helvella - Dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d)

The NHS’ dm+d is a dictionary of descriptions and codes which represent medicines and devices in use across the NHS. The dm+d data is refreshed weekly and contains a huge variety of information, including:

• whether a product will be reimbursed by NHSBSA, if submitted for reimbursement by a dispensing contractor
• the indicative price of each pack of a product (where a price is maintained)
• current and discontinued products and packs available from manufacturers and suppliers

Many other systems rely on the data in dm+d - for example, I think that GP surgery computer systems and the British National Formulary import data from dm+d.

You can search and access the content via the dm+d browser.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/dictionary-medicines-and-devices-dmd

The dm+d is not trivial to use. But it is safe and the worst you'll do is waste a bit of time.

Product search

Find a product by name and/or supplier name. Go to the product search https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dmd-browser/search

Choose Type according to whether you want to search for a Virtual Therapeutic Moiety (VTM), Virtual Medicine Product (VMP), or and Actual Medicine Product (VMP). Enter the start of the name.

Click on the Search button.  

Code lookup

Search by ATC, GTIN, Pack or Product Order Number and SNOMED code.

Go to the code lookup https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dmd-browser/code-lookup

Select the Code type. Enter the code.

Click on the Search button.

Ingredient search

Search for an ingredient.

Go to the ingredient search https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dmd-browser/ingredient/search

Enter the ingredient name (or the first part). 

Click on the Search button.

Review the results and select whichever one you want.

Help page

Find help by using the glossary or user guide.

Go to the help page: https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dmd-browser/help-page

Read the introduction to dm+d: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/dictionary-medicines-and-devices-dmd

Help on ‘how to search’ is document here: https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dmd-browser/product-search-overview

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The NHS’ dm+d is a dictionary of descriptions and codes which represent medicines and devices in use across the NHS. The dm+d data is refreshed weekly and contains a huge variety of information.[/i]

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