Money for nothing

We have started to take part in a PCT-led non-dispensing scheme, where we basically get paid more to ‘not dispense’ rather than to dispense. I believe that the LPC reluctantly agreed to the scheme because it is after all, new monies for pharmacy.

However I share the LPCs’ concerns that a) this is a rather busy time of year to start anything new, and b) whilst the PCT needs some ‘quick wins’ to show some savings to the drugs budget, it would be strategically better if they worked with the local GPs to get repeat dispensing up and running, since the under repeat dispensing we are required to check if patients need all their repeat medicines anyway.

There is also a firm evidence-base that repeat dispensing does reduce drug wastage.

Never-the-less we are duly taking part and are required send a list of the ‘non dispensed’ items to the PCT in order to receive payment. If nothing else, it has really made us think about the practicalities of beginning repeat dispensing in the pharmacy.

Under our terms of service, we are obviously ready to take this on but there’s nothing like actually starting it and finding out where the strengths and weaknesses of our planned procedures actually lie.