Real Time Exemption Checking (RTEC) is designed to streamline the process for patients and pharmacy teams by improving how exemption categories are recorded.
The NHSBSA reporting of RTEC exemptions has been restricted due to system supplier issues. However, following updates from some system suppliers, the NHSBSA is now able to provide:
-
Enhanced Data Capture: The enhancements to prescription data have increased the capture rate of exemption categories. This improvement means that prescriptions previously categorised under the unassigned 'Z' category are now more accurately classified. In May 2024, the capture rate for classified exemptions stood at 80% of all items. In July, this has increased to 95% of all items.
-
Applicability: These changes began to apply to prescriptions during June. There are no plans to retrospectively update historic data.
-
Included Exemptions: The exemptions applicable to RTEC are available on the NHSBSA’s website.
-
Exemption Categories: The exemption category recorded may not always fully reflect a patient’s circumstances. Often, multiple exemptions may apply to a prescription, but only one can be recorded. Additionally, marks on prescription forms indicating exemption reasons can sometimes be unclear or misinterpreted by scanners, as the NHSBSA does not validate or verify them.
While these enhancements are a positive step in improving the accuracy and efficiency of prescription exemptions, there are still limitations, particularly with paper prescriptions and potential misinterpretations during data capture.