NHS Circular:

PCA (P) (2014) 13

Finance, eHealth & Pharmaceuticals Directorate
Pharmacy and Medicines Division / 
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NHS Circular:

PCA (P) (2014) 13

Dear Colleague

PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES

AMENDMENTS TO DRUG TARIFF IN RESPECT OF REMUNERATION ARRANGEMENTS FROM 1 JULY 2014 –PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE (PHS) (SMOKING CESSATION) PAYMENT

Summary

1.  This Circular advises of changes in the Drug Tariff to remuneration arrangements already advised with effect from July 2014 dispensings in respect of Public Health Service (PHS) (Smoking Cessation) payments and clarifies payment arrangements in respect of patients already receiving treatment at 30 June 2014.

Background

2.  NHS Circular PCA (P) (2014)7 advised in Annex B of details of changes to the Drug Tariff in respect of remuneration arrangements commencing with effect from July 2014 dispensings in respect of Public Health Service (PHS)(Smoking Cessation) payments. This Circular advises of changes in the rates to be paid and of the arrangements in respect of patients already embarked on a course of Smoking Cessation prior to 1 July 2014.

Detail

3.  The payment rates in Annex B to NHS Circular PCA (P) (2014)7 are updated as follows:

·  Capitation payment in respect of patients at Event A £30

·  Capitation payment in respect of patients at Event B £15

·  Capitation payment in respect of patients at Event C £20

19 June 2014

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Addresses

For action

Chief Executives, NHS Boards

For information

Chief Executive

NHS NSS

Director of Practitioner Services, NHS NSS

Directors of Pharmacy, NHS Boards

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Enquiries to:

Shelagh Scott

Pharmacy & Medicines Division

1st Floor East Rear

St Andrew's House

EDINBURGH

EH1 3DG

Tel: 0131 244 2597

Email:

www.scotland.gov.uk

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4. Events A, B and C and the actions required at that time remain as defined in Annex B to NHS Circular PCA (P) (2014)7.

5. For the avoidance of doubt it should be noted that:

·  If the patient has smoked prior to the 4 week submission then this is regarded as a failed quit attempt. The 4 week MDS should be submitted but the CP cannot submit a 12 week MDS as the patient was not smoke free at 4 weeks

·  If the patient was smoke free at 4 weeks but started smoking again after this point the CP is expected to submit a 12 week MDS submission regardless of the smoking cessation status of the patient

·  Note that if a patient smokes before the 4 week date the quit attempt should be terminated. A new one can be started at the same CP.

6. The following transitional arrangements will apply in respect of patients already embarked on a course of Smoking Cessation prior to 1 July 2014. All contractors with whom the NHS Board has made an arrangement for the provision of Public Health Service (PHS)(Smoking Cessation) who have patients who have entered on to a course of Smoking Cessation prior to 1 July 2014 are required to complete Annex E from PCA(P)(2008)17 for PHS smoking cessation for those patients. Contractors will receive a capitation payment for that patient at the rates ruling at 30 June 2014 i.e. £25, provided that the above condition and others already in place for such payments in force at 30 June 2014 are met.

7. Also for patients already embarked on a course of Smoking Cessation prior to 1 July 2014 contractors should continue to record their smoking cessation quit attempt onexisting documentation and submit to theNHS Board as perexisting processes, to maintain the flow of relevant patient data.

Consultation

8. Community Pharmacy Scotland has been consulted on the Drug Tariff amendments and the contents of this Circular.

Action

9. Health Boards are advised to send a copy of this Circular to all community pharmacy contractors and Community Health Partnerships in their areas.


Yours sincerely

Bill Scott

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and

Deputy Director, Pharmacy & Medicines Division

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