Frequently Asked Questions About ePrescribing
What is electronic prescribing and dispensing?
Electronic prescribing and dispensing will enable all stages of the prescribing and supply of medicine. It will provide an alternative to the current paper based prescription system. Prescriptions will be created and signed electronically by prescribers. A more streamlined process will allow for a prescription to be entered electronically by a medical practitioner, authenticated via an electronic signature, and transmitted securely for dispensing by a pharmacy.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is a method of signing an electronic document that identifies and authenticates a particular person as the source of the electronic document and indicates that person’s approval of (and accountability for) the information contained in the electronic document.
How will electronic prescribing and dispensing work?
The process will allow for a prescription to be created electronically by a medical practitioner, authenticated via an electronic signature, transmitted securely and retrieved by a pharmacy for dispensing. There are a number of potential electronic prescribing and dispensing business models.
What are the benefits?
ePrescribing has the potential to deliver a range of real benefits including:
- Improved confidentiality and security of medication information;
- Better clarity and communication of prescription information;
- Rapid information exchange;
- More time for consumers with health professionals due to less paperwork;
- Potential to reduce medication and dispensing errors;
- Potential for a decline in adverse drug events; and
- Mitigate fraud risks present in the paper-based process.
How will electronic prescribing and dispensing work for me?
Electronic prescribing and dispensing has the potential to assist with reducing the risk of medication errors during the process of prescribing and dispensing your medicine. This streamlined process will enable speedy transfer of information between your physician and pharmacist, allowing for more time to be spent on your health-care needs.
Will I still have a choice of Pharmacy?
Yes, electronic prescribing will not affect your choice of pharmacies. When using the new electronic process you will be able to have your medicine supplied from your preferred pharmacy as long as they have electronic capability..
How will my privacy be protected?
Your prescription information will be managed in a secure environment with safeguards in place to protect your privacy. In fact, electronic prescribing will eliminate the primary cause of security breaches in the paper/fax based system by eliminating the threat of a misdialed number that causes the wrong party to receive your prescription information.
Who can access my records?
Your electronic prescription will be protected in accordance with current legal obligations. Only those with a need to know information relating to your prescription, in order to meet your health care needs will be able to access your prescription information. For example, your physician and the pharmacists that you have chosen to supply your medicine.
Can I still receive a paper based prescription?
Yes, if your physician agrees.
What changes do I need to make?
You should not be required to do anything more than what you already do. If you choose to have your prescription sent electronically and your pharmacy is able to receive such prescriptions, you can ask your medical physician to provide you with a copy to assist as a visual reminder of your prescription. As always, you may need to provide identification and medication cards so take them with you on your physician and pharmacy visits.
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