PCA(P)(2024)32 - New Universal Claim Framework (UCF) Module For Pharmacy First Plus
Published: 01/11/24
Introduction
This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors of a new Universal Claim Framework (UCF) module that will be available for use by providers of Pharmacy First Plus from 1 February 2025.
Background
Circular PCA(P)(2020)16 issued in August 2020 described the terms of a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber-led common clinical conditions service (NHS Pharmacy First Plus) and the service specification. Circular PCA(P)(2021)10, issued in July 2021, provided details on the procedures for community pharmacists who are qualified independent prescribers (IPs) to obtain NHS prescription stationery for use when providing the NHS Pharmacy First Plus service.
To date, each Pharmacy First Plus consultation has been recorded on the standard Pharmacy First UCF module. Referrals are recorded as such, with consultations where both prescribing and advice only occurred being recorded as though only advice was provided and with NHS prescription pads being used to prescribe.
Detail
From 1 February 2025, a new UCF module will be available specifically for Pharmacy First Plus. This will provide more accurate reporting on service activity. When a Pharmacy First Plus consultation has been undertaken, this module should be used instead of the standard Pharmacy First module.
The new UCF module will be called Pharmacy First Plus (IP).
It must only be used by pharmacist independent prescribers (PIPs) where the pharmacy contractor has signed up with their health board to provide Pharmacy First Plus under the terms of Circular PCA(P)(2020)16.
From 1 February 2025, when claiming remuneration for a Pharmacy First Plus consultation, there will be three options:
Pharmacy First Plus (IP):
Pharmacy First Plus – Advice
Pharmacy First Plus – Prescribing
Pharmacy First Plus – Referral
Only one claim option should be selected as follows:
When advice only is provided during the consultation, the claim selected should be Pharmacy First Plus – Advice.
When there has been a prescribing event and a prescription is required, the claim selected should be Pharmacy First Plus – Prescribing.
A prescription pad must still be used by the PIP to record the medicine/s being prescribed to meet current legal requirements as UCF is a claiming system and not a prescribing system.
Reimbursement for the items prescribed will still be from the GP10P prescription form which must still be submitted to NHS Practitioner and Counter Fraud Services (P&CFS).
Each prescribing event is recorded as one activity; the number of items prescribed are not recorded individually in the UCF.
Where the outcome of a consultation is that the patient needs to be referred to another healthcare provider the claim selected should be Pharmacy First Plus – Referral.
Following consultations, communication with GP practices should continue using current method(s) e.g. SBAR emailed to GP practice. Wherever possible, CHI and GP practice details should be captured on the patient record.
There will no changes to the way in which standard and PGD Pharmacy First consultations are claimed. NHS P&CFS will adjust internal processes so that Pharmacy First Plus activity continues to be remunerated from the Pharmacy First Plus annualised dispensing pool.
All Patient Medication Record (PMR) suppliers have confirmed that pharmacy IT software, will be updated to support pharmacy teams with the new UCF module available for use from 1 February 2025.
