Principles of Coding
Examples
Generic or Proprietary?
Broken Bulk Claims
Calender Packs
Patient Packs
Special Containers

• A code number of up to five figures is allotted to each preparation or each pack of each preparation. When this number is entered on the form, it will interpret the preparation dispensed and the pack from which it was dispensed
• A quantity code of one to four figures is used to indicate the quantity dispensed
• When coding a prescription form, each prescription item must be coded separately. If a form contains some items which can be coded and some which cannot be coded, as many prescription items as possible should be coded, and the special mark (The Diamond Symbol) placed opposite each item for which there is no code number.
• To operate the Code, obtain the number allotted to the product ordered and dispensed, enter this on the form in the space headed "Code Numbers", with the code for the quantity underneath as shown:
  1234/56

• Any endorsement by the chemist should be clearly marked on the left-hand side of the form and should NOT appear in the space headed "Code Numbers".
• It is important that chemists should, when coding or endorsing, write figures which can be read at a glance, and avoid joining figures together. Unclear handwriting can lead to incorrect payment
• Red ink should be used for both coding and endorsing
• Where it would be necessary to use more than one code number for an item, e.g. 150g lint, or where a prescription is a mixture of items, that prescription must be left uncoded, e.g. Mixtures
• Stock Orders should be coded in the same way as other prescription forms

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A few examples will illustrate the operation of the Code as follows:

• Actonel Tabs 35mg mitte 4 - the prescription is coded:
  1532/4
• Gauze Swabs BP Type 13 Light 7.5cm x 7.5cm mitte 20 - the prescription is coded:
  1179/4
• Elastic Stockings, Class 2, Circular Knit, Thigh Length mitte 1 pair - the prescription is coded:
  4484/2
• Tegretol Liquid mitte 1200ml - the prescription is coded:
  1486/1200
• Human Velosolin Insulin 100 units/ml mitte 3x10ml - the prescription is coded:
  4134/3
• Premique Tabs mitte 6 x OP - the prescription is coded:
  7798/168
• Locorten Vioform Ear Drops 7.5ml mitte 3 x OP - the prescription is coded:
  4576/24
• Maxitrol Eye Ointment 3.5g mitte 2 x OP - the prescription is coded:
  8045/8

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Broken Bulk may only be claimed under the conditions laid down in the Northern Ireland Drug Tariff.

• A prescription for which Broken Bulk is claimed should be coded with the Diamond symbol even if a code number exists


• The form should be endorsed with the date of dispensing and "BB Claimed for pack of ________"


• The date of dispensing should be endorsed on the container from which the prescription item was dispensed


• Subsequent prescription forms ordering the preparation for which Broken Bulk was claimed, should also be coded with the diamond symbol and endorsed "N/C, BB already claimed on __________ (date)" to indicate no claim is being made for the ingredient cost


• Ensure all forms with Broken Bulk claims are included in the Uncoded part of the bundle

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A calender back is a blister or strip pack showing all the days of the week in a month against each the several units in the pack.

• Where the quantity ordered does not coincide with quantity contained in the calender pack, the number of packs or sub-packs (strips) nearest to the quantity ordered should be dispensed except on those occasions where the prescriber has confirmed that the exact quantity ordered should be supplied. The prescription should be coded in the normal manner


• If a code number does not exist, the prescription should be coded with the Diamond symbol and endorsed with the total quantity dispensed


• Because of misinterpretation in some cases, endorsements such as 1 OP Dispensed or 6 OP Dispensed should not be used

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The Agency can only pay for the exact number of tablets, capsules etc. ordered on a prescription.

Where the quantity ordered does not coincide with that of an original pack and the drug or chemical reagent is:

• Sterile


• Effervescent or hydroscopic


• Liquid preparations for addition to bath water


• Coal Tar preparations


• Viscous external preparations


• Packed in a castor, collapsible tube, dropper bottle, pressurised aerosol, puffer pack, roll-on bottle, sachet,shaker, spray, squeeze pack, container with an integral means of application or any other container from which it is not practicable to dispense the exact quantity

The contractor shall supply in the special container or containers the quantity nearest to that ordered and code and endorse the number and size of the container(s). Pharmacists should contact the Agency if they are unsure if a product conforms to Special Container status

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