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Eye (CNV DMO RVO) Programs in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 012-18032900



Eye programs restriction and item codes

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\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.pngPBS CNV restriction and item codes
\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.pngPBS DMO and RVO restriction and item codes

Contact details

PBS Complex Drugs Programs

External websites

PBS schedule for Complex Eye Programs drugs

FAQs from Service Officers

Table 1: see Table 2 in Processing Complex Authority Required Listings for FAQs about all Complex programs.

Item

Description

1

An application was approved yesterday, can the prescriber self-serve a continuing script today?

Yes, there is no 'too soon' rule for the Eye Program.

2

Can I approve 2 prescriptions for the same drug and condition on the same day?

No, same day prescribing rule applies.

3

If I receive an authority request stating 'initial treatment' but no application form has been submitted, what do I do?

Reject the application, an authority application form must be submitted for an initial authority request.

4

If an authority request states multiple conditions, what do I do?

Reject as the prescriber must state the condition they are requesting authority approval for.

5

If the authority request states both eyes and the quantity is only '1', what do I do?

Approve the authority request as quantity '1'. Complete OPA Q&A as 'both eyes'.

6

An authority request states the following abbreviations OU, OS or OD. How do I proceed?

  • OU (oculus uterque) is both (bilateral) eyes
  • OS (oculus sinister) is left eye
  • OD (oculus dextrus) is right eye

7

If I get the same request twice in HPOS, do I need to respond?

Reply to the first request. A second response is not required.

8

Can I approve increased repeats?

No, maximum repeats are on the item code sheets.

9

The prescriber has written 'diabetic retinopathy', can I accept this as DMO?

No, this is a different condition from DMO.

10

The prescriber has written 'diabetic maculopathy', can I accept this as DMO?

No, this can be caused by DMO. However, the prescriber must confirm that the patient has DMO.

11

I have received an authority request for aflibercept (Eylea®) with a strength of 2 mg/0.05 mL vial, what do I do?

Approve the authority request. 2 mg/0.05 mL vial is also referred to as 4 mg/0.1 mL vial.

12

I have received an authority request for aflibercept (Eylea®) with a strength of 2 mg/0.05 mL syringe, what do I do?

Approve the authority request. 2 mg/0.05 mL syringe is also referred to as 3.6 mg/0.09 mL syringe.

13

I have received an authority request for aflibercept (Eylea®) with a strength of 2 mg/0.05 mL and the prescriber did not specify the form type (vial or syringe), what do I do?

Reject the authority request if the form type has not been specified.

14

I have received an authority request for aflibercept (Eylea®) with a strength of 30.1 mg/0.263 mL or 114.3 mg/mL, what do I do?

Approve the authority request. 30.1 mg/0.263 mL or 114.3 mg/mL is also referred to as 8 mg/0.07 mL.

15

I have received an authority request for brolucizumab (Beovu®) with a strength of 120 mg/mL, what do I do?

Approve the authority request.120 mg/mL is also referred to as 6 mg/0.05 mL.

16

I have received an authority request for brolucizumab (Beovu®) with a strength of 19.8 mg/0.165mL, what do I do?

Approve the authority request. 19.8 mg/0.165 mL is also referred to 6 mg/0.05 mL.

17

I have received an authority request for faricimab (Vabysmo®) with a strength of 120 mg/mL, what do I do?

Approve the prescription. 120 mg/mL is also referred to 6 mg/0.05 mL.

18

I have received an authority request for faricimab (Vabysmo®) with a strength of 28.8 mg/0.24 mL, what do I do?

Approve the prescription. 28.8 mg/0.24 mL is also referred to 6 mg/0.05 mL.

19

Does the initial form have to include the unique identifier or provider number, and the date of report?

Yes, these details need to be completed to address the Q&A.

20

The prescriber submits a request for continuing treatment for aflibercept (Eylea®) for a quantity of 1. How do I action?

Return to the prescriber. Generate a rejection letter and select the ‘streamlined authority’ option.

21

The prescriber requests an approval for a quantity of 2 for ranibizumab (Lucentis®) over the phone, how do I action?

Issue an approval with the prescriber. Remind the prescriber that they can self-serve electronically. Due to the increase quantity, it is not available as a streamlined item.

22

The prescriber has written 'pseudophakic' on an authority request for dexamethasone/Ozurdex®, for having had cataract surgery. Can I accept this?

Yes, pseudophakic means the patient has had cataract surgery.

23

Can I accept monotherapy to also mean sole PBS therapy?

Yes, but you cannot accept sole PBS therapy to mean monotherapy.