Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Deadline for submission of Pharmacy First claims extended again

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 5th of each month.

 

More For You

Kinnock highlights employers’ role in making community pharmacy jobs attractive

The new funding uplift our commitment to rebuilding the sector: Kinnock

Kinnock: ‘Employers have a key role in making community pharmacy jobs attractive’

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has emphasised that employers have a crucial role to play in retaining staff and making careers in community pharmacy more attractive.

His comments came in response to a written question from Victoria Collins MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for science and technology, who asked what steps the Department of Health and Social Care is taking to address staff shortages and prevent the closure of local pharmacies.

Keep ReadingShow less
MHRA approves Pfizer Hympavzi (marstacimab) for haemophilia treatment

Marstacimab is currently being assessed by NICE and the Scottish Medicines Consortium for use on the NHS

gettyimages

Marstacimab approved for haemophilia treatment, Pfizer aims for NHS availability

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Hympavzi(marstacimab) to prevent or reduce bleeding in patients aged 12 years and older, weighing at least 35kg, who have severe haemophilia A or B.

Developed by Pfizer scientists, this groundbreaking treatment is the first of its kind to target a protein involved in the blood clotting process.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Pope Francis

Pope Francis at the Vatican on December 4, 2024.

Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj offers condolences to Catholic community following Pope Francis' passing

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader and president of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community worldwide following the passing of Pope Francis on Monday.

In a formal letter addressed to the members of the Roman Catholic Church, Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed the deep sorrow of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship, acknowledging the Pope's passing as “a profound loss to the Catholic community and Christians around the world.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Pharmacies in Northern Ireland distribute free booklets to raise cancer awareness

Dr Anna Cullen, Public Health Registrar at the Public Health Agency and Clare Conroy, Community Pharmacist from Meigh Pharmacy in Co Down.

Photo credit: Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland

Pharmacies in Northern Ireland help raise cancer awareness

Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are distributing a free information booklet to help raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and promote early diagnosis.

The initiative is part of the ‘Be Cancer Aware’ campaign, which has been running in pharmacies since April and will continue through May as part of the Living Well service.

Keep ReadingShow less
CPE invites pharmacy owners to share their views on new CPCF funding settlement

What do you think should be the next priority for the Government?

gettyimages

Pharmacy owners asked to share their views on new CPCF arrangements

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) is urging pharmacy owners to share their views on the new Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) funding settlement ahead of its next full Committee meeting, scheduled for 30 April–1 May.

The Committee said it had agreed to the settlement "reluctantly," acknowledging that it represents a significant shift after years of real-terms funding cuts, while admitting that it’s “still not sufficient to match the continued scale of pressures facing pharmacy businesses.”

Keep ReadingShow less