This ad hoc management information release provides information on the volumes of Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificates (HRT PPC) that have been issued since its introduction on 1 April 2023 until 31 December 2023.

The HRT PPC provides a saving to any patient who requires more than 2 listed HRT prescription items per year when they are not covered by any other exemption.

The HRT PPC is available as a 12-month certificate and can be purchased for a one-off payment of £19.30, the cost of 2 single prescription items. The HRT PPC can be purchased online or in person at some pharmacies. It exempts patients from NHS prescription charges for HRT medicines that are licensed to treat menopause in the UK.

If the HRT medicine is listed but taken for reasons other than the menopause, patients can still use an HRT PPC.

How HRT PPC data is collected

Data is collected from the submission of digital and phone applications to the NHSBSA. Pharmacies can also sell HRT PPCs to patients. Pharmacy applications are then submitted to the NSHBSA for processing and reimbursement.

Applications to pharmacies may be submitted to the NHSBSA up to a month after application.

Data Source

NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Data Warehouse

Time Period

1 April 2023 – 31 December 2023

Geography

This data is for England only.

Caveats

The certificates have been grouped based on the issue month of the certificate and not when the certificate is valid from.

The number of certificates includes issued certificates only, excluding any that are pending, failed, or subsequently cancelled due to user error.