Electronic prescribing allows healthcare providers and consumers to use an electronic prescription as an alternative to paper prescriptions. It forms part of an Australian Government budget measure to make the PBS more efficient.
Electronic prescriptions are part of the broader digital health and medicines safety framework. They enable the prescribing, dispensing and claiming of medicines, without the need for a paper prescription.
Electronic prescribing does not fundamentally change existing prescribing and dispensing processes. Consumers can still choose which pharmacy they attend to fill their prescription.
While paper prescriptions are still available, healthcare providers and consumers can choose an electronic prescription to be issued instead.