The dispensing process
Published on: 17th July 2013 | Updated on: 15th October 2026
Community Pharmacy England provides a range of resources to support pharmacy teams through the entire NHS dispensing process. From receiving a prescription to claiming payment. This page brings together key guidance, making it easier for pharmacy to find the resources they need.
Checks prior to dispensing a prescription form
Different types of products can be dispensed against NHS prescription forms. Pharmacy teams should check if any specific prescription requirements apply before dispensing a particular product category.
Once the appropriate prescription checks above are complete, pharmacy teams should follow their own pharmacy Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support the dispensing process. Community Pharmacy England has produced guidance to support each stage of the process.
If the product is not available to order through the usual channels
- Check Medicines Supply Tool (Specialist Pharmacy Service)
- Check if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued
- Check manufacturer contingency arrangements
- Report a shortage
If the product is not available to purchase at or below the listed Drug Tariff price (including branded medicines being sold above agreed NHS list prices)
The quantity supplied may vary depending on the product and applicable dispensing rules. The resources below provide guidance on Original Pack Dispensing (OPD), special containers and instalment dispensing.
Unless Real Time Exemption Checking (RTEC) has confirmed an automatic exemption from prescription charges, patients/representatives should be asked to sign the reverse of the prescription form or token if they claim to be exempt from paying NHS prescription charges. Otherwise, a prescription charge is payable for each chargeable item.
Certain prescription endorsements are needed to claim correct payments/fees for supplying items ordered on NHS prescription forms. The pages below provides guidance on specific prescription endorsements.
Pharmacy teams must ensure that EPS claims and paper prescriptions are submitted in accordance with the relevant submission requirements and deadlines. The resources below provide guidance on claiming payment for EPS prescriptions, sorting paper prescriptions prior to submission and managing any unpaid items.
Pharmacy owners should check and reconcile their monthly NHSBSA payments to ensure they are reimbursed correctly and to identify any payment discrepancies. The resources below provide guidance on calculation of payments, understanding the Schedule of Payments and using the Prescription Item report to identify any payment discrepancies.
For more information on this topic please email ds.team@cpe.org.uk
