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Joint Operational Group (JOG) Meeting Update

March 2024

Representatives from the HSE PCRS and the IPU Contract Unit met on 25 January 2024 for the Joint Operational Group (JOG), a forum to allow for engagement between the IPU and the PCRS on an operational basis. At this meeting, the following items were discussed:

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists: Managing the supply of GLP-1 agonists is complex due to the on-going shortage issue. The PCRS is drafting a circular to provide pharmacists with clarity on the reimbursement of these products under the community drug schemes;
HSE PCRS invoice request process: The IPU delegation sought clarification on the HSE process for invoice requests, as pharmacies have reported receiving requests for invoices from the PCRS with a short time period for response. The PCRS outlined that pharmacy claim files should ideally be submitted as early as possible in the month because in cases where they are received late, the PCRS may need to request urgent responses for invoices to meet payment deadlines. Additionally, the PCRS suggested including the PPU team at ppuqueries@hse.ie when responding;
Tax compliance certificate: The IPU delegation requested clarification regarding the recent increase in pharmacies payments impacted by tax clearance not being confirmed. To be paid regularly and without delay, the PCRS emphasised the importance of pharmacies verifying their tax compliance status every month;
High-Tech medicine wastage: The PCRS confirmed that the majority of pharmacies have completed their High-Tech stocktake. The IPU delegation enquired as to why there is currently no process in place regarding the return of unused High-Tech Medicines or a mechanism to facilitate the transfer of this valuable medication to another pharmacy. The PCRS clarified that pharmacies do not hold wholesale licenses and thus cannot distribute medication. However, they acknowledged that there is an allowance to transfer medication between pharmacies in cases of immediate patient need;
EEA/EU claim data: The PCRS delegation indicated that they are not receiving sufficient level of detail in some EEA/EU claims transmitted electronically. Specifically, in certain cases, a required reference number is missing, or reference number is clearly not valid, and they highlighted that this number is required in order to finalise the reimbursement at the EU level; and
Partially reimbursed claims: Pharmacies have reported that they are encountering difficulties when claims are only partially paid, as they are unable to locate/isolate these transactions in their summary claims listings. The PCRS highlighted that such partial payments are visible in the adjustment section and have agreed to provide support so the IPU can direct members to the correct location within the summary listing.

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Joint Operational Group (JOG) Meeting Update

Joint Operational Group (JOG) Meeting Update

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