There are 4 types of prices available for prescription products
  - Private,
  - NHS (National Health Scheme),
  - Concession, and
  - Safety Net.

The Private and NHS prices are open to the general public and you may choose whichever price suits you best. However, Concession and Safety Net require you to have the appropriate entitlement cards to qualify for the marked price.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.(PBS/ NHS) The majority of Australians are entitled to receive Government subsidised medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS). For most prescriptions the fee is currently $33.30. In a small number of cases a Government surcharge may apply for more expensive brands of medication. PBS prices for medications are set by the Government and cannot be discounted under any circumstances. In some cases a special authority prescription may be required for an individual to receive PBS subsidised medication.

Private prescriptions. Some medications are not subsidised by the Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme. In these cases the member must pay for the full amount of the prescription.  Many private prescriptions can be claimed against private health insurance (contact your fund for more details). We also maintain a full prescription history – making it easier for you to retrieve all of your expenditure information to make appropriate claims. In addition we can provide you with receipts to assist in making your claims with your Health Funds (where applicable)

Concession cards. Holders of Pension, Health Care and Veteran Affairs cards will generally be charged a much lower fee for PBS prescriptions. For most prescriptions this fee is currently $5.40. In a small number of cases, a Government surcharge may apply for more expensive brands of a medication. This can usually be avoided by electing to use a generic equivalent to the expensive brand.

Safety net. For PBS items, we will maintain a record of all your eligible safety net expenditure with us and advise you when you have reached your safety net entitlement.

 Repeat Dispensing

Due to Australian Legislation we cannot dispense multiple quantities of PBS items ($33.30 or $5.40) unless certain other conditions apply. EG. Your Doctor provides you with a marked Regulation 24 or Authority prescription.

If you need multiple quantities for a special reason (eg. going overseas) please contact us.

Authority Prescriptions

An authority prescription is required when the medication being sought has special requirements associated with its use. It is generally for an increased quantity or for a longer duration than a normal prescription, and consists of only one item per prescription.

An authority prescription must have an authority number and a phone approval number or a stamp (for mailed requests) for it to be considered valid.

Some items which are subsidised by the PBS to treat special conditions require an authority prescription. If you do not qualify for the conditions as stated by the government, the private price will apply.

Regulation 24

Provided that your Doctor is satisfied that you meet the criteria, a Regulation 24 prescription can be issued. Under this regulation the original and repeat supplies of pharmaceutical benefits can be supplied all at once. It is an all or nothing dispensing.

Medicare Card Number

Government regulations require you to provide your full Medicare number and Medicare expiry date when you request your prescription, if that prescription is entitled to a PBS benefit.

For more information about the PBS and PBS Safety Net:

Call the PBS information line – Free Call : 1800 020 613

Internet: www.health.gov.au/pbs