Reminder: Specials added to a new section of the Drug Tariff
From March 2022, the Drug Tariff will include a new section, Part VIIID, which sets out payment arrangements for specials and imported unlicensed medicines (mainly unlicensed tablets and capsules) to be paid relative to a commonly identified pack size.
47 specials with different formulations are listed in Part VIIID of the March 2022 Drug Tariff. See below examples of some specials that will be listed with a reimbursement price in Part VIIID.
| Product | Formulations covered in this Part | Quantity |
| Colecalciferol 10,000unit tablets | STD | 12 |
| Co-proxamol 32.5mg/325mg tablets | STD | 100 |
| Levothyroxine sodium 25microgram capsules | STD, LF, SF | 28 |
| Melatonin 10mg capsules | STD, LF, SF | 30 |
| Sucralfate 1g tablets | STD, CF, FF, LF, PF, SF | 40 |
Prior to March 2022, any NHS prescriptions for these specials would be reimbursed based on endorsement of the invoice price (less any discount and rebate) of the pack size used. However, from March 2022, prescriptions for any special listed in Part VIIID will be reimbursed based on the prices listed in the Tariff. To ensure correct payment for any specials dispensed prior to March 2022, pharmacy teams are reminded to submit their prescriptions for payment in a timely manner (i.e. submit claims by the 5th of March).
The reason for having a new section for specials in the Tariff is that those listed in existing Part VIIIB section are currently restricted to manufactured non-solid dosage forms (for example liquids, creams, ointments and lotions etc) which, except for products classed as special containers, are reimbursed based on a price per unit above a minimum quantity. However, for specials listed in Part VIIID (mainly unlicensed tablets and capsules), reimbursement prices are calculated relative to commonly identified pack sizes. The pack size listings are to support Broken Bulk claims which, from March 2022, are permitted for any specials listed in Part VIIID. Please note: Broken Bulk CANNOT be claimed for any specials listed in Part VIIIB or for any non-Tariff specials.
PSNC’s Dispensing and Supply team have published the following resources:
PSNC Briefing: Part VIIID – Specials with reimbursement prices relative to commonly identified pack sizes provides guidance on the new Part VIIID arrangements as FAQs covering the reasons for the introduction of a new section in the Drug Tariff for specials, Part VIIID price-setting processes as well as prescription endorsing and submission requirements.
Pharmacy endorsing guidance for specials and imported unlicensed medicines factsheet. This factsheet outlines the differences in prescription endorsement requirements for both Drug Tariff-listed and non-Tariff specials.
Further information on unlicensed specials and imports can be found here.
