Reminder: CPCS IT changes
NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) previously announced that that funding for the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) IT systems was extended for an extra six months – until 30th September 2021.
Having a CPCS IT systems is a mandatory requirement for any contractor signed up to provide the service. They receive referrals from NHS 111 and depending on the approach used locally, from GP practices. The systems also allow the creation of clinical records for the service, communication with GP practices and the submission of payment claims to the NHS Business Services Authority.
It is scheduled that from 1st October 2021, community pharmacy contractors providing the CPCS will need to procure their own IT system from the range of system suppliers in the market offering CPCS functionality. It is advisable for contractors to start considering their decision on the system they will wish to use.
Two pharmacy IT systems already have the capability to receive the necessary CPCS referral messages, support the creation of clinical records and submit claims to the NHSBSA:
We are also aware of two other system suppliers that are working with NHS Digital to develop functionality to support the service in the coming months:
- Positive Solutions (providers of the Analyst PMR system)
- Cegedim (providers of the Pharmacy Manager PMR system)
During a recent NHSE&I webinar meeting of pharmacy contractors and suppliers about this topic, it was recommended that suppliers and pharmacy contractors consider arranging CPCS IT contracts per referral or for a period of no longer than one year.
Software systems will need to meet the CPCS IT standards set by the NHS. These standards will be reflected in the CPCS Technical Toolkit*.
Read more about Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) IT support
