News and Alerts

Presented at the Pharmacy Connect conference in September 2023 Fred's cyber security guru Andrew McManus explains the latest trends and emerging threats facing your pharmacy business.

• Who has access to your data? Supply chain attack (3 mins)

• Emerging threats - Artificial Intelligence (6.5 mins)

• Impact of a data breach on a small business (5 mins)

• Common cyber attacks in pharmacies (6 mins)

  Watch the Videos

We hope to see you and your team at this year’s combined Pharmacy Connect and Pharmacy Assistant Conferences. Visit Fred at stands 43 - 44 to learn about the latest innovations to support digital extension in your pharmacy.

Our cyber security session at Pharmacy Connect will focus on the current trends and emerging threats in the pharmacy industry. Andrew McManus will explore how the increased adoption of electronic prescriptions and digital health records has raised the risk of cyberattacks.

Cyber security trends and emerging threats - what it means for pharmacy

WHEN: Friday, 1 September | 12.15pm – 1.00pm

WHERE: Maritime Ballroom 2&3

In mid-September, we will be launching the National Customer Experience Survey 2023. We would greatly appreciate your participation to help us understand how we can improve and where we are getting things right. We also want to continue delivering changes to our products and services based on your feedback. Your invitation to participate in the survey will arrive in your inbox in September.

For general information on 60 day dispensing, please visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/60-day-dispensing

From 1 September 2023, medicines in stage 1 will have additional PBS Item Codes added to cater for 60 day dispensing.

A list of medications available in stage 1 is available here https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/60-day-dispensing/pbs-medicines-current-item-codes

How will 60 day dispensing work in Fred Dispense Plus?

When searching for drugs with a prescription date of 1 September 2023 or after, you will now see an additional PBS item code.

For example, searching for 'Felodur 10', will now produce two search results instead of one.

You will then select the applicable PBS Item Code based on the quantity on the prescription. This is a process that you will already be familiar with today for drugs that have multiple PBS Item Codes e.g. Nolvadex 20mg Tablets, Clexane 100mg/mL Syringe, Brufen 400mg Tablets.

You will not see the additional PBS Item Codes if the prescription date is before 1 September 2023

As denoted in the August 2023 PBS Schedule :

Pharmaceutical benefits that have a 50 x 2 pack size equating to 100 sachets and a 30 x 3.334 pack size equating to 100 sachets are equivalent for the purposes of substitution.

Due to the complexity of different pack sizes and achieving accurate DPMQ across both brands, substitution between the following PBS item codes will not be available in Fred Dispense via the usual GS shortcut.

13351Q and 2967E

13347L and 9249T

Instead, search and select the brand required when dispensing under these PBS codes.

In July 2023, the PBS Schedule included changes to the pack size and max quantity of budesonide 400 microgram/actuation + formoterol (eformoterol) fumarate dihydrate 12 microgram/actuation powder for inhalation, 2 x 60 actuation (PBS item code 11301T) from 1 to 2 in July 2023 to allow for substitution with brands marketed as a single-inhaler pack (13258T).

This had unintended consequences for prescriptions written before 1st July and supplied after July, where a rejection R144 was returned for quantity of 2 for item 11301T. Services Australia implemented a temporary approval number “J2023BF” to allow an ‘increased quantity’ of 2 to be submitted and claimed for this item until the data was corrected in the August 2023 PBS Schedule.

In a late notice on 28th July 2023, PBS have announced that they will be continuing the arrangement of the temporary authority code J2023BF until 30 June 2024.

https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/news/2023/07/update-substitution-of-budesonide-formoterol-listings

What do I need to know?

Excerpt from the web page:

How should prescriptions written for item 11301T prior to 1 July 2023 be handled?

Prescriptions for budesonide 400 microgram/actuation + formoterol fumarate dihydrate 12 microgram/actuation powder for inhalation written prior to 1 July 2023 will be reimbursed correctly when:

• PBS prescriptions and/or repeats for item 11301T with a Max Quantity of 1 written prior to 1 July 2023 and dispensed after 1 July 2023 should be claimed with a quantity of 2, using the temporary authority code J2023BF.

How do I handle this in Fred Dispense Plus?

• New scripts/repeats for 11301T with script date prior to 1 July 2023, ensure dispensed quantity is 2 and enter J2023BF into the streamlined code or phone approval number field:

  

• New scripts for 11301T with script date on or after 1 July 2023, emergency code is not required. Enter valid streamline code on script.

To avoid disruption to your Services Australia PBS Online claiming, you’ll need to extend your B2B Device in your PRODA account before it expires.

You’ll need to extend your B2B device with PRODA at least every 6 months.

Fred Dispense Plus will warn you of the impending expiry 14 days prior to expiration date

For more information on how to do this, refer to: Managing B2B Devices in PRODA - PRODA (Provider Digital Access) on the Services Australia website or call Services Australia on 1800 700 199.

Explore the role of digital health in optimising everyday pharmacy practice and improving patient health outcomes.

Unlock the power of digital health

Chrysa Giannellis, Managing Partner, Hummingbird Pharmaceutical Consulting

Sunday, 30 July 2023, 9.50 AM – 10.30 AM

Changes to the pack size and max quantity of budesonide 400 microgram/actuation + formoterol (eformoterol) fumarate dihydrate 12 microgram/actuation powder for inhalation, 2 x 60 actuation (PBS item code 11301T) from 1 to 2 in July 2023 as well as double dagger indicator have had unintended consequences on prescriptions written before 1st July and supplied after July.

Temporary PBS authority approval number

Services Australia have implemented a temporary PBS authority approval number that will allow an ‘increased quantity’ of 2 to be submitted and claimed for this item.

Regarding the R144 message for a quantity of 2 for item 11301T:

• Use Authority Prescription number as per prescription

• Use Authority Approval Number “J2023BF”

• Disregard PBS Online Warning 151 if returned

How to handle in Fred Dispense Plus

• For existing scripts that have R144 errors, edit scripts and enter J2023BF in the Streamline Code or Phone Approval Number field.

  

• For new scripts/repeats for 11301T with script date prior to 1 July 2023, please enter J2023BF into the Streamline Code or Phone Approval Number field.

• For new scripts for 11301T with script date on or after 1 July 2023, an emergency code is not required. Enter valid streamline code from the script into the Streamline Code or Phone Approval Number field.

From 1st of July ODT medicines will become part of the S100 Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program (Community Access) arrangements.

Under this program, PBS eligible patients will pay the PBS co-payment to access their prescribed treatment (for up to 28 days’ supply per pharmaceutical benefit prescribed) and the amount paid will contribute towards their PBS Safety Net threshold. Additional private dispensing or dosing fees cannot be charged by section 90 community or section 94 hospital pharmacies to patients for access to ODT medicines under the PBS.

An ODT Community pharmacy program will be available for section 90 community pharmacies to submit claims through the PPA portal for services associated with in-pharmacy and take-away dosing.

The operation of state and territory ODT programs are and will continue to be governed by the respective policies, guidelines and regulations within each of those jurisdictions.

For more information on these changes as well as transitional arrangements, please refer to PBS factsheet for pharmacists.

Transitional arrangements

Temporary transition arrangements for existing ODT prescriptions are being put in place to enable patients to continue to access the medicines that they need.

For Paper prescriptions written before 1 July, refer to page 5 of the PBS Factsheet .

Electronic prescriptions written before 1 July 2023 will be dispensed differently during the transition period. This is because administrative systems do not support suppliers submitting PBS claims for electronic ODT prescriptions written prior to 1 July 2023 in the usual way.

PBS prescriptions written for ODT medicines on or after 1 July 2023 can be electronic.

Fred Dispense Plus instructions for ePrescriptions during the transition

We are providing the additional information below in good faith to assist you. It is recommended that you consult the PBS Factsheet for official advice.

The example below is provided to assist relevant pharmacies during the transition period and should be viewed in conjunction with the PBS Factsheet referenced above.

Scenario - Prescription for Methadone Syrup was dispensed as an ePrescription on 28 June 2023 with a weekly takeaway dose.

Step 1 Annotate a photocopy of the prescription

1. Edit the prescription in the usual manner.

   (Click the image to enlarge it).

   

2. Click on the green image or press <CTRL + Right Arrow> to expand the view of the script.

   The script details are displayed.

   (Click the image to enlarge it).

   

3. Take a screenshot of the script details—press Windows logo key + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool.

4. Position your mouse at the top left corner of the script details and drag to the lower right.

   (Click the image to enlarge it).

   

   The image is captured and stored in the clipboard.

5. Open a blank word document and paste the image (CTRL + V).

6. Print the document and annotate as outlined on page 5 of the PBS Factsheet .

Step 2: Dispense the remainder of the script (on or after 1 July)

1. Start the dispensing process for the patient.

2. When prompted for an Authority, fill in the Authority Number and either Streamlined Code or Phone Approval Number and click Yes.

   Refer to Table 4 in the PBS Factsheet .

   

   * Use either the PBS Authority Approval Number or the relevant Streamline Authority Code depending on the quantity that is required to be dispensed.

3. In the Quantity field, enter the remaining amount to be dispensed.

4. Continue dispensing in the usual manner.

Other Resources

In addition to the PBS Factsheet referenced above, the following resources may help you with the transition:

• An Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) quantity calculator is available from the PBS Opioid Dependence Treatment Program page to support prescription transition.

• Webinar:Navigating major changes to how you deliver the VIC Pharmacotherapy (Opioid Replacement Therapy) Program from 1st July 2023 (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 29 June 2023 at 7:00 pm)

• If you have questions or need support, refer to the PBS Contacts for Health Professionals or call 1800 020 613 Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm (AEST).

The Department of Health is making changes to the below-mentioned products on the PBS to allow for dispensing of volumes smaller than a whole bottle at PBS subsidised prices. This is also in line with the new arrangement for Opioid Dependence Treatment Changes which allow for scripts for ODT medications to be claimed via the S100 HSD Program (Community Access). Note that the full volume per bottle will still be includedin the strength allow for distinction between 200mL bottle and the 1L bottle, both which are listed on PBS for July 2023.

Fred IT Group advises that scripts submitted prior to 1 July 2023 should not be edited if possible due to unknown flow on effects to POS, DD Book and reports.

Fees

The following fees, patient contributions, and Safety Net thresholds apply from 1 July 2023 and are included, where applicable, in prices published in the Schedule.

* The allowable additional patient charge is a discretionary charge to general patients if a pharmaceutical item has a dispensed price for maximum quantity less than the general patient co-payment. The pharmacist may charge general patients the allowable additional fee but the fee cannot take the cost of the prescription above the general patient co-payment for the medicine. This fee does not count towards the Safety Net threshold.

The 15-cent electronic prescription fee (EPF) paid to pharmacies via the Community Pharmacy Agreement will end on 30 June 2023. The ending of the EPF will maintain a cost-neutral arrangement for pharmacies as they will no longer be charged a 15c fee for eligible prescriptions by the Prescription Delivery Services. The Australian Digital Health Agency will continue to reimburse the cost of electronic prescribing SMS notifications to 30 September 2023. SMS notifications will then be funded through the national PDS.

For more information see Connecting to the National Prescription Delivery Service from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

As of Monday 26 June 2023 patients can no longer access their MySL active script list with the WhatsApp MySL service. Patients who try to access this service will see one of the following messages:

If your pharmacy has MedView Chat enabled

WhatsApp access to MySL (My Script List) is currently unavailable however your electronic prescriptions are still available for dispensing.

Please speak to your pharmacist to access these scripts or I can connect you now via WhatsApp.

Type in the number or one of the words to chat with your pharmacist.

*1. Yes* Chat to the pharmacy

*2. No* Please end the conversation

If your pharmacy does not have MedView Chat enabled

Ordering your prescriptions via WhatsApp is currently not available however your electronic prescriptions are still available for dispensing. Please speak to your pharmacist to access those scripts.

Ending your chat session now. It was our pleasure to help you today, goodbye.

Please advise any affected customers that their prescriptions are still available to be dispensed from their MySL.

Find out how to dispense prescriptions from a Patient's MySL.

Due to feedback received from pharmacists, the pack size of Ordine 1mg/mL oral solution has been updated to allow pharmacists to dispense volumes smaller than a whole bottle.

FRED advises that scripts submitted prior to 1 June 2023 should not be edited if possible due to unknown flow on effects to POS, DD Book and reports.

EOFY stocktake season is fast approaching. Start planning now – use our Interactive Stocktake Helper for Fred Office Plus. Learn More

UPGRADE TO THE NEW FRED MOBILITY

Now on an advanced Android platform with a familiar and modern interface, navigation and workflow.

Find out more

Contact your local Fred representative or sales@fred.com.au to claim a 10% discount on kits purchased before EOFY2023.

Fred IT Group has been awarded the contract to deliver the next phase of the national electronic prescription delivery service for the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Using eRx Script Exchange, the new service will ensure that Australian health professionals and patients continue to have access to a robust, secure electronic prescription network.

Find out more

In this interview with AJP, Andrew McManus, Fred’s general manager service delivery, addresses the rising threat cyber criminals pose to Australia’s community pharmacy network and how to defend against attacks by investing in your people, processes and technology. Watch Now

Fred can help you with any questions or concerns regarding cyber security in your pharmacy. Contact your Fred representative or reach us at sales@fred.com.au or 1800 888 828.

Your EOFY stocktake does not have to be done at the last minute. Start planning now – use our Interactive Stocktake Helper for Fred Office Plus. Learn More

UPGRADE TO THE NEW FRED MOBILITY

Now on an advanced Android platform with a familiar and modern interface, navigation and workflow.

Find out more

Contact your local Fred representative or sales@fred.com.au to claim a 10% discount on kits purchased before EOFY2023.

A late notice was received from PBS on the 31st March and 3rd of April regarding the incorrect price for 8571D and 2827T in the 1 April 2023 PBS Schedule, please refer to the erratum document published by PBS:

https://www.pbs.gov.au/publication/schedule/2023/04/2023-04-01-Errata.pdf

https://www.pbs.gov.au/publication/schedule/2023/04/2023-04-01-errata-2-pricing-of-fluticasone-propionate-with-formoterol.pdf

The pricing will be corrected by PBS in the 1 May 2023 schedule, which will be delivered in the Fred Dispense 1 May 2023 update.

For more information please see the details on the PBS news website:

Novorapid® (insulin aspart) PBS pricing information

Flutiform 50/5® (fluticasone propionate + formoterol (eformoterol)) PBS pricing information

The Department of Health is making changes to the listing of the below-mentioned products on the PBS to allow pharmacists to dispense volumes smaller than a whole bottle at PBS subsidised prices.

• Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 2 mg per mL, 200 mL

• Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 5 mg per mL, 200 mL

• Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 10 mg per mL, 200 mL and

• Oral solution containing oxycodone hydrochloride 1 mg per mL, 250 mL

More details...

The changes being implemented mirror those made on 1 August 2022 to the listing of oral solution containing hydromorphone hydrochloride 1 mg per mL, 1 mL following consultation with key stakeholders representing prescribers, pharmacists, pharmacy dispensing software, electronic Schedule 8 drug registers, and state and territory health authorities.

Amendments to the PBS listing of Morphine oral solution Change
	Current	Amendments from 1 February 2023
Legislative Instrument form descriptions	Oral solution containing hydromorphone hydrochloride 2 mg per mL, 200 mL	Oral solution containing hydromorphone hydrochloride 2 mg per mL, 1 mL
	Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 5 mg per mL, 200 mL	Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 5 mg per mL, 1 mL
	Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 10 mg per mL, 200 mL	Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 10 mg per mL, 1 mL
Pharmaceutical Item value	1 unit (ie. bottle)	200 units (ie. millilitres)
Pack Qty	1	200
Pricing Qty	1	200
Max Qty Units	1	200

 

Amendments to the PBS listing of Oxycodone oral solution Change
	Current	Amendments from 1 February 2023
Legislative Instrument form descriptions	Oral solution containing oxycodone hydrochloride 1 mg per mL, 250 mL	Oral solution containing oxycodone hydrochloride 1 mg per mL, 1 mL
Pharmaceutical Item value	1 unit (ie. bottle)	250 units (ie. millilitres)
Pack Qty	1	250
Pricing Qty	1	250
Max Qty Units	1	250

Pharmacy action

New scripts/repeats

When supplying these prescriptions as originals or repeats, which were written prior to but supplied on or after 1 Feb 2023, pharmacies must update the quantity representing the number of mL’s as applicable (remembering to allow for smaller volumes) from what was previously represented as a pack quantity of 1.

Example: PBS Scripts for one bottle of hydromorphone oral solution written prior to 1 February 2023 and dispensed after 1 February 2023 should be claimed with quantity 200 (for morphine hydrochloride trihydrate) or 250 (for oxycodone hydrochloride).

Edits and resubmissions

For more information please see the announcement, Changes to PBS listing of morphine and oxycodone oral solutions , from the Department of Health.

We are excited to announce your new look customer support service that will make it easier and faster for us to respond to your needs.

What's New?

Fred Customer Portal: Create a service request, view & manage your requests, search the knowledgebase

Live Chat: Interact with a Fred Help consultant to ask quick questions

What's Changed?

• Improved Fred Service Levels (including Saturday)

• Extended business hours

• Outside of business hours, emergency only Sunday

The following PBS fee changes are effective from 1 January 2023:

The following changes to the PBS will take place effective 1 January 2023:

PBS Co-Payment Reduction

From 1 January 2023, the PBS co-payment for general patients will reduce from $42.50 to $30.00

See Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | Changes to the PBS to make medicines more affordable for more details.

Increased discounting

From 1 January 2023, pharmacists will be able to provide an increased discount on pbs co-payment prescriptions to general patients on prescriptions with a Commonwealth price between $30.00 and $45.60. This range is referred to as the Increased Discounting Range (IDR).

Information on PBS patient discounts can be found here Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | For Pharmacists .

Closing the Gap (CTG) Program

Patients in the Closing the Gap program won’t pay any more to reach the general PBS Safety Net threshold.

Closing the Gap scripts priced at or above $30.00 will continue to count toward the PBS Safety Net at the 2022 amount of $42.50, rather than at a reduced amount after the co payment is lowered to $30.00.

Concessional patients

Concessional patients won’t be impacted by these changes. The current concessional co-payment amount of $6.80 will increase to $7.30 from 1 January 2023, in line with annual CPI indexation.

Concessional patients are already receiving benefits from reductions to the PBS Safety Net thresholds on 1 July 2022.

Refer to the PBS Changes Explainer below for a summary of the changes.

(Click the image to enlarge it).

This Erratum corrects the equivalence for substitution ‘a’ flag for new listings of AMOXICILLIN + CLAVUALNIC ACID. As per the note, new item codes for the brand “Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets, USP 875 mg/125 mg” are substitutable with brands on the relevant alternate item codes. Learn more

Fred Marketplace is the new hub making it easier for you to find the best third-party add-ons to optimise your business. The Fred Marketplace connects you to innovative solutions from industry-leading software developers, all tested and approved to work with your Fred products including Fred Dispense Plus, Fred Office and Fred POS.

See you at Pharmacy Connect!

Catchup with the Fred & eRx teams at Pharmacy Connect Sydney, 1-3 Sep. Find us at Stands 6 & 7 to chat about connecting with the digital patient and growing your pharmacy. Learn more

The Department of Health is making changes to the listing of oral solution containing hydromorphone hydrochloride 1 mg per mL, 473 mL (hydromorphone oral solution) on the PBS to allow pharmacists to dispense volumes smaller than a whole bottle at PBS subsidised prices.

The changes being applied on 1 August 2022 are detailed in the table below and will apply to the two brands of hydromorphone oral solution currently subsidised by the PBS – Hikma and Hydromorphone hydrochloride oral solution, USP (Medsurge) under item codes 12582F, 12559B and 12565H.

Pharmacy action

New scripts/repeats

When supplying these prescriptions as originals or repeats, which were written prior to but supplied on or after 1 Aug 2022, pharmacies must update the quantity representing the number of mL’s as applicable (remembering to allow for smaller volumes) from what was previously represented as a pack quantity of 1.

Example: PBS Scripts for one bottle of hydromorphone oral solution written prior to 1 August 2022 and dispensed after 1 August 2022 should be claimed with quantity 473.

Edits and resubmissions

Services Australia will reimburse pharmacies based on listing price on the Date of Supply of the product. Scripts of hydromorphone oral solution dispensed prior to 1 August 2022 will not be impacted and should remain as quantity ‘1’.

FRED advises, scripts submitted prior to 1 August 2022 should not be edited or resubmitted as this pack size update may have unknown flow on effects to POS, DD Book and reporting. Note that the payment from PBS for these scripts will not be affected, however estimated figures from Dispense reports may be inaccurate upon edits, affecting reconciliation efforts.

For more information please see the announcement, Changes to PBS listing of hydromorphone oral solution , from the Department of Health.

As a cost-of-living measure, the Australian Government is lowering the PBS Safety Net thresholds from 1 July 2022 by the equivalent of 12 fully priced scripts for concession card holders and the equivalent of approximately two fully priced scripts for non-concessional patients.

For concessional patients, the safety net threshold will be lowered from $326.40 to $244.80, an $81.60 reduction for concessional patients. This means when a concession card holder reaches the safety net threshold, after 36 full priced concessional scripts, they will receive PBS medicines at no charge for the rest of the year.

For general patients, the general safety net threshold will reduce from $1,542.10 to $1,457.10, a maximum reduction of $85 for non-concessional patients, which means that after the equivalent of about 34 fully priced general co-payments, general patients pay only the concessional co-payment of $6.80 per PBS script (plus any applicable premiums) for the balance of the year.

For more information, see Reduction of the PBS Safety Net Thresholds – Frequently Asked Questions on the PBS website.

Tax deductions are now available for small business’ for expenses supporting digital adoption - including portable payment devices, cyber security systems or subscriptions to cloud based services. For more information, see Small Business Technology Investment Boost on the ATO website.

See Fred Protect Plans

Working with a consortium led by Leidos Australia, Fred will deliver the pharmacy solution for the Australian Defence Force’s new digital health system. The new eHealth system will unify patient and clinical information across healthcare settings and stages of care in the ADF community. Read more

To better understand how we can improve as your pharmacy IT partner we are inviting our customers to complete an annual National Customer Experience Survey. Your perspective is important to us and even if you have not contacted us recently, we would appreciate any feedback you may have.

The survey is confidential, will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and is designed to capture what is most important to you and your business when working with our products and services.

The 2022 survey invitation was sent via email on 23 May to every Fred customer, however if you have not received this or would like to participate, please email helpdesk@fred.com.au and we will organise this for you.

Services Australia (Medicare) are changing the way pharmacies submit claims to PBS Online, and upgrading the NASH system.

Complete the following mandatory requirements ASAP to ensure your pharmacy is ready by 13 March 2022.

• Transition to PBS Web Services and PRODA to continue using PBS Online for claiming purposes

• Obtain a new NASH certificate valid beyond 13 March 2022 for ePrescriptions, HI Services, MySL and MyHR to remain operational.

Don't leave this to the last minute. Some lead time may be required to obtain the certificates.

To assist you with this process we have compiled a quick reference guide and checklist.

View Our Guide

For assistance with PRODA, PBS Web Services or your NASH certificate you will need to contact Services Australia on 1800 700 199.

The Fred Helpdesk can assist with any steps related to updating Fred Dispense Plus.

The free My Script List service eliminates the need to store and handle multiple ePrescription tokens that a patient may receive. Access and dispense directly from a complete digital list of their current electronic prescriptions.

You can setup a patient’s MySL active script list via Fred Dispense or MedView Flow with an easy once off registration process, and obtaining consent to access their MySL is simply via SMS or email.

For more information, see: My Script List (MySL)

The following PBS fee changes are effective from 1 January 2022:

Services Australia (Medicare) are changing the way pharmacies submit claims to PBS Online, and upgrading the NASH system.

Complete the following mandatory requirements ASAP to ensure your pharmacy is ready by 13 Mar 2022.

• Transition to PBS Web Services and PRODA to continue using PBS Online for claiming purposes

• Obtain a new NASH certificate valid beyond 13 Mar 2022 for ePrescriptions, HI Services, MySL and MyHR to remain operational.

To assist you with this process we have compiled a quick reference guide and checklist.

View Our Guide

For assistance with PRODA, PBS Web Services or your NASH certificate you will need to contact Services Australia on 1800 700 199 and this may cause delays.

The Fred Helpdesk can assist with any steps related to updating Fred Dispense Plus.

Since launching in April, My Script List has demonstrated its value in helping to avoid medication disruptions that would otherwise occur as a result of events such as floods, isolation due to COVID or travelling.

“Many of our patients were cut off from town and isolated by the severe flooding in November. Without My Script List and electronic scripts, they would not have been able to access their medications. Instead, patients could use telehealth consults to obtain an electronic script, which we could immediately view and dispense via My Script List. We delivered patient medications to SES workers, who ferried medications to patients across flood waters.” Jack Buckley, Life Pharmacy Forbes

Read more

My Script List is a Department of Health conformant Active Script List (ASL). Your pharmacy can seamlessly access, obtain consent and dispense from a patient's MySL in Fred Dispense Plus.

Learn How

Fred Support will be available on 1300 731 888 during Christmas and New Year.

We suggest that you print out this calendar and display it prominently in your dispensary during the festive season. This will ensure that all of your staff are aware of the hours they can contact us, should they require support.

MedView Patient Connect enables patients to fast send ePrescriptions from their token and directly into your dispensary queue.

Patients can locate a pharmacy by entering a postcode, suburb or selecting Near me. Ensure your pharmacy address and GPS Coordinates are accurately recorded in MedView Flow so your pharmacy can be found.

Find out How to add or update your GPS coordinates in MedView Flow

With the new “How can I get this prescription dispensed?” button on eRx digital tokens it has never been easier for your patients to pre order prescriptions from your pharmacy for later collection or delivery.

Patients can simply open their token and click the green button to submit their script order via the MedView Patient Connect ordering service.

To further increase efficiencies for your pharmacy, all scripts sent via MedView Patient Connect are automatically placed in your MedView Flow queue embedded in Fred Dispense, in order of requested collection time.

Find out more in the following help topics:

• ePrescribing in Fred Dispense Plus

• Patient Script ordering with MedView Patient Connect

Electronic prescription use has surged across Australia since May, spurred on by pharmacies and patients seeking remote and contactless options for medication supply during lockdown.

Read article

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved the name change of the COVID-19 Vaccine Astrazeneca to VAXZEVRIA. See the TGA Media Release for details.

This name change will be reflected in the October Drug Update where COVID-19 ASTRAZENECA CHADOX1-S will be updated to VAXZEVRIA (COVID-19 AZ).

Pharmacists will need to search ‘VAXZEVRIA’ in the drug search screen instead of ‘COVID’ after the October update.

QScript real-time prescription monitoring system will be available to access from 27 September 2021.

From 28 October 2021, it will be mandatory to check QScript prior to writing or dispensing a prescription for a medicine monitored through the system. For more information, refer to Real-time reporting of monitored medicines on the Queensland Health website.

Get Started with QScript

Step 1: Register Queensland Pharmacies must first register with Queensland Health .

Step 2: Activate Once the registration is complete, activate Realtime Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) in your dispensing software. See Activate National Data Exchange for details.

Step 3: Dispense When you dispense S8 or Queensland monitored medicines, you may be prompted to enter the patient's Date of Birth (if it is not already recorded). The National Data Exchange (NDE) retuns a response when you start dispensing a prescription for an S8 or other monitored medicine. See Real Time Prescription Monitoring for more information.

Pharmacies are now able to get notified via email whenever they receive a new order from any patient apps or third parties that have integrated with MedView Flow. When a patient submits an order for their token using one of the medication apps and services available to your store, you will get an email notifying you of this order which includes the following information.

For more information, including how to enable notifications, see Pharmacy Notifications in MedView webhelp.

The free My Script List (MySL) service provides a consolidated digital list of a patient’s current prescriptions, and removes the need to receive and manage separate tokens for each prescription and repeat.

Talk to your patients about setting up their digital My Script List (MySL). My Script List provides a free and simple way for you to access, manage and dispense patients' current medications. My Script List removes the need to receive and manage separate ePrescription tokens and puts an end to prescriptions being lost.

With the MySL indicator, you can instantly see if a patient has a My Script List.

If needed, you can:

• Assist them to complete an easy once-off registration process.

• Obtain consent for your pharmacy to dispense from their MySL.

Download MySL patient brochure

ePrescription tokens now include a button to help patients order their prescriptions remotely. This option should help both you and your patient send through scripts to your pharmacy in those remote situations. When the patient taps the green button (shown below), they can order prescriptions from their chosen pharmacy and arrange for either pickup or delivery. Various apps and services are listed including MedView Patient Connect .

For more information on how this new button works, watch this short video.

PRODA (Provider Digital Access) is the online identity verification and authentication system pharmacies need to use to securely access certain pharmacy-related government online services, for example the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and MyHR. PRODA is managed by Services Australia.

Next year, you will also need to have PBS Online linked your PRODA account, in order to continue lodging PBS Online claims. To help you get ready for this change, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia have created a PRODA Action Plan infographic for community pharmacies. See PRODA, HPOS and AIR on the Guild's website.

The best way to get started with Fred Dispense Plus is to request a demonstration with our team. We can discuss your pharmacy’s needs and answer any questions you may have regarding implementation or integration.

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Fred has launched Australia's first use of artificial intelligence in pharmacy in its new dispensing platform, Fred Dispense Plus, to provide pharmacy with more intuitive dispensing and faster access to clinical decision-making.

The new tool – called Fred AID, which stands for Artificial Intelligence Directions – uses artificial intelligence to predict medication directions. The tool allows pharmacists to quickly and safely enter directions for dispensing labels, using a shortcut to copy or edit directions rather than typing these from scratch … Read more (on the Fred IT website)

Fred AID is available now Fred Dispense Plus. To get started, refer to Fred AI Directions (in this webhelp)

From 1 July 2021, CTG eligibility must be recorded in Patient Details (F8). Previously, CTG eligibility was recorded for each script.

On the Main Dispense screen, select Edit to open Patient Details (F8) and set to CTG toggle to Yes or No, as required for this patient.

An information button with a tool tip has also been added.

Once Patient Details have been updated and the CTG toggle is set to Yes, a CTG flag is added to the patient banner.

When dispensing a script for a CTG patient, the Patient Price is adjusted accordingly.

The mention CTG00B is printed on the repeat and is also transmitted to PBS.

A CTG flag is printed on the Dispense label.

If you dispense a prescription to a patient who is registered for CTG without setting the CTG flag to Yes, then PBS Online will reject the prescription.

(Click to enlarge the image)

Open Patient Details (F8) and change the patient status to Yes for CTG, then edit the prescription to claim it with a reduced co-payment.

For additional information, refer to Closing the Gap (CTG) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co payment Program (on the website of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia)

The Continuing Medication Program assists people who are homeless and require assistance with accessing PBS medications. Patients presenting with a script displaying a CMP code are eligible for medicine at reduced prices. From 1 July 2021, participating pharmacies will be able to claim via PBS Online.

The CMP code is added to the script by a representative of the homeless organisation that collects scripts on behalf of the homeless patients.

Dispense a CMP prescription

1. On the Main Dispense screen, press <CTRL + SHIFT + M> to invoke the Continuing Medication Program dialog prompt and enter the last three character of the CMP code.

   

   The CMP code flag is displayed above the Drug field, with a link.

   

2. Select this link to re-open the Continuing Medication Program dialog prompt and correct the code (if required).

   The CMP flag is also printed on the Dispense label.

   

CMP is subject to the following rules:

• Only applies to participating pharmacies.

• Only applies to Concession or DVA patients. Does NOT apply to General patients, nor for General Patients reaching Safety Net Concession.

• Only applies to Section 85 drugs in the Main PBS Schedule. Does NOT apply to S100 drugs, items under IVF program or Chemotherapy drugs.

• Does NOT flow on to subsequent repeat. It is for a single supply only.

CMP only applies to participating pharmacies. The Continuing Medication Program should not be confused with Continued Dispensing.

Your pharmacy now has access to My Script List (MySL), a consolidated digital list of a patient’s current electronic prescriptions, removing the need for email or SMS tokens. Using MedView Flow you can assist patients to register for and request access to their MySL.

The following resources will assist your team with your ongoing preparations for ePrescriptions:

• eRx ePrescription checklist and guide to assess your pharmacies readiness
• eRx ePrescribing FAQ for Pharmacies
• My Sript List Patient flyer
• MySL and dispensing ePrescriptions videos
• ePrescription ready hardware options

• Visit our ePrescriptions Webinar Questions

Fred is launching prescription ordering via WhatsApp so it will be even easier for patients to view and manage their electronic prescriptions. Patients will also have the flexibility to order their electronic prescriptions from their pharmacy via WhatsApp, SMS or email.

READ MEDIA RELEASE

The roll out of MySL to other States and Territories will continue over the coming weeks.

Fred IT Group launched a new digital script list, called My Script List, this week to provide pharmacies with a complete list of all of a patient’s current prescriptions and repeats for the first time. My Script List was launched in Tasmania on Thursday 22 April. It will be rolled out to the remaining States and Territories by the end of May.

• Find out more (on the Fred IT website)

How do I prepare my pharmacy for MySL?

• Visit mysl.com.au for further information and resources including the MySL Patient brochure.

Refer to ePrescribing in Fred Dispense Plus (in this online help)

Looking for more ePrescription Resources?

The following resources will assist with your ongoing preparations for ePrescriptions.

WEBINAR VIDEOS

• The next phase - MySL and Dispensing ePrescriptions

• Beyond the Token Webinar Videos

• Dispensing ePrescriptions Webinar Videos

RESOURCES

• Activating ePrescriptions Resources

• ePrescribing FAQ's for Pharmacies

• ePrescription Checklist and Guide

• MedView Flow FAQ's

• Register for MedView Flow

• Hardware considerations for ePrescriptions

• Order ePrescription hardware

• Cyber security options

SUBSTITUTION - BIOSIMILLARS and NEW HUMIRA PRESENTATION

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adalimumab will be amended on 1 April 2021 with 4 biosimilars listed alongside the originator brand Humira®

A new reduced volume formulation of Humira will also be PBS listed. This new formulation delivers and equivalent dose to existing formulation (20mg and 40mg) and is ‘a-flagged’ with both original formulations as well as the new biosimilar products.

Pharmacy action

Pharmacists may substitute brands that are ‘a-flagged’, in consultation with the patient. When dispensing, attention must be paid to the selection of the correct PBS item code to ensure the correct product is claimed. Due to the complexities introduced by the number of PBS item codes for adalimumab, substitution between item codes via the usual GS shortcut in Fred may be limited.

Fred advises users exercise caution when selecting PBS item codes to ensure claims are successful. For any assistance selecting the correct PBS item code on the prescription, please contact Services Australia.

CHANGES TO PACK SIZES

Humira® remains available in pack sizes of 2, 4 or 6 units (either 2, 4 or 6 syringes or 2, 4 or 6 pens). Each biosimilar brand of adalimumab is available in pack sizes of 2 units (either 2 syringes or 2 pens). The PBS listings will allow various max quantities of 2, 4 or 6 units to be prescribed. The packs must therefore be dispensed as a single pack or in multiples of 1, 2 or 3 to make up the prescribed maximum quantity.

Prior to 1 April, the PBS listed Humira® pack sizes as ‘1 unit’. With the inclusion of variable pack sizes for the biosimilar brands, these pack sizes have been amended to 4 and 6 units respectively. Note only the pack sizes for 4 and 6 unit listings have been amended for April 2021. There has been no changes to pack size for 2 units.

The 11 PBS items below which prior to April had a Maximum Quantity (MQ)/pack size = 1 which will change in MQ/pack size effective 1 April 2021 are as follows:

• 8961P (MQ= 6)
• 8962Q (MQ= 6)
• 9186L (MQ= 6)
• 9187M (MQ= 6)
• 10397F (MQ= 6)
• 10404N (MQ= 6)
• 10945C (MQ= 6)
• 10972L (MQ= 6)
• 11132X (MQ= 6)
• 11133Y (MQ= 4) [2 Repeats]
• 11137E (MQ= 4) [5 Repeats]

Pharmacy action

• New scripts/repeats

  When supplying these prescriptions as originals or repeats, which were written prior to, but supplied after 1 April 2021, pharmacies must update the quantity representing the units (pens/syringes) supplied to 4 or 6 as applicable (remembering to allow for broken packs) from what was previously represented as a pack quantity of 1.

• Edits and resubmissions

  When editing and resubmitting a claim for items supplied and originally claimed prior to 1 April 2021, quantity should remain as ‘1’ as PBS Online will assess and pay as per the March 2021 DPMQ.

  FRED advises that, if possible, do not edit any scripts submitted prior to 1 April 2021 as the pack size update may have flow on effects to Point of Sale and reporting. Note that payment from PBS for these scripts will not be affected—however, estimated figures from Dispense Reports may be inaccurate upon edits, affecting reconciliation efforts.

For more information on these changes, please see the following announcements from:

• Department of Health
• Services Australia