If you receive a prescription without a prescriber code and you're able to identify the code, the code should be added to the prescription.
FP10 prescriptions must contain a prescriber code.
Prescriber codes
Medical prescribers need a single prescriber code on a prescription that identifies both them and the practice or cost centre they’re working in.
Non-medical prescribers need two codes on a prescription. One to identify them as an individual prescriber and another to identify the practice or cost centre. The only exception is where they use a hospital unit code.
Hospital prescribers, both medical and non-medical usually have one code that identifies the hospital unit where they work. Hospital prescribers can also work for a cost centre. The prescriber codes for a cost centre are the same as for a GP practice.
Prescribers providing public health services and some community services may work as part of a cost centre under a Local Authority or an Independent Sector Healthcare Provider. These prescribers use the same codes as prescribers working for a GP practice.
Dentists are not allocated individual prescriber codes. They should be dispensed and submitted for payment in the usual way.
Any costs associated with their prescribing are met by the NHS Commissioning Board as they’re responsible for commissioning all dental services.
If you choose not to dispense the prescription
You can choose not to dispense the prescription.
This information can be found in the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013.
Schedule 4 paragraph 9 (1)(e) for pharmacy contractors and Schedule 5 paragraph 8(e) for appliance contractors.
You should ask the patient to return to the prescriber to get the necessary information.
Submitting without prescriber codes
If you submit a prescription without prescriber codes, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) may return the prescription form.
This will be returned as a referred back asking you find the appropriate code.
If you're able to identify the code, you must endorse the prescription with the code and return it.
If you're unable to identify the code, you must endorse the prescription to show that you've been unable to locate this.
You must return the prescription to be paid.