Contractor Notice: Expiry of six HRT SSPs

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that sufficient stock of Oestrogel® Pump Pack (estradiol) 0.06% gel and Ovestin® (estriol 0.1%) 1mg cream is now available to meet normal demand. As a result the following  Serious Shortage Protocols, will expire at 23.59pm on Wednesday 30 November 2022. After this date, any prescriptions for Oestrogel® Pump Pack (estradiol) 0.06% gel or Ovestin® (estriol 0.1%) 1mg cream must be dispensed in accordance with the prescription, and the SSPs will no longer be valid for use.

SSP Expiry Date Supporting Information
SSP019 Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel – restriction 30 November 2022 SSP019 guide
SSP020 Ovestin® 1mg cream – restriction 30 November 2022 SSP020 guide
SSP022 Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel (750microgram per actuation) – substitution 30 November 2022 SSP022 guide
SSP023 Oestrogel® Pump-Pack 0.06% gel (750microgram per actuation) – substitution and restriction 30 November 2022 SSP023 guide
SSP024 Ovestin® 1mg cream – substitution 30 November 2022 SSP024 guide
SSP025 Ovestin® 1mg cream – substitution and restriction 30 November 2022 SSP025 guide

Top tips for SSP claims

  • Where available, use the claim amend facility on the PMR system to rectify any incorrect EPS claims already submitted this month.
  • Any paper prescriptions with SSP claims need to be placed in the red separator provided by the NHSBSA.
  • For any supplies made in accordance with SSPs, check that the correct number of patient charges are collected and declared on the end of month FP34C submission document.
  • Although an SSP cannot be used outside its period of validity, claims can be submitted up to three calendar months after expiry or withdrawal of the SSP.
  • NHSBSA advise that contractors must follow the specific endorsement guidance issued with each SSP and endorsements should be clear and unambiguous – NHSBSA processing staff must be able to determine what has been supplied.
  • Pharmacy contractors should keep a record of all SSP claims submitted each month to reconcile against their monthly Schedule of Payments or Prescription Item (Px) reports.
  • View our SSP submission guidance to ensure your SSP claims are appropriately submitted to NHSBSA  for reimbursement.

Additional information

PSNC Briefing 011/21: Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) updated endorsing guidance

PSNC’s SSP FAQ page

Live SSPs

NHSBSA SSP page

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