Terminologies covers more of the PBS

6 November, 2008. Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) now includes all pharmaceutical products listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) has released AMT version 1.9 which includes all pharmaceutical products listed on the PBS. This constitutes over 5000 products registered for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and which together account for more than 80 per cent of the total volume of medicines use across the country.

AMT, designed as the national medicines component of SNOMED CT, uniquely identifies medicines and their clinically critical components, applying standard naming conventions to ensure accuracy and consistency when describing medications.

NEHTA Chief Executive Peter Fleming said the release of AMT V1.9 and its integration into the PBS was a major advance for e-health in Australia.

“Management of medication information will be a key area for health reform," Mr Fleming said.“The adoption of AMT means pharmaceutical products will be able to be accurately identified and described by computer systems.

“This is an essential building block of e-health, including the future development of an individual electronic health record," he said.

“The ability to uniquely identify every marketed medication in Australia will enable greater efficiencies," Mr Fleming said.

“Efficiency in this area means fewer avoidable allergic drug reactions, fewer transcription errors, better decision support for clinicians and more effective management of Government subsidies."

“From October 31, AMT will contain all the Australian marketed products on the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits," Mr Fleming said. “By next March there will be around 10,000 registered items covered, including those marketed in Australia but not on the Schedule."

NEHTA invites enquiries from companies who would like to incorporate AMT into their business. Contact terminology services This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone (02) 8298 2600.