Deadline for submission of Pharmacy First claims extended again

NHSBSA has assured that the extension will would not affect payment schedules

Pharmacy owners have been informed by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) that the submission deadline for the February Pharmacy First claims is now 11.59 pm on Thursday 21st March 2024.

In an email sent to pharmacy owners, NHSBSA also assured that the extension would not affect payment schedules, and they will receive their claims on 1st May 2024 as expected.

Recently, the authority provided a clarification in response to the National Pharmacy Association's (NPA) statement regarding discrepancies in the number of Pharmacy First claims recorded in the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.

The NPA had called on the NHS to promptly take action to prevent "faults in the IT system" underpinning the government’s flagship programme.

However, the NHSBSA clarified that the concerns raised were not caused by a flaw in the MYS system, and that it will not affect payments to pharmacies.

In an email sent to Pharmacy Business, an NHSBSA spokesperson said: “We can assure all pharmacy contractors that we are doing everything we can to make sure they are paid appropriately, in full, and on time. We don’t anticipate this having an impact on payments to pharmacies.”

“We’re aware that there have been discrepancies in the figures for urgent medicine consultations for a number of pharmacy contractors. This was not caused by a flaw in the MYS system. Instead it is due to the data we have received from IT system suppliers. We are working closely with system suppliers to resolve their issue as a matter of urgency. System suppliers have notified us that they have contacted anyone affected.  

“We, and the system supplier, will contact all affected contractors again next week to provide an update.” 

The NHSBSA had earlier confirmed that the issue in the MYS portal had been resolved, and consequently, the deadline for submission of claims for February Pharmacy First consultations was extended until 15 March 2024.

Nevertheless, NPA members reported that they were still facing problems, with the portal recording fewer consultations than entered by pharmacies, potentially leaving them out of pocket by thousands of pounds.

Paul Rees, chief executive of the NPA, highlighted the significant achievement of pharmacies in delivering tens of thousands of consultations in the first month of the Pharmacy First programme, stating that this accomplishment is “a testament to their skill and dedication.”

He also noted that they are reliant on the NHS IT system to fund their work and pay their bills.

“It’s deeply alarming that pharmacies have found the computer system does not correctly record their work – at a time when the issues around the Post Office Horizon system are fresh in everyone’s minds. It’s vital we get IT issues sorted so hard-pressed pharmacies can have faith they will be paid correctly for the work they have done for the NHS,” he said.

He also recognised that pharmacies were under “huge financial pressure” after years of underfunding and emphasised the need for proper funding for work done to support the NHS.

While he appreciated that NHS has taken action and extended the deadline for submissions in the short run, he stressed that “we need full assurances for the future that this system is robust and reliable, and complete transparency” to ensure that the “brilliant service offered by pharmacies” can continue.

The Pharmacy First scheme, launched at the end of January, allows pharmacies to assess and treat patients for seven common conditions, sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65).

Service providers are paid a fee by the NHS for each completed minor illness, supply of urgent medicines or clinical pathway consultation. Additionally, they receive a monthly fixed payment if they complete a minimum number of clinical pathway consultations. To be paid for the service, pharmacies are required to submit their claims to the NHS by the 5^th of each month.