Pharmacy First Rejected Items
Published: 5th February 2026
We continue to review rejected items and have compiled a list of the top 25 most common pharmacy first rejected items here for review.
The most common reasons for rejected items on pharmacy first are:
POM packs being dispensed or selected on the PMR which are not on the approved list
Dressings claimed from boxes on the PMR instead of singles (only singles are listed on the approved list)
To pass for payment, items supplied under pharmacy first should be recorded as they appear on the approved list and claimed from the pack size that appears on the approved list. We continue to engage with NSS and Scottish Government on the requirements for the service.
Pharmacy First rejections have been retrospectively adjusted up to January 2026 dispensing as per guidance from NSS. We are working with NSS on how reclaims can and should be made from February dispensing onwards, and will communicate this once confirmed.
If you have any questions, please contact the team at pharmacy.services@cps.scot or call us on 0131 467 7766.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The main causes include POM packs being selected or dispensed that are not on the approved list, and dressings being claimed from box quantities rather than single units, which is the only format allowed.
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Items must be recorded exactly as they appear on the official approved list, and claimed using the same pack size listed. Any deviation may lead to rejection.
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Yes. NSS has retrospectively adjusted Pharmacy First rejections up to January 2026 dispensing, following updated guidance.
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CPS is currently working with NSS to confirm reclaim processes for February dispensing and beyond. Updates will be shared with pharmacy teams once confirmed.
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You can reach the CPS Pharmacy Services team at pharmacy.services@cps.scot or by calling 0131 467 7766 for support.
On behalf of NHS Health Boards, we are collecting suggestions for amendments to the Approved List from our members and their pharmacy teams, which can be for additions to the list, replacements or deletions.