ETP will be up and running soon
Electronic drug tariff will supersede printed version |
Electronic prescribing is likely to get off the ground within the next 12 months, the Prescription Pricing Authority predicts.
ETP (electronic transmission of prescriptions) is just one of three developments
that are expected to pose a challenge to the PPA, according to its annual
report for 2003–04 (PDF 1.9 MB). The others are new prescribers
and modernised pharmacy services.
A further change presaged in the annual report is the gradual demise
of the Drug Tariff in its printed from. The electronic Drug Tariff was
launched on 1 May this year with the expectation that the printed form
would be phased out as users transfer to the online version.
The report also makes clear that prescription pricing rules are likely
to be simplified so that more prescriptions are priced according to automated
rules, rather than needing personal attention from PPA staff. Likely
changes include simpler dispensing fees and a single zero discount list.
Simplification of the essential small pharmacies scheme is also suggested. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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