Electronic prescribing is now available across Australia, forming part of a national effort to make accessing medicines safer, more convenient and more connected.
Patients taking multiple medications can encounter challenges managing separate paper prescriptions, including scripts being misplaced, left behind or not presented at the pharmacy.
Electronic prescriptions address these issues by allowing scripts to be stored and managed in a single digital list – instead of juggling multiple paper documents.
An electronic prescription (also known as an eScript) is a digital version of a paper prescription. Instead of receiving a physical piece of paper from your doctor, you receive your prescription electronically, usually via SMS or email.
How does it work?
Getting and using an electronic prescription is simple:
During your appointment, your doctor creates your prescription using secure clinical software and you receive a unique link (called a ‘token’), often as a QR code, by SMS or email. You take this token to your pharmacy of choice. The pharmacist scans the token and dispenses your medicine.
What are the benefits?
Electronic prescriptions offer a range of benefits for patients including:
- Convenience: No paper to carry, store, or lose
- Timesaving: You can send your token directly to a pharmacy ahead of time
- Safer care: Reduce the risk of prescribing or dispensing errors
- Telehealth ready: Receive prescriptions during virtual consultations
- Repeat prescriptions: Repeat prescriptions can be issued during a telehealth appointment
They can also be especially helpful if you travel frequently or use multiple health care providers.
Managing multiple prescriptions
If you take more than one medication, you can use an Active Script List (ASL) on your 1800MEDICARE app. This is a secure digital list that stores all your electronic prescriptions in one place. With your consent, a pharmacist can access your ASL directly.
Can I still get a paper prescription?
Yes. Electronic prescriptions are an alternative, not a replacement. You can still request a paper prescription.
Electronic prescriptions are designed to fit more easily into everyday life. If you haven’t tried eScripts yet, ask your GP how they could support your care and simplify the way you manage your medicines.
