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FAQ for ePrescribing:
What is an ePrescription?
Electronic prescribing allows prescribers and their patients to use an electronic Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription. It forms part of an Australian Government budget measure to improve PBS efficiency.
Will how I current prescribe change?
Electronic prescribing will not fundamentally change existing prescribing and dispensing processes. Patients can still choose which pharmacy they attend to fill their prescription, and whether they want a traditional prescription or paperless prescription.
Can patients and prescibers choose the format of the prescription?
Yes, prescribers and patients can choose which format of prescription they want. They can choose an electronic prescription as an alternative to a paper prescription, however paper prescriptions will still exist. Therefore, patients may still elect to receive a paper prescription if they wish.
What will the legal document be for ePrescribing?
The legal document for an ePrescription will change from the signed piece of paper to the prescription data which resides in MediSecure. Therefore, the signed piece of paper is no longer required, however can still be used if the patient choses so.
Who are PrimaryClinics chosen prescription exchange service?
MediSecure are PrimaryClinics chosen prescription exchange service. They are a government-approved, integrate with PrimaryClinic and Pharmacy software and with My Health Record. They provide standards-conformant electronic transfer of prescriptions (eTP) to improve dispensing speed and accuracy.
How will ePrescriptions be transmitted?
PrimaryClinic ePrescriptions will be transmitted direct from your system to the MediSecure prescription exchange in an encrypted format. From here, the patient controls which pharmacy can access the legal prescription.
Is MediSecure interoperable with eRx Script Exchange?
Yes, MediSecure is interoperable with eRx Script Exchange, meaning electronic prescriptions sent to one exchange can be downloaded by a pharmacy connected to the other exchange.
What is the difference between current ETP and ePrescribing?
ETP: The legal prescription is the signed piece of paper from the doctor and the electronic transfer of data is a process to reduce transcription errors at the pharmacy.
New ePrescribing ETP: The legal document is the data which resides in MediSecure.
How do patient access their ePrescription?
There are 2 options for the patient to access their ePrescription.
A Token
Patient who choose to have an electronic prescription will receive a token via SMS or email for each item prescribed. The token contains a unique QR code which is generated with the GP’s health identifier code via their health identifier code from their PrimarClinic clinical system. This token is not a legal prescription, but it can be used by an authorised pharmacy to unlock the e-prescription.
The patient can use this token at any ePrescribing enable pharmacy to have their prescription dispensed.
The Active Script List (MySL)
Under this model if authorised by the patient, pharmacists, doctors and third-party intermediaries will be able to access a patient’s electronic prescription by retrieving it from an Active Script List (ASL). Access to the patient’s electronic prescription is controlled by the patient, and can be ongoing or for a short period of time.
To overcome the possibility of lost tokens and assist with medication management and adherence, pharmacies have the option of having a list of active prescriptions for patients in their software. Therefore, patients can receive their medication with valid ID.
If access is authorised to this list, patients can request a pharmacy to dispense items from this list. In addition, if authorised by the patient, doctors and third-party intermediaries can view the active list of scripts.
What are the benefits of the token model for ePrescribing to GPs?
ePrescribing supports a future of paperless practices, and GPs will no longer need to print and sign paper prescriptions. The token model of ePrescribing can be used in conjunction with Telehealth to better enable doctors in providing care to patients remotely.
E.g A token can be sent to a patient at completion of a telehealth consultation eliminating the need for manually signing and sending a paper prescription.
Can ePrescriptions be duplicated?
The legal document of a prescription remains in MediSecure, therefore a GP can re-issue tokens to patients to be dispensed in the event a token is lost, eliminating the risk of duplication.
What is the token process workflow?
1. The prescription is generated in the PrimaryClinic clinical system.
2. If the patient opts for an ePrescription, the GPs sends the patient a “token” which is a unique QR code via SMS or email.
3. The token can be scanned by pharmacist who are ePrescription enabled as a key to unlock the electronic prescription from an encrypted and secure electronic prescription delivery service.
4. For repeats of a prescription, a new token will be sent to the patient when the prescription is dispensed. Patients will need to keep the token to send to their pharmacy when they need to get the repeat filled.
How will pharmacies access the ePrescription?
All pharmacies will be integrated with Flow e.g. Fred Flow, MedView Flow to access e-prescriptions.
How do I prepare my medical practice for ePrescribing?
PrimarClinic clients will automatically be enable for eprescribing, However they need to register for MedicSecure and have eRx activated in their clinical software. To register, click here: https://www.medisecure.com.au/register/
Is there a checklist available to prepare for ePrescribing?
Yes, we have created a checklist of items you can go through to better prepare your practice for ePrescribing. Access this checklist here.