If your GP issues eScripts, ask for an eScript, and they’ll send a unique QR barcode (known as a ‘token’) to your mobile phone. Simply email that to your preferred pharmacy to have your script ready in advance, or show it on your phone when you go in to the pharmacy to have your script made up.
An eScript is a prescription that is generated electronically and sent to you by your doctor via email or SMS, allowing you to conveniently access your scripts from your smartphone or email.
An eScript replaces the paper prescription, but you may still choose a paper prescription if you prefer.
The best things about eScript are
- You can access your scripts whenever you need them, from wherever you are
- You’ll never lose another prescription – no more rummaging through handbags or drawers searching for a script
- You can order your script in advance, saving time at the pharmacy
- Keeping all your scripts in one central place, in a script wallet like MedAdvisor means you can easily keep track of your prescriptions and repeats
- Less handling of paper at the medical practice and in the pharmacy means less transmission of germs
- Using less paper is better for the environment.
How eScripts work
- If your GP issues eScripts, ask him or her for an electronic prescription (an eScript) when you are next being prescribed medication.
- Your GP will send a unique QR barcode (known as a ‘token’) to your mobile phone or email. If you have more than one medication being prescribed, your GP will send a separate token for each one.
- Forward the SMS or email to the pharmacy of your choice by email or via the MedAdvisor app, or visit the pharmacy with your token, where they will scan the token to unlock the details of the prescription and dispense your medication.
- Once your prescription is filled, your token will no longer be able to be used. If your script has repeats, a new unique token is sent to you (again by email or SMS), for your next script to be filled.
Tips for using eScripts
- Check with your GP’s office and your pharmacy that your email address and mobile phone numbers are up to date
- Check you have received the email or SMS prior to leaving the consultation with your GP
- Using an app like MedAdvisor makes it even easier to use eScripts.
Questions?
If you have questions about using eScripts, we’ve listed answers to common questions about eScripts here.
The eScript system uses the highest level of security through the Prescription Exchange Service (PES), which means your eScript (or token) is protected through layers of encryption, and can only be unlocked by someone authorised to access it (i.e. your pharmacist).
No, a My Health Record is not necessary to use eScripts.
You just need a smart phone to receive your eScript via SMS, or an email account that is accessible on your smart phone.
MedAdvisor is a ‘script wallet’ that makes it even easier to manage your eScripts, as it keeps them all in one central place, so that you can easily keep track of your prescriptions and repeats. It also provides an easy to use, convenient way to order your scripts to be dispensed for collection or home delivery. Simply download MedAdvisor from the App store or Google Play and follow the prompts. If you’d prefer not to use MedAdvisor, you can still use eScripts.
Once you have registered MedAdvisor with your regular pharmacy, your e-scripts (both originals and repeats) will be conveniently visible in your phone.
If you accidently delete the SMS or email that has your eScript token in it, you will need to contact your GP to ask them to cancel the lost token and request a new one.
If you accidently delete your repeat token, the pharmacy that dispensed the original eScript can reissue you with the repeat for that script.
Your pharmacy can tell you which token eScript tokens have been used. If you are not using the MedAdvisor app, you should delete the eScript token you’ve used once you receive your medicine. Once a token has been used it is no longer valid.
Just like with a paper prescription, a family member (or authorised person) may collect your prescription medication for you. Just forward them the email or SMS with the token so they can provide it to the pharmacy to unlock the eScript.
All UFS pharmacies are eScript ready – to check other pharmacies, contact them directly.
This will depend on whether your GP currently issues eScripts – ask your GP during your next consultation.
Yes, paper prescriptions are still available. You can choose to have either a paper or an electronic prescription.