A national data set recording the cost of volume of prescriptions given by GPs. This is used to monitor and control prescribing cost and to set prescribing budgets.

At individual practitioner level, it is used as an educational and audit tool. The Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) has sent general practitioners (GPs) quarterly summary reports of their own prescribing since 1988.

See also:
The Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA)
Prescription only medicine (POM)
Cost-effective (healthcare economics)
Cost-effectiveness league table (healthcare economics)