PSNC and the NPA have launched an online system that helps contractors to analyse pricing authority prescription data and check payment accuracy.

Check34 analyses pharmacies’ FP34 data so that contractors can identify trends and anomalies in prescription payments, and track key performance indicators that will enable them to better manage and understand their NHS payments. This type of analytical data has previously only been available to larger companies with substantial IT resources.

PSNC has developed Check34 using data and processes derived from its prescription audit work. And the NPA has exclusive rights to make the service available to independent pharmacy. Subscription is free to NPA members; non-members can subscribe for a fee.

Ian Strachan: Check34 offers huge practical benefit

 Check34 analyses 11 KPIs so that contractors can:

• Monitor NHS payments and troubleshoot potential problem areas
• Compare their performance to other pharmacies at local and national level
• Identify lost revenue from prescription switches and under-claiming staff hours • Monitor MUR and NMS performance
• Reconcile their FP34C declaration with the subsequent FP34 payment
• Review up to 24 months’ historical data
• Download data from all sections of the FP34 for business reporting and accounting purposes.

NPA chairman Ian Strachan said: “For a small business like me, without a big head office resource, this is of huge practical benefit. A typical independent owner has to keep all the plates – business, regulation and practice – spinning, so to have the business data side taken care of is a great help. We are marrying a PSNC core competence of data capture to the NPA’s uniquely expansive coverage of the independent sector.”

The NPA expects that the first independents will be able to use the system by the summer, with all eligible pharmacies subscribed by the autumn. Contractors can register their interest at www.npa.co.uk/check34.