Tips for completing a Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) application

1. I’m applying using the CHN online NPPA form

Who can complete an online application?

Anyone with access to the CHN can complete an application, but an authorised prescriber must be listed on the form as the Applicant.

Depending on who is completing the form and who is named as the Applicant, we may ask for the name and contact details of the treating Consultant. This will help us in processing the application as quickly as possible as we will know who to contact if we have any questions.

Do I need to register?

No. You can complete the online application without registering online. However, there are features of the online system that require you to be registered in order to be able to use.

What are the benefits of registering?

• Auto-completion of your details. The form will automatically be populated with your details in the applicant’s section, and with the name of the pharmacy you have identified in your registration. You can amend auto-populated fields if necessary.
• NHI lookup functionality. You can look up your patient’s NHI number and the form will then automatically populate with your patient’s details.
• Transferability. You can transfer the form to someone else to complete:
  • If you need someone else to complete part of the form, you can transfer it to them. They will get an email with a link to the form. You can include a note detailing what information is needed. For example, you may need a pharmacist to provide some information about the cost of the pharmaceutical, so you can transfer the form to them specifically requesting they input this information.
  • If you transfer a form to someone else, you can keep track of it and retrieve when necessary. You can view that person’s changes, and you can transfer to someone else for further input.
  • Only registered users are able to transfer the form however they are able to transfer it to a non-registered user for input.
• Application management. You can log on at any time to see a list of all the applications you have submitted and any saved forms which are partially completed.
  • You can view old applications. This could be particularly helpful when it's time to submit a Renewal application.
  • You can edit a partially-completed form at any time, then submit it to PHARMAC once completed.

Where do I register?

If you want access to the additional functionalities of the online form, you can register here. It’s simple and doesn’t take long.

What will I need to complete an application online?

• Access to the CHN.
• Electronic copies of your patient’s notes and any published papers you might want to upload to support your application (optional).
  While this information is optional, including it will help us process your application. It may also mean we don’t need to seek further information.

How does the online form work?

The online form on the CHN makes the application process easier.

• The form will automatically save as you move from one tab to another.
• You can save and/or print a copy of the application form for your records.
• You can attach relevant documents to support your application (for example clinic letters or published papers) by browsing and uploading them. While this information is optional, including it is likely to expedite PHARMAC’s review and decision-making. It may also mean we don’t need to seek further information. You will see there are symbols next to some fields on the form. If you hover your mouse over these (or click if using a handheld device), a text box with explanatory information will appear. These text boxes provide some helpful information to assist you with completing the application.
• Once you submit your application to PHARMAC, you will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received. This email will include an explanation of the NPPA process that you can give to your patient where appropriate.

2. I’m applying using the PDF NPPA form

Who can complete a NPPA application as a PDF?

If you are unable to access the online application form on the CHN, you can submit an application using our PDF form. Anyone can complete an application form, but an authorised prescriber must be listed on the form as the Applicant.

What will I need to complete a PDF application?

Your patient’s notes and any published papers you might want to include to support your application (optional). While this information is optional, including it will help us process your application. It may also mean we don’t need to seek further information.

How does the PDF application work?

• The PDF form is available on our website.
• Download the form to your computer. It's a writable document, so you can complete the fields electronically.
• When you’ve completed the form, submit it using our secure form submission page.(external link)
• If you’re having trouble editing the PDF form, you can print the form and complete it by hand. Fax the completed form and any supporting documents to 09 523 6870 (09 is correct) or post it to:

  NPPA
  PHARMAC
  PO Box 10254
  Wellington 6143

• Once you submit your application to PHARMAC, you'll receive a confirmation email that your application has been received. This email will include an explanation of the NPPA process that you can give to your patient where appropriate.

Other info to help make a NPPA application

What information does PHARMAC not consider when assessing NPPA applications?*

• Information obtained from treatment not funded by PHARMAC: In general we will not consider clinical benefits experienced by a funded trial (for example, self-funded treatment or treatment initiated overseas or through a clinical trial). This is to ensure that people who are unable to access alternative funding for their medicines are not disadvantaged, compared to other patients who may be in a position to start a treatment to assess its effectiveness.
• Non-clinical circumstances: NPPA is a pathway for consideration of funding for people with exceptional clinical circumstances. Non-health related needs, benefits, costs or savings are not taken into account when assessing NPPA applications. For example, we do not consider the cost of time off work (ie lost wages) as this could bias against those not already in paid employment, such as the elderly and those who are chronically ill and disabled.
• Patient preference: Patient preference for a treatment (including surgery or other clinical procedures) or brand is not considered. There must be a clinical need, supported by sufficient evidence, for the medicine being applied for via NPPA.

*PHARMAC maintains the ability to exercise discretion throughout the decision-making process for all exceptional circumstances.

How do I know if PHARMAC has previously considered the treatment for funding?

If a medicine has already been considered for funding via the Pharmaceutical Schedule, it will not be funded via NPPA unless your patient is clinically different from the patient population that has already been considered for funding of the treatment.

Information about treatments we have considered for funding is available on our online Application Tracker.(external link)

You can also contact us if you are unsure whether the medicine you are applying for has already been considered or whether your patient may be clinically different from the population that has been considered. We're happy to answer any questions and provide guidance on an application. Contact us at nppa@pharmac.govt.nz or 0800 660 050 option 2.