Electronic prescriptions – a safe and convenient alternative to paper prescriptions
An electronic prescription is a digital version of a paper prescription. Electronic prescribing was initially introduced to provide consumers with greater choice in managing their medicines. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of electronic prescribing was accelerated to protect vulnerable people and to support telehealth consultations. Post COVID-19, electronic prescriptions continue to be an easy, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to manage prescriptions.
Getting started
An individual can sign up for electronic prescribing through their doctor, either in person or via telehealth. During the consultation the doctor will send a link via email or SMS to their mobile phone. This notification will contain a link to a ‘token’ which holds the prescription information.
How it works
The doctor sends a token for each medication prescribed. This is then presented as evidence of the prescription to their preferred pharmacy. The token is scanned at the pharmacy and the medicine dispensed. An accidently deleted message can be sent again.
Some pharmacies have a system set up that allows the token to be sent directly to them so they can have the medication ready for collection or ready to dispatch through home delivery.
If a client is unable to go to the pharmacy themselves, they can forward their token to a friend or family member to collect the medications on their behalf.
The personal information contained in an electronic prescription is managed safely in the same way it is for paper prescriptions, with additional security controls.
Further information
The use of digital tools for managing health is both convenient and empowering. If you have a client that it is comfortable with using technology such as a mobile phone or the internet to search, store and access information, they will likely find these tools easy and efficient to use. For help in getting started visit www.digitalhealth.gov.au.