This service was added to the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2020, planned to commence 1st April 2020.The introduction was delayed by five months because of the COVID-19 pandemic and commenced 1st September 2020.
The service provides a point of care testing (POCT) for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies to people who inject drugs (PWIDs), using the InTec Rapid AntiHCV Test.
What is the purpose of the HCV antibody testing service ?
- Increase levels of testing for HCV amongst PWIDS who are not engaged in community drug and alcohol treatment services to :
- increase the number of diagnoses of HCV infection
- permit effective interventions to lessen the burden of illness to the individual
- decrease long-term costs of treatment; and d. decrease onward transmission of HCV.
Who is eligible for the HCV antibody testing service?
- Individuals who inject illicit drugs, e.g. steroids or heroin and
- who haven’t yet moved to the point of accepting treatment for their substance use.
Where people test positive for Hep C antibodies, they will be referred for a confirmatory test and treatment, where appropriate.
Payment
- £36 per POCT, plus the cost of the POCT (including VAT)
- Claims to be made monthly, via the MYS portal.
- Payments will be separately itemised on the FP34 Schedule of Payments.
For more information refer to the