PBS
PBS designed for a bygone era
Medicare reform must not come at the expense of improving other areas of Australia’s health system, including the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Trent Zimmerman, warns. Writing in The Guardian former …
Employment status impacts severe asthma expenditure
Poorly controlled asthma is placing a substantial economic burden on Australia’s healthcare system, a study reveals. Research published in Plos One found that the employment status of patients with severe or …
Medicines pricing makes Australia unattractive for manufacturers
Australia’s reliance on overseas manufactured medications combined with medicines pricing is fueling current supply shortages, a senior Guild official believes Speaking to ABC News, Adele Tahan, vice president of the …
Cost of medicines in the spotlight
Pharmacist speaks up on need for affordable medicines as Parliament debates co-pay bill The federal government has tabled its National Health Amendment (General Co-payment) Bill 2022, bringing what it says …
Ozempic shortage extends into new year – but it’s still earning big
Meanwhile semaglutide medication Wegovy – indicated purely for weight loss – is added to the ARTG The enduring drought of type-2 diabetes medication Ozempic, blamed on its being prescribed off-label …
Co-pay cut set to reduce non-adherence
The legislation to slash the maximum PBS co-payment has been tabled, as the rising cost of living makes it harder for many to afford their scripts The Albanese Government has …
Heart disease drugs dominate PBS meds use by chronically ill
But COVID limitations mean latest National Health Survey comparison with previous years “not possible” Heart disease drugs are the most supplied to people with chronic medical conditions by a narrow …
Claiming becomes an issue
Issues have arisen with some PBS claims for ezetimibe following item and streamline code changes at the start of August Changes to the PBS listing of ezetimibe (Ezetrol), which kicked …
‘Common-sense’ changes secure access for critical medicine
Pharmacists no longer “stuck in the middle” as access to PBS-subsidised hydromorphone oral solution secured Changes to the PBS listing of hydromorphone oral solution from Monday 1 August mean pharmacists …
PBS co-pay cut confirmed
The new federal government has confirmed its election commitment to shave $12.50 off the maximum PBS co-pay cost The ALP’s list of priorities for its term of government were revealed …
Losing approval
Pharmacist has their approval revoked following a criminal conviction A New South Wales pharmacist has had their approval revoked by the Department of Health after being found guilty of defrauding …
‘Very sensible’ change to antiviral eligibility: Guild
Access to antivirals for COVID on the PBS has been widened to include anyone aged over 70 All Australians aged over 70 who test positive to COVID will be able …