Real Time Exemption Checking (RTEC)

Are you making the most of having RTEC?

Key benefits of using RTEC:

• Loss reduction: minimise the risk of contractor loss by ensuring that Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) prescriptions are submitted with the correct status, particularly when the category should be exempt.
• Simplified token handling: for patients confirmed as exempt through an RTEC check, tokens can be managed in the same way as age exempt and do not need to be submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) at month end. RTEC eliminates the need for manual exemption checking, patient declarations and token submission when an exemption is confirmed. It also reduces the number of EPS tokens which need to be printed, completed by patients and then be sent from pharmacies to the NHSBSA.
• Enhanced efficiency: streamlines digital processes by removing manual checks, patient declarations, and token submissions, saving time.
• Ensured accuracy: with real-time data verification, RTEC provides real-time confirmation of exemption status at prescription collection.
• Improved patient experience: RTEC saves time and reduces confusion regarding prescription exemptions. Patients can be confident about their exemption status, helping them save money if they were previously unaware of their entitlement and avoid penalty charges for incorrect claims. RTEC increases convenience by reducing the need for patients to provide physical proof of exemption from prescription changes.
• Confusion prevention: it is a national system and as a live exemption check, RTEC removes the need to hold exemption details in other systems, preventing confusion and sharing of incorrect advice which can lead to incorrect claims.

Patients can use the online eligibility checker to find out if they can get free NHS prescriptions and help with other health costs at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check

It’s important that patients’ details, including their name, address and date of birth, are up to date with the NHSBSA, their GP and any benefits organisations. To update their details with the NHSBSA, patients can go to www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/contact-us or they can call:

• 0300 330 1341 for maternity, medical and Prepayment Certificates
• 0300 330 1343 for HC2 certificates

A telephone translation service is available if English is not the first language.

Download RTEC Flyer here