GP34vDeclared Explained: Why Your Totals Might Not Match PSD

Published: 16th April 2026

I’m Shaun Cowan and I’m the Audit and Services Coordinator at Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS). A big part of my week is working with our audit and services team to help our 1,200+ member pharmacies with day-to-day questions about providing pharmacy services.

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In the Audit and Services department, we get lots of queries about reimbursement, especially around making sure forms and items scan properly at Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland). Recently, a few members have been asking us about the “GP34vDeclared” section in the PSD eSchedule, where the totals don’t always match what PSD has scanned at Gyle Square.

I popped out to visit a pharmacy team who were seeing this same issue. We counted prescriptions together before the courier came to collect them - this was so we could identify where the differences were coming from and make sure everyone was counting forms and items for the GP34 in the same way.

We broke the submission down step by step, first by form type, then into bundles of 1, 2 and 3 item prescriptions. Because GP10s make up most submissions, we bundled those in 50s to make counting quicker. The team also keeps a simple daily record of script numbers, which really helps when it comes to checking GP34 totals.

Something we hear a lot is uncertainty about what should go into the submission and what should be included in the count. CP4 forms came up again; some systems still print them, but you don’t need to include CP4 UCF forms or items in the GP34 item count.

If you print CP4 forms (for Pharmacy First Scotland, Universal Claim Framework (UCF) service supplies, and similar), they can still be handy in the pharmacy; for example, they can be used to support dispensing/checking or to feedback PGD supplies to the GP. However, they’re not used for payments; claims are submitted electronically. So, if CP4s are sent to PSD Scotland, the paper is simply ignored. If you do print CP4s, please don’t send them to Practitioner Services.

The main takeaway I hope you get from this article is that a little bit of routine counting can save a lot of time later. If you can, count scripts each day and jot down your totals (forms and items). If possible, avoid stapling PC70 forms to scripts; neat bundles scan faster and can help prevent delays at PSD Scotland.

In the case above (and it’s a common one), the pharmacy’s count was just slightly off, which explained the discrepancy. Everyone’s under pressure, but taking a few minutes to keep bundles tidy and count carefully makes it much easier to square things up when the eSchedule arrives. It also helps PSD Scotland too - they’re scanning record numbers of items, so a well-prepared submission really does make a difference.

It was great to spend time with the pharmacy team and talk it all through. If we can help members feel more confident about their submission and counting, that’s a good day’s work.

If you have any questions about what I’ve spoken about above, please contact us at pharmacy.services@cps.scot

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the “GP34vDeclared” section in the PSD eSchedule?

  This section shows the totals your pharmacy has declared (forms and items) compared to what PSD Scotland has scanned. Differences can sometimes occur if counting methods don’t align.

• Why don’t my totals always match what PSD has scanned?

  The most common reason is small discrepancies in counting forms or items before submission. Even minor differences in how prescriptions are grouped or counted can lead to mismatches.

• How should we count prescriptions for GP34?

  It’s best to:

  • Count by form type first

  • Then group into 1, 2, and 3 item prescriptions

  • Bundle high-volume forms (like GP10s) in sets of 50 for efficiency

  Consistency across the team is key.

• Should we be counting prescriptions daily?

  Yes. Keeping a simple daily record of script numbers (forms and items) makes it much easier to check totals and resolve discrepancies when your eSchedule arrives.

• Do CP4 forms need to be included in GP34 counts?

  No. CP4 UCF forms and items should not be included in your GP34 item count.

• Should CP4 forms be sent to PSD Scotland?

  No. Even if your system prints CP4 forms, they should not be sent to Practitioner Services, as they are not used for payment and will be ignored.

• Are CP4 forms still useful in the pharmacy?

  Yes. They can be helpful for:

  • Supporting dispensing and checking processes

  • Providing feedback to GPs on PGD supplies

  But they are not needed for submission.

• Does how we prepare bundles affect scanning?

  Yes. Neat, well-organised bundles scan faster and more accurately. Avoid stapling (especially PC70 forms), as this can slow down processing.

• What’s the easiest way to avoid discrepancies?

  • Count scripts daily

  • Keep clear records

  • Ensure consistent counting methods across the team

  • Prepare tidy, well-organised bundles

• What should we do if we notice a discrepancy?

  Review your internal counts and processes first. In many cases, differences come down to small counting variations that can be easily identified and corrected.

• Who can we contact if we need help?

  If you’re unsure or need support, you can contact the CPS Audit and Services team at:
  pharmacy.services@cps.scot

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