Q: Will I be reimbursed for supplying a suspender belt alongside elastic hosiery?

The prescriber has written a prescription for a pair of thigh length Class II stockings and advised the patient to ask for a suspender belt to hold them up. Will I get reimbursed for the additional item?

A: No, you would not get reimbursed for the suspender belt for the following reasons:

Products such as suspender belts and donning aids are listed in the Drug Tariff as Accessories (under Elastic Hosiery). The general notes for elastic hosiery state that:

Before the prescription can be dispensed the following details must be given by the prescriber.

1. Quantity - single or pair.
2. Article including any accessories (see pages 255-256 for knit, style and price).
3. Compression Class I, II or III.

The same wording is used in all countries’ tariffs.

So, in order to supply a suspender belt it would have to be specifically prescribed by the doctor. Alternatively the patient could purchase the item.

Suspender belts are allowed on NHS prescriptions and are found in the following sections.

• England and Wales; Part IXA Appliances, Elastic Hosiery, Accessories.
• Scotland; Part 4 Elastic Hosiery, Accessories.
• Northern Ireland; Part III List of Appliances, Accessories.

In the England, Wales and Northern Ireland Tariff they are listed as ‘Suspender Belt Drug Tariff Specification No 13’ and in Scotland ‘Suspender Belt’.

Tariff Tip written by Sue Swift, UK Drug Tariff and Information Technician