The code set also includes codes for related prescription-related benefit schemes such as the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).

CODE OR   Original prescription

This code denotes the original supply of a medicinal product prescribed under the provisions of the general PBS.

CODE RE   Repeat prescription

This code denotes a repeat supply of a medicinal product prescribed under the provisions of the general PBS.

The permitted number of repeats for each PBS item is listed in the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. The prescriber may specify less than the listed number of repeats, based on the patient's needs. If a prescriber feels it necessary to specify a number of repeats greater than that listed for the item in the Schedule, a PBS authority form must be obtained from the Department of Human Services either by phone, in writing or electronically.

CODE AU   Original authority prescription

This code denotes the original supply of a medicinal product prescribed via an authority prescription.

Authority prescriptions are used for selected PBS items that are only intended for patients who satisfy criteria specified in the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. The prescriber must seek approval from the Department of Human Services and must declare the specific conditions and circumstances that justify the use of these medicines. This can be done either by phone, in writing or electronically.

For example, the drug alprazolam in 1 mg tablet form (PBS item 2132F, as at 1 November 2015) is only available via an authority prescription, prescribed specifically for the treatment of panic disorders where other treatments have failed or are inappropriate.

An original authority prescription form is also used when the prescriber specifies the supply of a number of repeat supplies and/or quantities of the prescribed medicinal product greater than the maximum number of repeats or quantities specified for the applicable item in the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits, for both authority and non-authority PBS items.

CODE AR   Repeat authorisation relating to authority prescription

This code denotes a repeat supply of a medicinal product prescribed via an authority prescription.

CODE VA   Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) original prescription

This code denotes the original supply of a medicinal product prescribed under the provisions of the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). 

CODE VR   Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) repeat prescription

This code denotes a repeat supply of a medicinal product prescribed under the provisions of the RPBS.

CODE DS   Deferred supply authorisation

This code denotes the authorisation of the deferred supply of a prescribed item in cases where the prescription specifies the supply of more than one prescribed item.

A deferred supply occurs when the patient or PBS consumer requests the deferral of the original supply of one or more of the pharmaceutical benefits specified in a prescription. The pharmacist, prescriber or hospital authority must prepare a separate deferred supply authorisation for each item for which the deferred supply is requested.

More information in relation to the deferred supply of pharmaceutical benefits is available in Regulation 26A of the National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Regulations 1960 (Cwth) (see the 'Reference documents' section below).

CODE DB   Prescriber Bag supply form

This code denotes the use of the order form associated with the Prescriber Bag provisions of the PBS.

Under the Prescriber Bag provisions, pharmaceutical benefits are provided without charge to prescribers who, in turn, can supply them free of charge to patients for emergency use.

Also known as Doctor's Bag, particularly in the context of historical data records.

CODE OS   Ostomy prescription

This code denotes Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) prescriptions, i.e. prescriptions for stoma-related products and appliances provided to patients who are members of a stoma association in Australia and who hold an SAS entitlement card issued by the Department of Human Services through one of the associations.

CODE PR   Patient claim for refund form

This code denotes instances where the customer of a pharmacy completes a Patient claim for refund form.

A refund can only be claimed if either:

• the patient or PBS consumer exceeds their PBS Safety Net threshold before being issued with a PBS Safety Net card, or
• the patient or PBS consumer cannot prove eligibility for a PBS benefit when the pharmacy supplies the prescribed medicinal product.

Pharmacies do not claim refunds on behalf of their customers. However, they can provide information to the patient to assist in making a claim for a refund.