PBS
‘Substantial’ rise in private scripts for opioids
A decline in PBS dispensing of opioid analgesics has been offset by a marked rise in private scripts, particularly for immediate release formulations, new data shows Opioid use in Australia …
鈥楢n obvious void鈥� left by NPS MedicineWise closure
No one single organisation or person owns QUM following the demise of NPS MedicineWise, say key stakeholders, with some programs still on hold or under review The Quality Use of …
Government鈥檚 hands tied on medicinal cannabis PBS listing
Chronic pain patients who are struggling to cover the costs of medicinal cannabis treatments are being urged to talk to their pharmacists聽 Legislation requiring medications to be approved by the …
More progress needed to Close the Gap on Indigenous health
Gaps remain in the provision of healthcare to First Nations Australians, the Productivity Commission finds The Productivity Commission鈥檚 (PC鈥檚) latest 鈥楥losing the Gap鈥� update says more culturally-safe and convenient holistic …
60-day dispensing falling short of goal
Fewer than one-in-seven eligible prescriptions are being dispensed under the controversial 60-day policy, data reveals聽 Uptake of 60-day prescriptions is lagging behind the Department of Health and Aged Cares forecast …
PBS issues substitution update
Bufomix Easyhaler 400/12 will become substitutable with other PBS-listed brands from 1 July聽 The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has confirmed an error preventing聽 Bufomix Easyhaler 400/12 (budesonide 400 microgram/actuation + …
PBS drops signature requirement
Government confirms removal of patient signature requirement to acknowledge receipt of a pharmaceutical benefit聽 Amendments to the National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Regulations 2017 announced today (3 April) remove the requirement …
Red tape returns to pharmacy
Pens and paper are set to return to dispensary counters as the exemption for patients to sign for prescriptions expires聽 Requirements for patients to provide written acknowledgement for the receipt …
鈥楪iving three tablets is nothing鈥�
It鈥檚 the most expensive jurisdiction in which to see a GP 鈥� yet hospital patients are discharged with as little as a couple of days鈥� worth of medication Olivia Collenette, …
Government鈥檚 listening to patients on ODT: Butler
Minister says government is committed to ensuring affordable access to ODT聽 Transitional arrangements for patients undergoing opioid dependence treatment (ODT) with private providers will remain in place until 30 June …
Permanent continued dispensing a must: PSA
Australia cannot wait for natural disasters to strike before implementing measures to protect patient safety, PSA leaders say聽 Temporary measures enabling pharmacists to provide PBS medicines to patients impacted by …
No fears over antiviral supply: Butler
Health Minister says he is “not aware” of issues with supply of antivirals, despite surging case numbers, while deferring to expert advice on calls for widened PBS eligibility聽 Speaking at …