- Tian Wang, Huy L. Nguyen, Isabella Tan, Dean S. Picone, Emily Atkins, Sonali R. Gnanenthiran, Michael O. Falster, Sallie-Anne Pearson, Anthony Rodgers, Aletta E. Schutte
Correspondence: tian.wang@sydney.edu.au
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Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the uptake of a new 60-day dispensing policy for antihypertensive medicines and estimated cost savings compared with conventional 30-day dispensing; and to explore general practitioner and pharmacist perspectives on the new policy.
Study Design
Mixed methods design; analysis of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dispensing claims from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2025; and semi-structured interviews with 20 general practitioners and four pharmacists from 13 June 2024 to 24 September 2024 to gauge their perspectives on 60-day dispensing.
Setting, Participants
General practitioners and pharmacists practising in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, Australia.
Main Outcome Measure
Antihypertensive prescription volumes; patient and government cost savings; and perceptions of the policy from general practitioners and pharmacists.
Results
The 60-day antihypertensive prescription volume increased from 75,500 to 877,700 over 20 months, accounting for 21.2% of all antihypertensive dispensing by 30 April 2025. We estimate the total cost savings for patients were up to ~$65 million, and the government saved ~$87 million and paid pharmacies ~$86.7 million via the Additional Community Supply Support (ACSS) payment program, with a net effect of ~$0.3 million. In interviews, general practitioners indicated varied utilisation of 60-day prescriptions, with some actively providing 60-day prescriptions, but some rarely or not at all. Barriers included keeping abreast of eligible and ineligible medicines for 60-day prescriptions and perceived resistance from pharmacists. Pharmacists were concerned about incorrect dispensing and potential medication shortages.
Conclusion
At 20 months after the introduction of the new policy, 21.2% of antihypertensive prescriptions were for 60-day dispensing. The slow uptake is likely due to low uptake among general practitioners and resistance from pharmacists. The 60-day policy has demonstrated substantial financial savings for patients. If uptake of 60-day dispensing increased to 50%, annual savings from antihypertensive medicines could rise to up to ~$165 million for patients and ~$11.6 million for the government.