Prescriptions in focus: Pharmacies are fighting against increasing cost pressure!

Prescriptions in focus: Pharmacies are fighting against increasing cost pressure!

In the healthcare sector, the challenges facing pharmacies are diverse and complex. The production of the recipe plays a particularly important role, ranging from checking whether reimbursement is possible to practical implementation. Nadine Tröbitscher, an experienced PTA (pharmaceutical technical assistant), sheds light on this topic with her many years of expertise. She has been editor-in-chief of PTA IN LOVE since 2020 and has made a significant contribution to educating people about the processes in pharmacies. Since 2023, she has also been working as joint editor-in-chief of APOTHEKE ADHOC and remains actively involved in retail sales in order to build a bridge between theory and practice reports PTA IN LOVE.

The production of recipes requires careful checking for plausibility and reimbursement Pharmacy Adhoc explained. In certain cases, costs for safe formulations without prescription ingredients can be covered by health insurance companies. The OTC exception list is important here, as it provides information about possible billing. This list includes, among others, active ingredients such as salicylic acid and urea, which are often used in pharmacies to treat serious illnesses.

Pricing and billing of prescriptions

The price calculation for medicines follows strict guidelines set out in the Medicines Price Ordinance (AMPreisV). When dispensing prescriptions, it is crucial that the dispensing price is calculated by taking into account the proportional purchase price, a surcharge, the costs of the dispensing container and VAT. Last year, pharmacies prepared 7.2 million general prescriptions for statutory health insurance patients, which shows how important these services are. Nevertheless, the number of prescriptions has fallen by a third since 2011, largely due to ongoing changes in legislation and reimbursement guidelines.

An important aspect is that pharmacies can now also charge a flat rate of 8.35 euros, according to the Drug Supply Strengthening Act (AM-VSG). This measure is part of the effort to improve the economic situation of pharmacies and ensure the quality of care. A current analysis of the DAPI figures shows that the income from recipe production is around 60 million euros, a not insignificant sum.

The obligation to check prescriptions applies not only to substitute health insurance funds, but also to some primary health insurance funds. This means that the prescription must be checked for the criteria mentioned before it is dispensed in order to avoid retaxation. Pharmacies are responsible for working precisely and providing all relevant information on the prescriptions.

Overall, it is clear that work in pharmacies, especially in the area of ​​prescriptions, is characterized by a large number of regulations and the need to maintain patient care at a high level. Experienced professionals like Nadine Tröbitscher are indispensable in mastering both the practical and administrative aspects of this important health sector.