This extra charge is paid by all patients, together with their usual patient contribution. For RPBS special patient contribution arrangements see the RPBS Explanatory Notes. Under the brand premium arrangements, Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest-priced brand. Patients pay the difference for higher-priced brands, on top of their usual patient contribution. Under the therapeutic group premium arrangements, Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest priced benefit items within identified therapeutic groups.
Patients pay the difference for higher priced items.
Exemptions on medical grounds are available. The Schedule's special patient contributions, brand premiums and therapeutic group premiums apply to maximum quantities. Top of Page Solvents Where a solvent is prescribed as part of a pharmaceutical benefit, only one patient contribution is charged. Top of Page Increased quantities Where a doctor has written an authority prescription for a quantity greater than the maximum, the relevant patient contribution should be made for each supply of the increased maximum quantity. The charge is paid by the patient and does not count towards the safety net.