Key Takeaways

It's a Key: the eScript "Token" (QR code) serves as a digital key, allowing the pharmacy to access and download your prescription.
ASL Is More Convenient: The Active Script List (ASL) keeps all your prescriptions in one place, so you do not have to remember all the SMS you received.
You Still Have the Choice: You can choose a paper or digital format; however, the latter offers greater advantages, including enhanced security and convenience, especially if telehealth is your preferred option.
Repeats Made Simple: Every time you get a script filled, you are automatically sent a new token via SMS for your next repeat.
Safe: The confidentiality of your health information is ensured through encryption, and it complies with Australia's information security standards

I am a General Practitioner, and I remember when doctors' handwriting was almost illegible, and prescriptions were given on little yellow pieces of paper. Luckily, the Australian healthcare system has evolved. One of the most significant developments in the past few years has undoubtedly been the rollout of eScripts (electronic prescriptions).

That said, for most patients, the transition from a physical document to a link on their smartphone can be confusing. You might ask yourself: "Where is my script?" or "Help! What if I lose that text?"

This post will uncover the mystery of it all. The first part is eScripts, the second is tokens, and the third is how ASL (Active Script List) can be your lifesaver when managing your family's health needs.

What is eScript and How Does It Work?

An eScript is a digital version of a prescription, issued by your doctor, and sent directly to your mobile or email for your convenience.

How It Works

Instead of giving you a paper, your GP will send you a unique digital code. You take this code to the pharmacy; they scan it and dispense your medication. It's quick, safe, and much less likely to get lost compared to a paper slip.

The "Token"

Most of the time, people also use the term "Token."

The Token is the QR code sent to your phone or email that helps pharmacists access your prescription securely.
It Is Not the Script: The legal prescription is technically kept in a secure digital environment (prescription exchange service). The Token on your device is the "key" that the pharmacist uses to "unlock" the prescription, that is, read it.

This method is well-suited for Telehealth Consultations, allowing you to receive your prescription immediately after your video consultation, without waiting for it to arrive by mail.

Understanding the Active Script List (ASL) and Its Role in eScripts

If you are on several medications, it is a real pain to find the correct barcode among months of text messages. The Active Script List (ASL) is the solution.

What is the ASL?

Imagine the ASL as a cloud-based digital wallet with a lock. It is where all your current prescriptions are stored and accessible at any time.

The ASL (Active Script List) is a digital platform where you can store and access your current prescriptions safely.
Pharmacy Viewing Rights: You authorise your chosen pharmacy to view your ASL. They can then review your records to see which scripts are available for dispensing.

It is an excellent tool for patients who need to take medications chronically or those looking after aging family members. Besides, it can also serve as a safety net to ensure that you have a script ready at all times.

How to Get Your Digital Prescription (eScript) Token

It is easy to obtain an eScript, which is usually provided during your consultation.

The Process

The Consult: You do your doctor appointment (either face-to-face or via telehealth).
Verification: If a prescription is needed, your doctor will verify your phone number or email address.
Receiving: Your phone will get the message right after your doctor sends it.
The Message: The SMS or email will be sent by MyScript or a similar provider. There will be a link inside.
The QR Code: This link will lead you to your Token (QR code). This is what you show to the pharmacist.

Medication availability is the top priority for acute conditions, and eScript ensures it without delay.

Accessing Your eScript Through the ASL: Step-by-Step Guide

Unlike Tokens, which are distributed automatically, the Active Script List (ASL) requires only a one-time setup.

Step 1: Visit a Pharmacy

Go to the pharmacy near your home. You will be asked to provide identity documents totalling 100 points, likely your driver's license and Medicare card.

Step 2: Give Consent

The pharmacy will receive your approval to proceed with creating an ASL. You will receive an SMS to confirm your consent.

Step 3: Look at Your List

Once activated, your ASL will automatically update with new scripts your doctor issues.

Using an App: You can access your scripts stored in the ASL via government-authorised medicine management applications (like MedAdvisor).
Through a Pharmacy: Go directly to your local pharmacy where you have provided consent. Tell them your name, and they will retrieve your prescriptions.

This way, the hassle of managing paper scripts is eliminated, providing significant relief for those focused on their Wellbeing Over 40.

How to Use Your eScript at the Pharmacy

There are fewer steps involved in refilling digital scripts compared to paper ones. Here are the three primary forms of doing it:

Method 1: Scan the Token

Open the link that you got in the SMS or email.
Display the QR code to the pharmacist.
Staff will scan it, and your medication will be handed out.
Remember: Upon receiving a repeat, you will be sent a NEW token via SMS next time.

Method 2: Forward the Token

If you are unwell and can't go to the pharmacy, forward the SMS or email to a family member or carer. They can take their phone to the pharmacy, and the pharmacist can scan it for you.

Method 3: Use Your ASL

You tell the pharmacy staff, "My scripts are stored with my ASL."
They will ask for your ID and then access your list from their system.

Such versatility offers benefits, particularly when you have a long-term condition that requires regular medication, as is often the case in Gastrointestinal Health.

The Benefits of Digital Prescriptions (eScripts) Over Traditional Paper Prescriptions

Why change? These are the benefits that I see my patients enjoying:

Digital tokens are easily retrievable in case of accidental deletion, providing an added convenience compared to paper prescriptions.
On the other hand, you cannot easily restore a paper document once it is shredded.
Telehealth-Friendly: Enables remote healthcare in an appropriate manner. You can have a virtual doctor visit in Sydney and pick up your medication in Perth within minutes.
Better Security: Digital scripts are encrypted. They reduce the risk of prescription fraud and errors caused by illegible handwriting.
Eco-Friendly: This approach helps minimise the healthcare sector's paper use.

How eScripts Are Helping Streamline Healthcare in Australia

Employers in healthcare typically require clearance from a doctor to ensure safety before resuming patient care.

Reducing Errors: By reading information directly from the doctor's computer, the system can significantly reduce dispensing errors that would otherwise occur with human intervention.
Emergency Access: In the event of a disaster such as a bushfire or flood, having an ASL means that even if you lose your phone or other belongings, you can still obtain your medication from any pharmacy.
Medication Adherence: eScripts, along with linked apps, can notify you when it's time to refill prescriptions, supporting medication adherence

References:

eScripts 101: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Digital Prescriptions, Tokens, and the Active Script List