The CPCS is complete when the pharmacist has undertaken a consultation with the patient, irrespective of the outcome. The consultation may result in the supply of a medicine(s), referral to another service or simply the provision of advice and these will all attract a payment of £14 for the consultation.

If the referral originates from another pharmacy for stock they do not have both pharmacies will receive the consultation fee. If the patient does not contact the pharmacy and the pharmacy is unable to contact them the consultation should be closed and no fee will be paid for it.

For referrals for urgent medicine, the cost of the medicine will be reimbursed along with a dispensing fee by the NHS. If the patient is exempt from prescription charges an FP10DT EPS dispensing token should be printed and must be completed and signed by the patient before submission to the NHS Business Service Authority.

Referrals for low acuity conditions will not automatically result in a supply paid for by the NHS and patients will be required to pay for any products supplied. The exception to this is if a Minor Ailment Scheme (MAS) is operating locally and the patient meets the criteria for it. In these circumstances a supply can be made through the MAS scheme and claimed for by following the local protocol.