The Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP), for Estradot 50mcg patches will expire at 23.59pm on Friday 24 February 2023.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that sufficient stock of Estradot 50mcg patches are now available to meet normal demand.
“After 24th February, any prescriptions for Estradot 50mcg patches must be dispensed in accordance with the prescription, and SSP048 will no longer be valid for use,” said DHSC.
Top tips for SSP claims by PSNC:
- Where available, use the claim amend facility on the PMR system to rectify any incorrect EPS claims already submitted this month.
- For any supplies made in accordance with SSPs, check that the correct number of patient charges are collected and declared on the end of month FP34C submission.
- NHSBSA advise that contractors must follow the specific endorsement guidance issued with each SSP and endorsements should be clear and unambiguous – NHSBSA processing staff must be able to determine what has been supplied. NHSBSA have published information on common SSP endorsing errors they see when processing claims.
- Any paper prescriptions with SSP claims need to be placed in the red separator provided by the NHSBSA.
- Although an SSP cannot be used outside its period of validity, claims can be submitted up to three calendar months after expiry or withdrawal of the SSP to help manage any owings for other items issued on the same prescription form. For example, for SSP048 Estradot 50mcg patches, which expires at 23.59pm on Friday 24 February 2023, the NHSBSA would continue to look for the “SSP” endorsement on prescriptions for Estradot 50mcg patches that are submitted with the February batch (submitted by 5 March), March batch (submitted by 5 April) and April batch (submitted by 5 May).
- Pharmacy contractors should declare the number of SSP claims submitted each month to reconcile against their monthly Schedule of Payments or Prescription Item (PIR) reports.
- View our SSP submission guidance to ensure your SSP claims are appropriately submitted to NHSBSA for reimbursement.
