Prescription Token

In ETP R2 - Phase 3 (Deployed Disabled), the prescription form is called a token. A token is printed on FP10 stationery, the only difference being a barcode which is placed down part of the right-hand side. The barcode represents a unique code to identify the prescription. It contains no personal information. It links the patient with a unique prescription within the prescription database and enables any pharmacy to retrieve their electronic prescription. Alongside the bar code is an alphanumeric code which is unique to that script.

This token (prescription) is printed at the same time as the message is sent. The GP should first sign the token before handing it to the patient.

Note - It is extremely important to print the prescription with a printer that has an adequate toner cartridge so that the bar code prints clearly. If not, scanning of the prescription token is impeded and thus the whole process jeopardised. Printing must be done on a laser printer with a print quality of at least 600 dpi (not 300 dpi).

Points to Note:

  • EPS 1 functionality is referred to EPS 2 Phase 3 (Deployed Disabled). This is because whilst you are still using release 1 functionality, you have the ability to switch to EPS 2 Phase 3 when ready.
  • Mail Manager has filters to hide successful EPS messages from view (in Mail Manager, go to Tools - Options - Message - Show Sent Electronic Prescriptions). If you are EPS enabled, we recommend that you leave this option unticked so that only unsuccessful/error messages are displayed, as this improves performance and declutters your screen. If this option is ticked, all messages including sent and complete EPS messages are displayed.
  • Staff must use their Smartcards for barcoded prescriptions to be produced. However, not all prescriptions produced have barcodes (some items, for example, appliances, are not eligible for EPS).
  • Vision 3 determines if a prescription can be printed with a barcode and how items are grouped together on prescriptions.
  • Items issued BEFORE EPS switch-on cannot be reprinted; they have to be reissued. Items issued AFTER EPS switch-on can be reprinted as normal.
  • Repeat masters issued before EPS switch-on are still usable as before.
  • EPS and non-EPS items are printed on separate FP10’s. You may get more than one prescription printed whereas before you would only get one.
  • The patients NHS number prints on the prescription.
  • The printed and signed FP10, with or without barcode, is still the legal entity from which items are dispensed.
  • The Rejected tab shows where the EPS system has found a technical, not clinical, problem with the message. Please tell us if you see anything in the Rejected tab.