Proposed Dispensing Feescales for GMS Contractors, England and Wales - 2018, October release

Key Facts

In order to introduce new dispensing feescales from 1 October 2018 on the existing doctor-based banding basis, the following have been calculated, based on formulae determined by negotiating parties.

The figures are calculated using data for England and it is anticipated that they will also be accepted for use in Wales:

• The dispensing envelope for 2018/19 is 180.98 million. This is calculated by taking the 2017/18 envelope (178.61 million) and adjusting this figure for any over/underspend in 2017/18 and uplifting the cost element and profit element.

• The average volume change of fees is -0.110 per cent. This is the average annual percentage change in the volume of fees over the last two years. This is used to adjust for the forecast volume in dispensing fees.

• The proposed feescales to be implemented from 1 October 2018 which will deliver the envelope for 2018/19, are detailed in the ‘Proposed New Feescales’ section of the paper.

• The average volume change of -0.110 per cent is applied to each existing banding to calculate new bandings in the proposed feescale.

• An adjustment factor of 1.164 is applied to each pence value at each banding to get a new value in the proposed feescale. This adjustment factor is applied so that the new fees will deliver the remaining envelope for 2018/19.

The methodology used in calculating the feescales follows that agreed between the BMA General Practitioners Committee, NHS Employers, the Department of Health and Social Care in England and the Welsh Government.

The methodology was agreed in March 2012. The Technical Steering Committee has agreed the calculated figures for 2018/19