ePrescribing is now being rolled out across Australia, including South Western Sydney, and we’ve compiled some information to help healthcare providers better understand the new electronic prescribing arrangements.
Electronic prescribing allows prescribers and their patients to issue/use an electronic Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription. Electronic prescribing will not fundamentally change existing prescribing and dispensing processes. Patients can still choose which pharmacy they attend to fill their prescription.
Prescribers and patients can choose an electronic prescription instead of a paper prescription. Paper prescriptions will still exist. However, choosing an electronic prescription helps with telehealth consultations, helps protect the community and healthcare workers from exposure to infectious diseases, may reduce dispensing errors and makes the prescribing/dispensing process more efficient.
Please note, if your practice would like to start using electronic prescriptions, contact your local pharmacies and make sure they are activated to be able to dispense the electronic prescriptions.
To activate ePrescribing in your clinical software, visit the Australian Digital Health Agency website and/or contact your SWSPHN Practice Support Officer.