Medicines Care and Review (MCR) Ready Reckoner
Published: 21st July 2026
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
If you have any questions regarding MCR or the Ready Reckoner please email Shaun who will be happy to help
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
The MCR Ready Reckoner is an Excel workbook produced by Community Pharmacy Scotland to help contractors estimate where they are on track to receive their minimum/maximum MCR Capitation Payment for a given month in relation to their assessed patient figures.
-
MCR payments are based on a moving target. The number of assessments needed depends on national registration and assessment data that is reconciled at different points in the month. The Ready Reckoner provides the best available estimate using the latest data provided by PSD.
-
It helps estimate how many assessed MCR-registered patients are needed to receive 100% of your payment, as well as the thresholds for the minimum (90%) and maximum (110%) payment levels.
-
No. It provides a best estimate rather than a guaranteed figure, as final payments are calculated once all national data is reconciled.
-
It is normally updated weekly and shared by Community Pharmacy Scotland.
-
Your MCR Capitation Pool Contribution can be found in the “MCR POOL CONTRIBUTION, ESP and SE TARGET” section of your eSchedule from PSD. This is the amount that you can use in Ready Reckoner to calculate your assessment numbers needed.
-
This was last rebased in July 2022. The annual contribution amount per contract is based on 12 months of part7 non-zero discount gross ingredient cost (P7 non-zd GIC) between November 2020 and October 2021 as a proportion of the total national P7 non-zd GIC. This is in line with the original method of calculation in 2012.
-
The Medicines Care & Review service supports people with long-term conditions by helping them get the best from their medicines and reducing the risk of harm. It replaced the Chronic Medication Service but retains the same overall aim of providing pharmaceutical care. More info can be found here.
-
Stage 1 is the initial medication review completed for each registered patient. Completion of Stage 1 assessments is required for pharmacies to receive their full payment from the MCR funding pool.
The Serious Shortage Protocol for ramipril 1.25mg capsules has been extended until 30th October 2026. Read the latest guidance for pharmacies.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
The top question for this week is around the processing of claims for the service.
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, which were due to expire on 10 July 2026, have been extended until Friday 2 October 2026.
Congratulations to everyone who has recently passed their IP Courses. Well done!
Calling all CPS/PSDS Funded Newly Qualified CPIP Employees!
Congratulations on passing your CPIP Course!!!
Pharmacy First Scotland refresher: join our live AMA on Thursday 20th August, 19:30–21:00 on Microsoft Teams. Bring your questions
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a GPhC-registered Pharmacist to join N.S Wilson Ltd, an established independent community pharmacy serving the local community in Insch, Aberdeenshire.
Disclosure Scotland has published its June 2026 newsletter, covering two important updates for PVG scheme members and customers.
Balintore Pharmacy is looking for a Pharmacist Manager who wants more than ticking boxes and checking scripts.
As part of our policy work, we are keen to understand more about you and your patients' experiences of the newly-established GP Walk-in centre pilot sites across the country, and how these fit in with services like Pharmacy First.
A weekly snapshot of CPS activity including policy work, digital developments and stakeholder engagement across community pharmacy.
The top question for this week is around the eligibility of patients to receive the service.
Adam from our policy team has been seconded to the DPDP programme, which aims to move Scotland away from paper prescriptions
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules remains in place following an extension to its expiry date.
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced pharmacist to join our team in the Newport on Tay branch
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced pharmacist to join our team in the Dundee store
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced Pharmacist Manager to join our team in the Auchtermuchty store
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced Multisite Pharmacist join our team in the Glasgow area.
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced pharmacist to join our team in the Austen's branch
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced pharmacist to join our team in the Kelso.
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced pharmacist to join our team in the Bo'Ness branch
Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking a talented and experienced services driven pharmacist to join our team in the Balloan Park store.
Reminders and revisit ahead of the holiday season and upcoming events. NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) Service – including Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing
This is a reminder that your next collection date for your prescriptions is the Tuesday 7th July 2026.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for July 2026. This month there are two additions to Part 7 of the Scottish Drug Tariff we wanted to make you aware of:
As World Cup fever grips the planet, CPS is taking two ties and looking at it from a pharmacy perspective.
Part-time Pharmacist role at Great Glen Pharmacy in NHS Highland. Lead a pharmacy team, deliver patient care and develop your career.
Digital Communications Officer

Independent Prescribing Pharmacist opportunity in Aberdeen, with structured leadership support and opportunities to grow clinical services.