Q: I have received a prescription for an ‘auto inflation device’ balloon. After talking to the patient’s mother I have discovered that it is to help a child with glue ear. Is it allowed on prescription?
A: Yes, the auto inflation device ‘Otovent’ is allowed on prescription. Otovent is used to treat glue ear (or Otitis media with effusion).
Glue ear is caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear causing hearing difficulties.
Otovent is a device that looks like a balloon, which the child inflates through their nose, the process of the balloon expanding equalises the pressure within the ear allowing the Eustachian tube to open and the fluid in the middle ear to drain out.
The patient should start to notice benefits after using the device for a couple of days.
It would be prudent to get the script changed to the correct Drug Tariff description “Auto inflation device” to ensure correct reimbursement
| Product description | Relevant Drug Tariff section | PIP Code | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England &Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | ||
| Auto Inflation Device (for the treatment of Glue Ear) Otovent | IXA | Part 3 | Part III | 010-2889 |
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