Check PBS Online Status

The status page is intended to be used as a diagnosis tool in the event of problems transmitting to Medicare Australia. There are shortcuts to the status page within Fred Dispense.

To check PBS Online Status

  1. Do one of the following:

    • On the Fred Dispense menu, select Setup > PBS-Online > Check PBS Online Status.

    • On the Fred Dispense toolbar, click the PBS Online icon.

  2. Check the System Status in the Medicare Australia webpage that displays.

The PBS online service status page is located at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/pbs/online/service-status.shtml

Interpreting the Status Page

The status page is intended to be used as a diagnosis tool in the event of problems transmitting to Medicare Australia. When visiting the status page, you will see one of the following scenarios:

If a green tick is displayed, you know that:

  • There is connectivity between your pharmacy and Medicare Australia. This means your pharmacy's Internet Service Provider (ISP) is available and Medicare Australia's ISP is available; and
  • Medicare Australia's Services are operating.

In this case you should be able to transmit claims to Medicare Australia. If you still experience difficulties, call Fred Support on 1300 731 888.

If a red cross is displayed, you know that:

  • There is connectivity between your pharmacy and Medicare Australia. This means that your pharmacy’s ISP is available, and Medicare Australia’s ISP is available; AND
  • Medicare Australia’s Services are currently not operating.

In this case, wait five minutes and then click the Refresh button on the Status Page. If the Status Page still displays a red cross, call Medicare Australia on 132 290.

If an orange exclamation mark is displayed, you know that:

  • There is connectivity between your pharmacy and Medicare Australia. This means that your pharmacy’s ISP is available, and Medicare Australia’s ISP is available; AND
  • Medicare Australia’s Services are currently not operating as expected.

In this case, wait five minutes and then click the Refresh button on the Status Page. If the Status Page still displays an orange exclamation mark, call Medicare Australia on 132 290.

If the Status Page cannot be displayed, you know that:

  • There is a connectivity problem between your pharmacy and Medicare Australia.
  • This could be caused by your internet connection not working.

Check that you are connected to your ISP and that your ISP is currently up. If you are connected and your ISP is up, call Medicare Australia on 132 290.