Electronic prescriptions

Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions (ETP) supports the safe and secure transfer of prescription information between a prescriber (doctor, specialist, dentist, optometrist, nurse practitioner etc.) and a community pharmacy using an electronic system known as a Prescription Exchange Service (PES).

There are currently two PES systems available — eRx Script Exchange and MediSecure. Find out more here.

Electronic Prescribing and Dispensing (eScript) provides an option for prescribers and their patients to present a QR code eScript (via email or text message) as an alternative to a paper-based prescription.

As a prescriber it is a requirement of eScripts to have conformant software and be registered with a PES (see above).

To prepare for Electronic Prescribing your prescribing practice or pharmacy may need to register or renew a NASH certificate to access Healthcare Identifiers Service. A Electronic Prescribing checklist is available for Prescribers or Pharmacy.

There are a number of benefits to using ETP & eScripts including:

• improved confidentiality and security of medication information
• better clarity and communication of prescription information
• rapid information exchange
• choice of prescription format that suits patient preference
• potential reduction in medication and dispensing errors
• potential decline in adverse drug events
• reduced prescription misuse through increased data available for future real-time monitoring.

Best Practice users can find information and download (Jade SP3 and later) updates here.

MedicalDirector Clinical & Pracsoft users can download (3.18c or 4.0) here. More information on how to use MedicalDirector Clinical Electronic Prescribing can also be found here.

COORDINARE can assist you and your practice to achieve meaningful use of current digital health initiatives. For information and support with electronic prescriptions, contact COORDINARE at digitalhealth@coordinare.org.au or call 1300 069 002. You can also download our remote support tool here.