Extended dispensing a ‘win for patients’ Hundreds of medications will become eligible for 60-day supply from September in a move likely to save the healthcare system billions.
Controversial pharmacy income deal under assessment An agreement that guarantees pharmacies’ income for prescriptions is being reviewed for its ‘fitness for purpose’.
Doubts over Guild push to reduce medicine co-payment The RACGP’s President says the initiative, which will cost taxpayers more than $900 million over four years, will do little to reduce costs for patients and taxpayers.
GPs concerned over ‘disruptive’ fluticasone PBS restrictions Patients aged six and under will now have to be seen by a paediatrician or respiratory physician to access a PBS script for the asthma medication.
Wider eligibility for Paxlovid announced From 1 April the availability of the oral antiviral on the PBS will expand to include over-60s with only one risk factor for severe disease.
Extended PBS access to ‘important’ insulin drug The Government is urging patients with type 1 diabetes to obtain a GP prescription by 1 April to ensure ongoing access to Fiasp.
‘It’s a no-brainer’: Prominent backing grows for extended dispensing In Parliament this week Dr Monique Ryan asked the Health Minister to put in place the 2018 PBAC recommendation for 60-day limits.
New Parkinson’s drug listed on PBS The adjunctive therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease will help to maximise the effectiveness and longevity of existing medication.
New year brings cheaper medicines The maximum cost of subsidised prescriptions has been cut for the first time since the PBS was introduced 75 years ago.
In Practice: New PBS fact sheets In the last edition for 2022, GPs can find information on meeting obligations and responsibilities when prescribing PBS medicines.