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Sector Services

Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements


Nicotine Replacement Therapy


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FAQS
Publications
Links

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
The Nicotine Replacement Therapy, (NRT) programme is a scheme funded by the Public Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health. The aim of this programme is to reduce tobacco consumption and to improve the health and lifestyle of New Zealanders.

Reducing tobacco consumption is a high priority for the New Zealand Government. The priority given to reducing tobacco consumption is based on:
  • The negative impact that tobacco use has on the health status of the population
  • The associated costs to society
  • The public demand for tobacco control
  • The effectiveness of different strategies to reduce tobacco consumption, in particular NRT in combination with counselling.
Hence the National Smoking Cessation Guideline and the NRT programme were initiated. The New Zealand Government decided to fund a Pharmacy NRT Service as part of this programme. This service will allow pharmacies to provide cost effective access to subsidised NRT items. These products are issued to people who have an NRT exchange card issued by an authorised NRT agent. These agents are Quitline and or authorised prescribers who issue these exchange cards.

Is there a limit on how many Quitline Exchange cards will be subsidised per patient per year?
Quitline recommends two cards per year. The Prescriber should use their discretion, people who need more NRT, possibly for combination therapy or relapse, should get it. If the Pharmacist’s suspect someone is trying to abuse the system, they can refuse to supply NRT.

Is there a weekly quantity limit on how many items patients can have on a Quitline card?
Yes there is a limit. Sector Services will only pay for 4 weeks supply for each card.
The card can be broken into1, 2 or 3 weeks of different strengths as long as it’s for 4 weeks supply.

The Quitline card has been hand written is that ok?
Yes this is fine. Quitline send these out to certain Doctors and Maori Health clinics that can prescribe on Quitline cards. (Make sure it’s only for 4 weeks supply)

A patient has come in with a prescription for NRT. Is this subsidised?
No. Sector Services will only pay for NRT on Quitline exchange cards only.

Can Gum and Patches be on the same card?
Yes they can. Make sure it’s only for 4 weeks in total

I want to know if this Doctor can prescribe on a Quitline card.
Contact Quitline on 0800 778 778.
How do I contact Quitline?
For further information, please call Quitline 0800 778 778.
www.quit.org.nz

How do I contact Sector Services?
For further information, please call the Sector Services Contact Centre:
0800 353 2425 or 06 349 1990 or Facsimile 06 349 1983
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm,
Except Wednesday when the Contact Centre’s hours are 9:30am – 5:00pm

Sector Services
179 St Hill Street
Private Bag 3015
Wanganui Mail Centre
Wanganui 4540


Publications

As defined in the Pharmacy Services Agreement – below is a list of the authorised NRT agents.
NRT List (Excel, 221 KB)Claiming guidelines
Error Codes for Community and PCT Pharmacy Electronic Claiming (PEC) V6.1 Booklet (PDF, 228 KB)

Pharmacy Procedures Manual: Version 3.1, Final 03 Jan 08 (PDF, 248 KB)

NB: If you have any questions with regard to the Pharmacy Procedures Manual please contact your District Health Board (DHB) in the first instance.

Links


Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements, Pharmacy
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/sectorservices-claims-pharmacy

Quitline
www.quit.org.nz

Tobacco Control and Smoking
www.moh.govt.nz/tobacco

Please note: you should not rely solely on the answers provided here; the contracts applicable to each provider and all relevant legislation must be consulted to determine the full rights & liabilities applicable to any service provider or funder.


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