Pharmacists providing staged supply services
Staged supply is the process by which pharmacists supply medicines to consumers in periodic instalments of less than the total required or prescribed quantity at agreed intervals.
Under the 5th Community Pharmacy Agreement, pharmacists may receive an incentive payment under the Pharmacy Practice Incentive (PPI) Program for providing staged supply services for prescribed medicines. To be eligible to receive a PPI payment, pharmacies must:
- be a section 90 pharmacy
- have accreditation through a pharmacy accreditation program
- agree to display and comply with a patient service charter and
- register for PPI at http://www.5cpa.com.au/.
The PSA published Standard and guidelines for pharmacists providing a staged supply service for prescribed medicines in March 2011 to help pharmacists deliver staged supply services, and meet their professional obligations.
The guidelines can be viewed, printed or saved as a 28pp booklet. The standard contains an information sheet and templates which can be downloaded separately and filled in on a computer.
- Begin or continue the online learning module on staged supply services
- Download the complete standard (Acrobat format)
Information sheet
This information sheet can be used when promoting the staged supply service to consumers and/or prescribers. It outlines the details of the staged supply service and how it can benefit consumers. Also included are frequently asked questions, including special situations which may occur within the staged supply service.
Staged supply service agreement
This template can be used to record the details of the staged supply service with a consumer. Both the pharmacist and the consumer/agent should sign the form. It is preferable to print and fill in two copies so that one can be retained by the consumer/agent and one can be retained by the pharmacist. If required, a copy can also be forwarded to the prescriber.
Staged supply record
This template consists of three parts. Part 1 can be used where the consumer has more than one medicine being supplied. Part 2 can be used where the consumer has only one medicine being supplied. Part 3, the communication record, should be attached to Part 1 or Part 2 of the staged supply record and used to record communications with the prescriber, other health care professionals or the consumer. Communications should be recorded in chronological order.