Saskatchewan pharmacists will be the first in Canada to receive provincially funded minor ailment assessment fees on Feb. 1.

The Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch (DPEBB) will pay an $18.00 patient assessment fee (PAF) for three approved conditions including mild acne, cold sores, and insect bites, where the pharmacist prescribes a prescription drug.

Each condition has a specific designation, limitations, and billing threshold under the plan, and the PAF must be submitted “after, but on the same day” as the prescription drug is claimed.

The Pharmacist’s Association of Saskatchewan (PAS) is in the process of sending out bulletins to pharmacists for implementation of the new fees, and will monitor pharmacist feedback to evaluate the program for future negotiations.

The Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists (SCP) has also approved allergic rhinitis, diaper dermatitis, oral aphthous ulcers and oral thrush as the next set of conditions expected to be approved for PAF fees.