescription was dispensed in March but is awaiting collection by the patient.

There is no official guidance on whether the charge liable is at the old rate or the new and so Information Services provide the following advice to members:

The simplest process to follow is to charge the patient the amount applicable at the time they are paying for the prescription, and most patients would not query this.

Contractors are reminded that there is space on the FP34C submission document to indicate the number of prescriptions charged at the old rate that may have been paid for during the month before the increase. They are also advised to sort these prescriptions using a red separator prior to submission.

The same principle applies when ETP2 prescriptions are downloaded from the spine (considered prescribed and signed by the GP) and synchronised and confirmed (dispensed) by the pharmacy.

Need help?

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