| Dispensing
Services
National Pharmacies Online is presently unable to offer prescription-dispensing
services via the Internet. However, National Pharmacies stores do continue to
offer the full range of dispensing services. Please check for a location
near you. Included in our dispensing services we offer the convenience
of a faxed prescription service. Simply fax your prescription details to
us. On presentation of your original prescription, you will receive your requested
medication.
| 'Fax A Script'
- For Gawler Place (Adelaide)
Pick-Up Only
Fax Number: (08) 8232 1636 |
| Details Required: |
- Prescription (Original plus a Repeat)
- Clear Address and Contact Numbers
- Originals and copies of: Membership card,
Medicare Number (required
by the Government)
Concession Card (ie.
health care cards, etc.)
- Time of collection (if possible) |
Types
of Prescriptions
There are different types of prescriptions available
in Australia:
- Private
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - includes general
scripts, concessional scripts (Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card &
Commonwealth Seniors' Health Card) issued by Centrelink, and safety net scripts
(issued at the pharmacy on behalf of the Health Insurance Commission)
- Repatriation
(RPBS) - concession cards issued by the Department of Veterans' Affair
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To view the various Pharmaceutical Benefits Entitlement Cards click
here. Private
Prescriptions
Some prescriptions are not subsidised by the government,
leaving the patient to fully pay for the item . In some cases a patient can save
more money by electing not to have their prescription dispensed as a NHS prescription
but as a private prescription. Although PRF stickers cannot be issued, many patients
would not reach the safety net threshold anyway making them irrelevant. (See Safety
Net for information). As many private prescriptions can be claimed back through
Private Health Funds, relevant receipts will be provided. National Pharmacies
Members are entitled to a benefit of up to 30% on prescription lines except those
on which the Government does not permit us to give a member benefit. Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The PBS is a system of subsidising the cost
of most prescription medicines. The subsidies are available to all Australian
residents and eligible foreign visitors (where reciprocal health care arrangements
with Australia exists), and are covered by a Medicare card. The following
applies to both general and concession patients:
A premium may also be added
to the base cost of a pharmaceutical benefit. This premium can either be:
- A brand premium
- Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest-priced brand.
Patients pay the difference for higher-priced brands, on top of their usual patient
contribution.
- A therapeutic
group premium - Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest
priced benefit items within identified therapeutic groups. Patients pay the difference
for higher priced items.
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Most medicines are listed on the PBS and the maximum cost
is currently set at $31.30 for general patients. National
Pharmacies Members are entitled to a 20% benefit for prescriptions
under $31.30. Those prescriptions more than $31.30 are subsidised
by the Government and, therefore, under legislation National
Pharmacies is unable to offer a benefit.
Prescription
Record Form (PRF) stickers will be supplied with all PBS prescriptions and Safety
Net Totals will be kept for patients. Concession
Cards
(Pensioners, Seniors' Health Care, Veterans' Affairs
cardholders, and CN cardholders)
These cardholders will pay $5.00 for most prescriptions.
To view the various Pharmaceutical Benefits Entitlement Cards
click here. Safety
Net
If you and your family require large amounts of PBS prescriptions
in any one-year, a Safety Net threshold exists to protect you financially. Once
this threshold is reached you can apply for a Safety Net card enabling you to
receive PBS prescriptions at a concessional rate. A family can include:
- A spouse or de facto spouse
- Children under 16 in your
care; and
- Full-time dependent students under 25.
| To
be eligible for the Safety Net, you must keep a total of your PBS prescription
expenditure. As individual pharmacies are not linked, records are only kept for
prescriptions dispensed in each pharmacy. At National Pharmacies we will keep
records of all PBS prescriptions dispensed by us for Safety Net purposes. If you
use different pharmacies (including hospital pharmacies) you should keep your
own prescription record form. To view the various Pharmaceutical Benefits
Entitlement Cards click
here. Safety
Net Threshold
The levels for 2008 are:
General Patients: $1,141.80*- a safety net card will
be issued allowing NHS prescriptions to be charged at $5.00*
each for the rest of the calendar year
Concession Card Holders (pensions, seniors' health
care card, veteran affairs etc.) $290.00* - a safety net
card will be issued allowing NHS prescriptions to be free*
for the rest of the calendar year.
*These figures are adjusted annually and
do not include a surcharge for the more expensive alternative brands/medicines,
Brand Price Premiums, Therapeutic Group Premiums and Special Patient Contributions.
If
you require more information about Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme:
Generic
As you may be aware, some brands of medicines are more expensive than
others. If you are prescribed the more expensive brand, you pay the difference
between that brand and the lowest priced alternative. The extra you pay does not
count towards the Safety Net. To avoid paying extra you can ask your doctor to
prescribe the less expensive brand, or your pharmacist may be able to provide
a substitution. We understand that our members are very conscious of the
price they pay for products and are looking for opportunities to save money. As
a consumer, it is your right to ask for the less expensive brand. To remind you
of this option we have on display a sign at the prescription service counter of
every National Pharmacies store. Privacy
National Pharmacies will ensure that the confidentiality and integrity of all
patient information is protected. This is consistent with current professional
practices within National Pharmacies. All our pharmacists maintain current
registration with the respective State Pharmacy Boards. National Pharmacies ensures
that our pharmacists practice to the highest ethical and professional standards. All
data transmission for pharmacist@nationalpharmacies.com.au
is encrypted for your protection. Click Security
for more info. If you have any general queries please email:info@nationalpharmacies.com.au ^
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