Published: 25/09/19

Introduction

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that;

• From 1st October 2019, the claim form used under the Public Health Service for monthly capitation payments related to the Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) service will be removed and claims will only be accepted through the Universal Claim Framework (UCF); and

• FP10 English prescription forms have been updated with changes to exemption categories.

Background

Circular PCA (P)(2010) 11, issued on 12 May 2010 contained an updated PHS claim form which has been available for use since that date by community pharmacy contractors to claim PHS capitation payments on a monthly basis for patients they have supplied with EHC.

FP10 prescription stationery forms are used by English GP practices but may be received for dispensing by community pharmacies in Scotland. Community pharmacy contractors should be aware of the recent changes as detailed below.

Detail

Removal of PHS claim forms

As of 1st October 2019, the PHS claim form should not be used by community pharmacy contractors and it will not be accepted for payment by Practitioner and Counter Fraud Services (P&CFS).

All community pharmacy contractors now have full access to the Universal Claim Framework (UCF). P&CFS will make capitation payments for EHC only where they have been submitted through UCF.

In the event of system failure, contractors should contact the ePharmacy Helpdesk on 0131 275 6600 for advice. If the ePharmacy Helpdesk is closed then contractors should use CPUS forms during the system failure and contact the Helpdesk at the earliest opportunity.

FP10 Prescription forms

The suite of FP10 prescription forms which are used for primary care prescribing in England are in the process of being updated. The main changes are as follows:

• A new exemption box U for patients who are in receipt of Universal Credit and meet the criteria for free help with health costs

• Removal of box X "was prescribed free-of-charge contraceptives" from the paper FP10/FP10DT. • Exemption box G 'has a War Pension exemption certificate’ has been reworded to ‘Prescription Exemption Certificate issued by the Ministry of Defence’

• Combination of the age exemption boxes A "is under 16 years of age" and C "is 60 years of age or over". These exemptions will be a single exemption category, A "is 60 years of age or over or is under 16 years of age (unless your date of birth is printed on the form)"

• Introduction of a new prescriber endorsement to enable prescribers to endorse prescriptions for Sexually Transmitted Infections to indicate to dispensers that the patient should not be charged.

When dispensing against a FP10 form, community pharmacy contractors should ensure that patients mark the correct exemption category. There will be a period of transition where old stock is used up. The new paper FP10 is not likely to be in circulation until the end of 2019.

Key Facts – EHC claim form