Frequently Asked Questions

Q How much am I going to be paid this month?

A Confirmation of total payment is not available until all
payment information is produced and sent to contractors.
This information will only be released to the contractor on
confirmation of security details.

Q Is it too late to change my bank account?

A Bank account changes must be received at least 8 working
days prior to the payment date.

Q I am missing a local payment element.

A These payments are authorised by your Primary Care Trust
or Agency, please enquire with them.

Q Which month is the local payment for?

A This can only be determined by the Primary Care Trust or
Agency who authorised the payment please enquire with them.

Q I need copies of previously produced schedules.

A A copy can be reproduced, for which there will be an
administrative charge.

Q I am due professional allowance but have not received it.

A If the local Primary Care Trust has approved your application,
and passed confirmation to the PPA, we will investigate further.

Q Will we explain payments to a third party?

A We will only discuss payment details with a third party on
receipt of signed written confirmation of contractor. The
contractor should specify the period for which the
arrangement applies.

Q I have dispensed a particularly expensive drug and will not get paid for it until much later. Is there anything that can be done?

A Please contact your local Primary Care Trust as they may
administer a high cost drug advance scheme. If this is the case
such advances are notified to the PPA.

Q I am thinking of selling my business. How can I ensure my prescriptions are priced against the correct account?

A The PPA will apply the date of contract change that has been
notified by the Primary Care Trust. Contractors should be
aware of the 30 day appeal period, the PPA cannot alter
the date notified.

Q I have sold my business. Why can my prescriptions not be
priced earlier, to close my accounts?

A The PPA is unable to respond to individual requests, due to
the high volume of prescriptions processed for nearly 10,000
pharmacy accounts.

Q The level of discount is too high.

A The discount scale is negotiated between the PSNC and the
NHS Executive. Please raise your concern with the PSNC.

Q I have sold my business. How do I ensure that paperwork and payments are received?

A Please complete and authorise form PPA304, issued to you
every month, with any change of correspondence address or
bank details. This should be sent to the Contractor
Payment Section at the address specified on the form, or faxed
to 0191 2035252.