Methadone dispensing at risk as PBS change causes financial havoc

The RACGP has heralded new PBS listings for opioid dependence treatment as a victory for patients, but GPs and pharmacists say they are primed to backfire.
Taree GP Dr Simon Holliday says the ban on general practices providing buprenorphine directly will risk patients falling through the cracks.
Meanwhile, in the same town, pharmacist Jason Mulhall says he is facing a potential $40,000 shortfall.
He says his pharmacy is the only one in town that will continue to dispense opioid dependence treatments, such as a methadone, now they are subsidised under the PBS’ Highly Specialised Drugs Program.