FAQ for Pharmacists
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Why am I paying a different price to the Manufacturer’s Price stated in the Pharmaceutical Schedule for a particular pharmaceutical?
Where an item is purchased from the wholesaler, they will add their mark up. If the Manufacturer’s Price is higher than the subsidy, this is the Manufacturer’s Surcharge.
Can community pharmacies dispense ‘Hospital Pharmacy’ items (see page 17 of the Pharmaceutical Schedule)?
If it is a [HP3] medicine then any pharmacy with a Pharmacy Services Agreement can dispense it. [HP1] medicines are subsidised when dispensed from pharmacies that have the Complex Medicines Variation of the Pharmacy Services Agreement. [HP4] medicines are subsidised when dispensed from pharmacies that have the Monitored Therapy Variation (for Clozapine Services).
For Dentist prescriptions can a pharmacist dispense 5 days initially, then a 5 day extension repeat?
Yes, as per the Medicines Act (refer Section 3.2.3, page 8, of the Procedures Manual). Dentist prescriptions for stat medicines can not be dispensed stat. They must be dispensed 5 days plus a repeat of 5 days.
What is the difference between a ‘Hospital Pharmacy – Specialist’ and ‘Hospital Pharmacy – Specialist Prescription’?
Refer to Section 4.2 of the Procedures Manual and page 17 of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. ‘Hospital Pharmacy – Specialist’ restriction means that prescriptions will be subsidised when written (signed) by a Specialist or on the recommendation of a Specialist. For prescriptions written by general practitioners on the recommendation of a Specialist, they must endorse the prescription with the name of the Specialist and the date of the recommendation (which must be documented). Recommendations are valid for 2 years.
A ‘Specialist Prescription’ restriction means that the prescription will only be subsidised if written (signed) by a Specialist. Sometimes certain specialities will be specified. i.e. “specialist must be a dermatologist”. This means that only prescriptions written by a dermatologist will be subsidised.
Will an extemporaneously compounded oral liquid mixture be subsidised for patients unable to swallow subsidised solid dose.
Yes. The Pharmacist must annotate the script (See Introduction in Section C – Extemporaneously Compounded Preparations and Galenicals).
How can I find my patients Special Authority number?
To find out your patients Special Authority number, simply call the Ministry of Health Sector Services on 0800 243 666
Where can I obtain more Pharmaceutical Subsidy Cards?
You can order more cards from Wickliffe Ltd, on 0800 259 138. (Reorder number 74077)
How do I deal with dispensing of drugs that have a 30 day shelf life eg insulin, eye drops?
Refer to Section 5.1 & 5.2 of the Procedures Manual.
Why has my script not been paid?
Sector Services process prescription payments. Please contact Sector Services Claims on 0800 353 2425.
Diabetes test strip restriction – why are only 50 test strips subsidised for patients on metformin or no medication?
Studies show that long-term frequent testing of blood glucose has no effect on long-term outcomes. Sulphonylurea and insulin patients are at risk of hypoglycaemia so need to be able to test for this whenever there is a need for it. Metformin and patients on no medication for their diabetes are not at risk of hypoglycaemia.
Can overseas patients who do not have New Zealand Residence or Citizenship receive a subsidised prescription and are they eligible for public health funding?
Visit the Ministry of Health’s webpage regarding the eligibility for publicly funded health and disabilities services: www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility.
Page updated on 21 Jul 2009
