Practice Managers Manual - Irish Health Repository

Indicative Drug Budgeting
Background
The Indicative Drug Budgeting Scheme was introduced in 1993. Its aim was to introduce measures to curtail spiralling GMS
prescription costs through greater emphasis on rational, cost effective and quality prescribing by General Practitioners.
General Practitioners were allocated an annual drug target by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service.
Where possible, General Practitioners prescribe generic brands in order to meet their targets. However this is not always
possible and prescribing remains at the discretion of the General Practitioner in the exercise of their clinical judgement.
Certain drugs are not costed against a General Practitioners target; these include statins and budget neutral drugs.
Investment can be utilised towards the following developments:
• Improvements to practice premises.
• Information technology and improved practice information/record systems.
• Clinical Equipment.
• Improved organisational arrangements at local level.
• Recruitment of primary care expertise on fixed term contract.
• Research.
• Education & Training.
• Updating Medical Records.
• Provision of designated Women’s Health Clinic.
• Health Promotion Initiatives.
• Additional General Practitioner Service.
• Staff Uniforms.
Procedure for submitting a Claim
The prior approval of the Health Service Executive must be sought before any expenditure incurred can
be reimbursed to the General Practitioner.
Proposal/Application form is submitted by the General Practitioner (including architect plans & planning permission
where applicable)
Submission is reviewed by administrative staff within the Primary Care Unit and some proposals may need to be discussed
at the IDB review committee.
Provisional approval is given / refused.
On completion of developments/purchase of items – original certificates/receipts must be submitted for expenditure incurred.
Payment is approved and forwarded to the General Practitioner.
Note:
Since December 2005 a freeze has been placed on this scheme. Therefore the original methodology and
incentive scheme is not in operation. However, General Practitioners can currently draw down on
accumulated savings for practice development.
Where to obtain application forms and send your claim:
Primary Care Unit,
Health Service Executive,
2 nd Floor Block E,
Westland Park,
Nangor Road,
Dublin 12.
Tel: 01 4609667
Fax: 01 4609697
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