PLEASE NOTE: ALL existing forms of PBS Schedule data currently distributed to vendors will cease after October 2024. The new PBS embargo API will be the only source of embargo data available. Subscribe to the PBS Developer email list to receive notifications of PBS Developer News.
1 July 2016
This page describes the contents of the PBS Text files (also referred to as PBS TXT extracts, CSV or ASCII Text files). The files are published on the first day of every month and are available on the PBS Downloads page. More detailed information about each file is available in the XSL Stylesheet Reference Guide or by clicking the relevant file name below.
The Text files have been created by using the XSL stylesheets to transform the monthly PBS XML.
Note: yyyymmdd in a file name represents the date of effect of that file.
The amt_yyyymmdd.txt file contains details of AMT identifiers for PBS items. The delimiter in this file is the exclamation mark (!).
The amt2_yyyymmdd.txt file contains details of AMT identifiers for PBS items. The delimiter in this file is the exclamation mark (!). Only ready-prepared and infusible items are included in the file.
The atc_yyyymmdd.txt file provides information on ATC codes and their meanings. ATC codes are used to provide the sort order for the drugs in the Schedule. The delimiter in this file is the exclamation mark (!).
The CautionExtract_yyyymmdd.txt file lists all Caution Ids and their descriptions. It is used for linking to values in the LinkExtract and PBS Item Table files. The CautionExtract file is ASCII tab delimited.
The cd_yyyymmdd.txt file is for use by pharmacy dispensing software vendors, in accordance with the Vendor Resource Document for the Continued Dispensing of PBS Medicines in defined circumstances (Continued Dispensing) initiative.
The control_yyyymmdd.txt file gives information about the Standard Extract of data, specifying the date it was extracted from the Australian Department of Health's PharmCIS database and its date of effect.
The DI_yyyymmdd.txt fileidentifies items for which the dispensing incentive applies.
The drug yyyymmdd.txt file contains details of items listed on the PBS and RPBS. The delimiter in this file is the exclamation mark (!). See also Program Codes and Prescriber Types.
The fees_yyyymmdd.txt file contains the current patient contributions, mark-ups and fees which may apply to a drug in addition to the prices shown in the Drug yyyymmdd.txt file. It is a free format text file containing Patient Contribution, Container Fee, Dispensing Fees and Markups.
A restriction is comprised of one or more indications. The LinkExtract_yyyymmdd.txt file Indicates which restriction and note id numbers apply to each PBS item code. Where there are multiple indications for an item, there will be multiple records in this file for that PBS item code. The LinkExtract file is ASCII tab delimited.
The med_chart_yyyymmdd.txt file displays the Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) medication chart. The med_chart file is ASCII tab delimited.
The misc_yyyymmdd.txt File displays data that has changed since the previous months PBS XML document.
The mnfr yyyymmdd.txt file provides name, address, telephone and facsimile number information for the sponsors of drugs listed in the Schedule. The delimiter in this file is the exclamation mark (!).
The NoteExtract yyyymmdd.txt lists all Note ids and their descriptions. It is used for linking to values in the LinkExtract and PBS Item Table files below. The NoteExtract file is ASCII tab delimited.
The PBS_Item_Table_yyyymmdd.txt file provides information on the availability of items through the eAuthorities system.
The Pharmacy_PBS_Item_Table_yyyymmdd.txt file provides information on the availability of items through the eAuthorities system
The Prescriber_type_yyyymmdd.txt file lists which authorised prescribers can prescribe each item.
A restriction is comprised of one or more Indications. The RestrictionExtract yyyymmdd.txt file lists the Indication Ids and the text of the Indications. This is the text that appears under the headings “Restricted benefit”, “Authority Required (STREAMLINED)” and “Authority Required” in the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. The RestrictionExtract file is ASCII tab delimited.
The sn20dr_yyyymmdd.txt file lists pharmaceutical benefits to which the Safety Net 20 day rule applies if supplied within 20 days of a previous supply of the same medicine to the same person under ‘immediate supply’ provisions.
The streamlined_yyyymmdd.txt file lists the items that may be prescribed under streamlined authority arrangements.
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