Universal Claim Framework (UCF) Service Claims

Published: 25th March 2026

When analysing payments data each month, we have observed that there continue to be a significant number of service claims submitted under the wrong UCF heading e.g. claiming emergency contraception items under Pharmacy First or Naloxone services.

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This can affect payments - in the example above the service fee for providing emergency contraception would be missed out on, and depending on which service is selected the reimbursement for the medicine may also be rejected.

Please make sure to review your and your teams' processes when recording and submitting clinical service claims through your PMR. Whilst we do not have expertise in how individual PMR systems work, if you have any other questions please get in touch via enquiries@cps.scot

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can you give an example of an incorrect claim?

  Yes. If emergency contraception is claimed under Pharmacy First:

  • You will not receive the emergency contraception service fee

  • The medicine reimbursement may not be processed correctly

• Why does it matter if I select the wrong UCF heading?

  Submitting a claim under the wrong heading can directly affect your payment. You may:

  • Miss out on the correct service fee

  • Have the medicine reimbursement rejected

  • Experience delays or discrepancies in payment

• What is the issue with UCF service claims?

  We are seeing a high number of claims submitted under the wrong UCF service heading. For example, emergency contraception being claimed under Pharmacy First or Naloxone services.

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