FAQs: Wales - National pharmacy association

FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
FAQs for November 2014
Does “discount deducted” apply to appliances on an FP10/WP10 prescription form?
Discount will be deducted from all medicines and appliances dispensed by pharmacy
contractors unless the item is listed in the “Drugs for which discount is not deducted” list (Part II
of the current England and Wales Drug Tariff). Part II of the Drug Tariff lists products to which
discount deduction does not apply and this list is updated on a monthly basis by the Department
of Health. The amount of discount deducted varies according to the value of products dispensed
in the relevant month and will be based on the scale in Part V of the England and Wales Drug
Tariff.
This does not apply to Dispensing Appliance Contractors.
FAQs for August 2014
Is there a Repeat Authorisation form for electronic prescriptions and how does repeat
dispensing work for electronic prescriptions?
No. There is not a Repeat Authorisation (RA) form for electronic prescriptions because
electronic repeat dispensing is different to the conventional paper based service.
Prescribers are required to provide patients with a ‘repeatable prescription authorising token’
instead of an RA and several Repeat Dispensing (RD) forms. The ‘repeatable prescription
authorising token’ acts as an aide memoire for the patient, and they can also use this to obtain
their next repeat of medicines at any pharmacy equipped to dispense EPS prescriptions. The
prescription can be still be dispensed without the patient presenting this token and there is no
need for this token to be sent to NHS Prescription Services unless it is used to obtain a
signature as an alternative to a dispensing token.
For repeat dispensing of electronic prescriptions the prescriber will authorise a certain
number of batch issues and the patient’s nominated pharmacy can pull these down from the
spine, when required. The spine will manage the release of each issue and normally the next
issue is sent automatically to the pharmacy seven days before it is due. If the patient pays
for their prescription or is not age exempt then the pharmacy can print a dispensing token to
obtain the patient signature, this must be done for every batch at the point of dispensing. Once
all batches are complete patients need to contact their prescriber for the next batch.
FAQs for July 2014
Can I claim the “packaged dose fee” for methadone oral liquid on WP10 prescriptions as
well as on WP10MDA prescriptions?
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
Yes. The “packaged dose fee” (PD fee) can be claimed on all WP10/WP10MDA prescriptions
for methadone oral liquid by endorsing PD and the number of additional packaged doses
supplied on the prescription. Payment of the PD fee will be based on the endorsement so this
must be endorsed clearly on the prescription. The PD fee can be claimed if the methadone oral
liquid quantity dispensed to a patient covers more than one dose and separately packaged
doses have been supplied.
FAQs for March 2014
Is Aequasyal spray the same as Aquoral spray?
Yes. Aquoral spray has had a name change to Aequasyal spray. A WP10 presented for
Aequasyal spray 40ml before 1 April 2014 will be disallowed as it is not listed as an appliance in
Part IXA of the England and Wales Drug Tariff (DT) March 2014. However, the April 2014 DT
lists both names so prescriptions will be passed for payment for either Aquoral or Aequasyal
spray during the month of April 2014. Since the product is no longer marketed as Aquoral spray,
it is likely to be removed from the England and Wales DT in the future. If an NPA Member
should receive a prescription for Aquoral spray after April 2014, the relevant DT should be
checked to confirm this is still listed, and that it would therefore be allowed on a WP10.
What is the difference between Otex ear drops and Otex Express ear drops?
Otex ear drops (8ml) are licensed as a pharmacy medicine whereas Otex Express ear drops
(10ml) are CE marked which means they are classed as a medical device. However, the
composition of both products is exactly the same. Otex ear drops would be allowed on a WP10
because they are not CE marked and are not in Part XVIIIA (the Blacklist) of the England and
Wales Drug Tariff March 2014. However, Otex Express ear drops would not be allowed on a
WP10 because they are CE marked and are not listed in the England and Wales Drug Tariff
March 2014.
FAQs for February 2014
How many patient charges and professional fees would apply to a prescription asking for
Betnovate cream 0.1% and Betnovate RD cream 0.025% on an FP10/WP10?
One prescription charge and 2 professional fees would apply on an FP10/WP10 prescription
requesting Betnovate cream 0.1% and Betnovate RD cream 0.025% on the same prescription
form. This is because both products contain the same generic item (betamethasone) in the
same form (cream) but in different strengths. The England and Wales Drug Tariff February 2014
states in Part XVI section 11.1.2 that single prescription charges are payable where “Different
strengths of the same drug are ordered as separate prescriptions on the same prescription
form”.
FAQs for January 2014
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
Is Milupa Aptamil Lactose Free powder allowed on an WP10?
Yes. Milupa Aptamil Lactose Free powder is not currently listed on the Blacklist (Part XVIIIA) in
the England and Wales Drug Tariff and is not a ‘CE’ marked product therefore it would be
allowed on an WP10.There is a Blacklist entry for Milupa Aptamil baby milk (an old product
which is no longer available). Therefore, as long as the product is prescribed as ‘Milupa Aptamil
Lactose Free powder’ then the item would be allowed, because this is not covered by the
Blacklist entry.
Have Lidcare eyelid wipes been discontinued and what is an alternative that can be
prescribed instead?
Yes. The manufacturer of Lidcare eyelid wipes, Alcon Laboratories, has confirmed that Lidcare
eyelid wipes were discontinued in December 2013. An alternative that could be considered are
Supranettes eye cleansing wipes which are also manufactured by Alcon Laboratories.
Supranettes eye cleansing wipes are allowed on an WP10 prescription because they are not CE
marked and are not on the Blacklist of the England and Wales Drug Tariff.
Are Hycosan eye drops allowed to be prescribed on an WP10?
No. Hycosan eye drops are disallowed on an WP10 prescription. They are classified as a
medical device as they are CE marked. They are not listed in the England and Wales Drug
Tariff therefore they would not be passed for payment. Alternative sodium hyaluronate eye
drops are listed in the Appliances section Part IXA of the England and Wales Drug Tariff under
the ‘Eye Drops – Sodium Hyaluronate’ section.
FAQs for September 2013
I have received an WP10 for ZeroAQs cream 100g and my computer is showing that the
product is blacklisted, is this correct?
This item is disallowed even though it is not blacklisted as the Blacklist in the England and
Wales Drug Tariff only includes drugs, foods, toiletries and cosmetics that are not allowed on a
WP10. ZeroAQs cream is classified as a medical device (identified by a ‘CE’ mark) and
therefore only the pack sizes listed in the Appliances section, Part IXA of the England and
Wales Drug Tariff are allowed on an WP10. Prescriptions requesting the 100g size will not be
passed for payment as only the 500g size is listed in the September 2013 edition of the England
and Wales Drug Tariff.
Are sodium chloride nasal drops 0.9% prescribable on a WP10?
Yes. However, only certain brands of sodium chloride drops 0.9% which are listed in Part IXA of
the England and Wales Drug Tariff are allowed. Therefore to ensure correct payment for a
generic prescription requesting sodium chloride drops 0.9% only one of the brands listed in the
England and Wales Drug Tariff should be supplied. The prescription must then be endorsed
with the name of the manufacturer (not the supplier) to ensure correct payment.
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
What are ‘specified appliances’?
‘Specified appliances’ are:
1. The following appliances listed in Part IXA of the England and Wales Drug Tariff:
 Catheter appliances (including a catheter accessory and maintenance solution)
 Tracheostomy and laryngectomy appliances
 Anal irrigation systems
 A vacuum pump or constrictor ring for erectile dysfunction, or a wound drainage
pouch
2. Incontinence appliances which are listed in Part IXB of the England and Wales Drug
Tariff
3. Stoma appliances which are listed in Part IXC of the Drug Tariff
If a pharmacist receives a prescription for a ‘specified appliance’ and provides appliances as
part of the business, the pharmacist must offer to deliver the ‘specified appliance’ to the patient
at home. This should be delivered at an agreed time and within a reasonable period of time.
FAQs for 4th to 16th March 2013
Is Aquamax cream 500g allowed on an WP10 prescription?
Yes. Aquamax cream 500g is listed in the Appliances section, Part IXA, of the England and
Wales Drug Tariff and therefore will be allowed on an WP10 prescription. The 100g size is listed
and therefore will also be passed for payment. However, Aquamax cream 30g was deleted from
the England and Wales Drug Tariff on 1 March 2013 and therefore is no longer allowed on an
WP10 prescription.
Is Flexitol hand balm allowed on an WP10 prescription? (IRIS)
No. Flexitol hand balm is classified as a medical device (identified by a ‘CE’ marking) and is not
allowed on an WP10 prescription. This is because it does not appear in the Appliances section,
Part IXA, of the England and Wales Drug Tariff. Only those medical devices that are listed in the
Appliances section of the relevant Drug Tariff would be passed for payment.
How many charges and professional fees would an WP10 prescription attract requesting
two catheters of the same type but two different sizes?
A prescription requesting two catheters of exactly the same type but in two different sizes would
attract one prescription charge and two professional fees. Part XVI of the England and Wales
Drug Tariff states that, unless a patient is exempt from charges: “a single prescription charge is
payable where more than one appliance of the same type other than hosiery (anklet, legging,
knee-cap, below-knee, above knee or thigh stocking) is supplied.”
FAQs for 4th to 16th February 2013
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
Can I claim broken bulk on an WP10 for melatonin capsules 1mg?
No. Melatonin capsules 1mg do not have a marketing authorisation in the UK and are only
available as an unlicensed product. Broken bulk cannot be claimed on any items in Part VIIIB of
the England and Wales Drug Tariff or on other unlicensed products (specials).Broken Bulk can
be claimed, however, on the ingredients used for products manufactured under the Section 10
exemption (extemporaneously prepared under the supervision of a pharmacist in a registered
pharmacy, hospital or health centre).
Can I claim broken bulk on an WP10 for Synacthen depot injection 1mg/1ml even though
it is not over £50?
Yes. Synacthen depot injection 1mg/1ml is not listed in Part VIIIA of the England and Wales
Drug Tariff and therefore broken bulk can be claimed. The £50 threshold only applies to
claiming broken bulk on products listed in Part VIIIA Category A and M of the Drug Tariff, in
which case broken bulk can only be claimed where the smallest listed pack size is £50 or over.
Broken bulk can also be claimed on products listed in Part VIIIA Category C, and appliances in
Part IXB and IXC of the Drug Tariff.
I have an WP10 prescription for Dovobet ointment 60g, will I be reimbursed for supplying
120g as the 60g pack size has been discontinued?
Yes. An FP10/WP10 prescription for Dovobet ointment 60g or generically for
calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment 60g, will be reimbursed for the 120g pack size as listed in
Part VIIIA of the England and Wales Drug Tariff. No amendment will be required by the
prescriber.
FAQs for 7th to 18th January 2013
I cannot source temazepam tablets 20mg to supply against an WP10 prescription. Can I
double up the 10mg strength and give 2x10mg tablets to give 20mg if requested on a
prescription?
No, payment will be based on the prescribed strength and quantity. Pharmacists are advised to
return the prescription to the prescriber for amendment if they decide to ‘double up’ on the
strength and quantity supplied to ensure correct payment is made.
FAQs for 24th December 2012 to 5th January 2013
I have received an WP10 prescription for a spacer/holding chamber device, cylindrical,
with mask 145ml, can I dispense the Aerochamber?
No. Prescriptions for spacer/holding chamber devices must be written by brand name in order
to be passed for payment. This is because spacer/holding chamber devices listed in Part IXA of
the England and Wales Drug Tariff are listed by brand name and not the generic name.
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
Will I be paid for dispensing an WP10 for an oxygen mask 28%?
Oxygen masks 28% listed in Part X of the England and Wales Drug Tariff can be prescribed on
an WP10 prescription. Prescriptions must be written by brand name and not the generic name
to be passed for payment.
What can be dispensed against an WP10 prescription for Uro-Tainer Suby G catheter
solution citric acid 3.23%?
A prescription written for Uro-Tainer Suby G citric acid solution 3.23% would not be passed for
payment as it is not listed in the section ‘catheter maintenance solutions’ in Part IXA of the
England and Wales Drug Tariff. The prescription should be returned to the prescriber for
amendment to Uro-Tainer Twin Suby G citric acid solution 3.23%, which is allowed. The
difference between the two products is that the Suby G has a single chamber but the Twin Suby
G has dual chambers.
FAQs for 10th December to 22nd December 2012
Dermol cream 500g is not listed in the Drug Tariff. Would I be paid for supplying 5 x 100g
on a prescription calling for 500g?
As Dermol cream is not listed in the Drug Tariff, NHS Prescription Services would base payment
upon the pharmacy’s endorsement on the prescription. Therefore, it would be possible to supply
either 5 x 100g or 1 x 500g on this prescription. This is irrespective of whether the prescription
states the total quantity as 500g or 1 x 500g.
The situation is slightly different for emollients that are listed in Part IXA of the England and
Wales Drug Tariff. On a prescription for Epaderm cream 500g (as opposed to Epaderm cream 1
x 500g), for example, NHS Prescription Services will base payment upon the pharmacy’s
endorsement as there are two pack sizes listed. If the prescriber specifies 1 x 500g, NHS
Prescription Services has recommended that the prescription be returned to the prescriber for
clarification. The quantity should be written simply as 500g, or 10 x 50g, if the smaller size is
required.
Can the prescriber endorsement ‘SLS’ (Selected List Scheme) be written anywhere on
the prescription, or does it have to be on the same line as the product description?
The endorsement ‘SLS’ that is used for products listed in Part XVIIIB of the Drug Tariff can be
written anywhere within the main body of the prescription.
Are wigs allowed on an WP10 prescription?
Wigs are available on the NHS, however, they are not supplied through the WP10 route via
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
community pharmacy. Instead, patients should be referred to their local NHS Wig Service.
Patients that are exempt from paying prescription charges are not automatically exempt from
paying for the cost of a wig, although they may be entitled to help towards the cost of the wig.
Further information on wigs and charges are available on the NHS Choices website here.
http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/wigsandfabricsupports.aspx
Are tights allowed on an WP10 prescription?
There are no tights listed in the Appliances section, Part IXA, of the England and Wales Drug
Tariff under the heading ‘Elastic hosiery’. The only products that are listed are below knee and
thigh length garments, together with anklets and kneecaps.
However, tights that are lymphoedema garments and appear in Part IXA of the Drug Tariff
under the heading ‘Lymphoedema garments’ are allowed on an NHS prescription. Pharmacies
should ascertain whether the prescription is calling for elastic compression hosiery or
lymphoedema garments if it is not clear on the prescription.
How should I endorse a prescription for Intrinsa patches?
Intrinsa patches are now unlicensed, following voluntary withdrawal of the Marketing
Authorisation on 30 September 2012. However, Intrinsa patches are still listed in Part VIIIA
(category C) of the England and Wales Drug Tariff. As such, reimbursement will be based on
the on the Part VIIIA listed price and pharmacies will be paid the normal dispensing fee. Out-ofpocket expenses can be claimed using the ‘XP’ endorsement, if appropriate.
Intrinsa patches will be deleted from the England and Wales Drug Tariff from 1 January 2013
and reimbursement after this date will be as for other unlicensed products, based on the
Specials Tariff arrangements. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed after this date by
endorsing the prescription with ‘SP’ rather than ‘XP’.
FAQs for 26th November 2012 to 8th December 2012
I have received an WP10 prescription for gluten free bread which is on the ACBS list of
the England and Wales Drug Tariff. Can I claim out of pocket expenses and how should I
endorse the prescription?
Yes. Out of pocket expenses can be clamed on borderline substances in the ACBS list of the
Drug Tariff. To ensure correct reimbursement, pharmacists should endorse the prescription with
details of the out of pocket expense incurred and the amount being claimed (excluding VAT).
FAQs for 12th November 2012 to 24th November 2012
The Drug Tariff price for temazepam tablets 10mg is much lower than the price I am
being charged for by the wholesalers, what can I do?
Temazepam 10mg tablets (packs of 28) have been granted a price concession by the
Department of Health for November 2012. No extra endorsements are required to claim this
© National Pharmacy Association, November 2014. Produced by the NPA Pharmacy Services Team.
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FAQs: Wales
FAQs are correct at the time of publishing
concession and the reimbursement price of £11.00 will be automatically applied against all
generic prescriptions for temazepam tablets 10mg.
© National Pharmacy Association, November 2014. Produced by the NPA Pharmacy Services Team.
Direct dial: 01727 891 800 or 0844 7364 201 Email: [email protected] Online: www.npa.co.uk