A virtual product is an Inventory item in Merlin that uses the `900' Generic codes. These codes are used for all Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy (EFC) items.
No stock on hand is kept of these items as the vial combination to dispense is calculated during the dispense process. The dose is prescribed in the correct unit of measure as per the Schedule in milligrams or micrograms. Merlin will return the vial combination to be dispensed using an algorithm that calculates the combination of vial sizes that make up the prescribed quantity into an infusion at the lowest cost.
Example
An
approved prescriber prescribes 150 mg of a medicine listed in vial sizes of 80
mg and 200 mg. The pharmacy dispensing software will determine the most cost
effective combination of vials. If this is 2 x 80 mg vials, then you’re paid
for 2 x 80 mg vials. If you can’t dispense this combination, you can still use
the 200 mg vial to prepare the item, but will only be paid for the cost of 2 x
80 mg vials.