Reminder: FreeStyle Libre Sensor to be deleted from Part IX of the January 2023 Drug Tariff

Pharmacy contractors should note that any NHS prescriptions for the original FreeStyle Libre Sensors submitted for payment after the end of December 2022 will not be passed for payment.  This is because only devices listed in the Appliances section in Part IX (Parts IXA, IXB and IXC) of the Drug Tariff are allowed on NHS prescriptions.

Abbott Laboratories Ltd has taken the decision to discontinue the original FreeStyle Libre Sensors in the UK by 31st December 2022.  This means that the original sensors will be deleted from Part IXA of the Drug Tariff from January 2023. A three-month notice of its deletion was given in the October 2022 Drug Tariff. This discontinuation does not impact FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor.

Contractors are advised to:

  • Only order stock of FreeStyle Libre sensors to fulfil prescriptions up to end of December 2022; 
  • Inform patients currently using FreeStyle Libre sensors of the discontinuation and direct them to contact their GP who may change their prescription to an alternative monitoring device for example, FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors. 
  • Submit any outstanding EPS Claim Notifications (CNs) no later than the 5th January 2023. For EPS prescriptions, contractors should be mindful of the EPS 5-day window 
  • Submit any paper prescriptions for FreeStyle Libre sensors to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) no later than the 5th January 2023. 

Each month PSNC’s Dispensing and Supply Team create a summary of the Drug Tariff changes. PSNC’s Drug Tariff Watch includes details of additions, deletions and category and price changes.

It is important to monitor the monthly changes to Part VIII and Part IX of the Drug Tariff as these can impact on reimbursement. For example, if a drug moves from Category C to Category A, certain claims such as Broken Bulk or out of pocket expenses may no longer be permitted, and any wrong or missing endorsements can lead to incorrect or delayed payments.

The notice of deletion of appliances from Part IX is also very important to note as prescriptions for any devices no longer listed in the Drug Tariff will be disallowed by the NHSBSA.

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