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 currently holds PBS claims data processed between 1 April 2010 and 30 June 2015 – excluding PBS under co-payment data.

The Department of Health has issued a Public Interest Certificate approving AIHW access to PBS claims and under co-payment data for research and statistical purposes.

Collection details

Temporal coverage

from 1 April 2010 to 30 June 2015

Geographical coverage

National 

Data availability

  • Publications
  • Summary tables published in electronic form
  • Statistics
  • Unit records and client specified tables are not available
  • Restrictions and limitations govern the availability or use of data in this holding.
  • Client specified tables are undertaken by the Department of Human Services (to make an enquiry contact statistics@humanservices.gov.au).

Please note, the AIHW linkage service can link PBS data with different datasets for approved linkage studies.

Data scope

PBS claims data are an administrative by-product of the Department of Human Services 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).

Methodology

Admin data

Metadata information and data quality statement (DQS)

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) state/territory data extract 2013-14

External links and information 

PBS online

Contact

mbs.pbs@aihw.gov.au