MOVES to cut the Electronic Prescription Fee (EPF) from 15 cents are on hold, with the Commonwealth Department of Health (DoH) agreeing to retain the current rates until 30 Jun 2022.
The decision to retain the EPF at 15 cents per script, will ensure the dispensing of e-scripts remains cost-neutral for community pharmacies, with the fee covering costs related to prescription exchange service providers.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Vice President and Chair of Health Economics and Policy, Anthony Tassone, welcomed the DoH's decision not to cut the funding.
"The Guild welcomes the confirmation by the DoH of the retention of the EPF at 15 cents and the subsidy for SMS messages related to e-script tokens for prescribers and pharmacies," he said.
"Certainty is vital in the uncertain times in which we currently find ourselves -- particularly in relation to the significant change management that has been required to adopt and implement e-prescriptions by pharmacies.
"It is vital that there are no additional charges for prescribers and pharmacies for the use of this infrastructure that is becoming increasingly important as part of everyday clinical practise.
"As agreed to in the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement, the DoH is undertaking a review of the e-script system with a view to having direct arrangements between the Commonwealth and prescription exchange service providers in the future.
"The Guild has been a key stakeholder during this process, and we look forward to further consultation and collaboration with the DoH."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Aug 21
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 12 Aug 21
