Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data collection

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data collection contains information on prescription medicines that qualify for a benefit under the National Health Act 1953 and for which a claim has been processed. The database comprises information about PBS scripts and payments, patients, prescribers and dispensing pharmacies. AIHW has access to a view of the data held by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care for approved studies, including data linkage projects (see AIHW Data Integration Services Centre). The dataset is owned and managed by the Department of Health and Aged Care. The Department has issued a Public Interest Certificate approving AIHW access to PBS claims and under co-payment data for research and statistical purposes.PBS claims data are an administrative by product of Services Australia administration of the subsidised prescription payment system. PBS prescriptions are available to all Australian residents who hold a current Medicare card and overseas visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA).