Commonly Prescribed PBS-Subsidised Medicines

Please see below important information about commonly prescribed PBS-subsidised medicines, as provided to USANZ by Services Australia.

At certain times of the year the PBS authorities telephone line may experience prolonged call wait times due to an increase in commonly prescribed PBS-subsidised medicines. To avoid delays in prescribing PBS-subsidised medicines for ongoing health conditions, you can request authority approvals using the Online PBS Authorities system. This allows for faster processing and reduces the need for phone based approvals.

Examples of ongoing health conditions include: 

• Medicines commonly prescribed for back to school e.g. adrenaline for acute allergic reaction with anaphylaxis
• Medicines available for 60-day prescribing 

Did you know you or your delegate can prepare and save an authority request prior to you seeing your patient? You can then finalise the request and submit it for assessment during the consultation.

In the coming months Services Australia are working towards having all written PBS authority required medicines being accessible via the Online PBS Authorities system. Communication messages will be circulated as this occurs. 

Further information

For more information about the Online PBS Authorities system visit the Services Australia Apply for PBS Authority page.

Services Australia has a broad range of educational resources on the Health Professional Education Resources website. This includes simulations, podcast and an infographic on the Online PBS Authorities system. Visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) page.

If you require additional assistance or have any queries, please email Services Australia.