Pharmacies remain in the dark when it comes to the new 60-day dispensing (60DD) scheme, with analytics and technology firm, NostraData expressing concern about the lack of information and understanding on the 60DD from the Department of Health and the Federal Government.
NostraData says pharmacists have legitimate reasons to be worried, considering the inadequate understanding of the real impact the 60DD will have on pharmacies and their viability as small business owners.
The reduced dispensing fees directly impact pharmacies’ ability to provide care for their patients, says NostraData, particularly services that may currently be offered at little or no charge, such as home deliveries and dose administration aid packing.
A survey of more than 200 general practitioners (GPs) revealed a high level of awareness and support for the 60-day reform, with more than 90% backing the change, yet pharmacists are left grappling with uncertainty due to the lack of clarity provided by the government.
Time and cost savings to patients are key benefits identified by the health profession, but the potential consequences for community pharmacy dispensing income are significant, according to NostraData.
Prescribers intending to issue 60-day scripts for patients exceed 78%, indicating a potentially faster and more substantial impact on pharmacy revenue than projected by health department models.
NostraData says the latest government report fails to provide references to modelling or other input data to support the assumption that uptake by prescribers and patients will fall within the range of 45-63% over four years, as mentioned on page 28 of the Impact Analysis report (OFFICE OF IMPACT ANALYSIS ID: 22-03771).
Although the report makes passing references to “previous studies” regarding maximum dispense quantity uptake, these references lack proper citations, raising concerns about the evidence and transparency of the assumptions made by the Department of Health, according to NostraData.
In a recent statement, NostraData says the firm firmly believes that the Department of Health’s assumptions must be challenged, and the information and rationale behind their projections must be made available through comprehensive consultation.
The concerns raised by pharmacists, who serve as small business owners, should not be dismissed, says NostraData, as their ability to remain viable is directly impacted by changes in prescribing practices.
While GPs intend to gradually trial 60-day prescribing, NostraData says it’s crucial to address the legitimate concerns of small business owner pharmacists and ensure that their viability is not compromised by the introduction of this reform. It’s also essential that policy development is informed with the right information and consultation with the right stakeholders.
Collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare professionals, and the pharmacy sector are essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact and implement safeguards to ensure that there aren’t unintended consequences that leave patients or pharmacies worse off from this measure.
