ANS Module cuts red tape at Ballarat Health Services

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iPharmacy now incorporates the Authority Notification System (ANS) module that enables the transfer of encrypted data to and from Medicare for PBS dispensing items requiring an authority number.

i.Pharmacy sites across Australia that manufacture Section 100 chemotherapy items have successfully implemented the module and are realising substantial benefits, including significant time savings along with other advantages such as a reduction in claim errors.

Ballarat Health Services is an example, where over the past four months the ANS module has successfully been used for the processing of CPAP drugs that require PBS Authority.

A key deliverable of the software ensures that the prescriber is no longer required to contact Medicare Australia for an authority, nor write a PBS prescription for CPAP authority drugs. Geoff McCurdy, Director of Pharmacy, Ballarat Health Services, explains, “Our oncology staff enjoy significant time savings and convenience as separate PBS prescriptions for PBS authority items are no longer required.”

The pharmacy receives almost instantaneous confirmation of PBS authority approval via an electronic message in ipharmacy, ensuring the claim can be accepted without error.

When the ANS module is combined with paperless claims for CPAP drugs, the prescriber simply completes a treatment sheet, from which the pharmacist dispenses PBS drugs with only minimal change to the normal dispensing routine (route of administration, and PBS indication are selected from drop down lists).

In essence, the ANS module has created a paperless environment for claims for general and authority chemotherapy. “Before implementing the software, the reconciliation of PBS authority prescriptions and repeat forms was a constant issue for us. Now, Ballarat Health Services is preparing PBS claims with improved efficiency, and a significant reduction in claim errors,” Geoff McCurdy comments.

“Importantly, staff have found the ANS module very easy to use. In summary, we are very pleased with the tangible benefits that have ensued since implementation.”