How Does Barcoding Work?

All data that is printed onto a prescription is encoded into a 2D barcode which also prints onto the prescription. This contains:

• The patient:
  • Name
  • Address
  • D.O.B
  • NHS number.
• All drug information:
  • Date prescribed
  • Drug name
  • Strength
  • Dosage
  • Notes.
• All GP and practice information:
  • GP name
  • PPA
  • GMC
  • Practice codes
  • Address.

Other points to note are:

• Acute, repeat issues and repeat dispensing prescriptions all print with a barcode.
• A maximum of four drugs print per prescription sheet. If the text of a prescribed drugs exceeds the available space on the prescription, they print on another prescription page.
• You may notice that part of the practice address is truncated to make room for the barcode.
• For a Trainee/Locum Prescriber, either a "T" or "L" prints in front of the practice GP’s 6-digit cipher.
• For security reasons, in addition to the standard prescription data, a unique prescription reference number is generated for each prescription and added to the information contained in the barcode.
• Handwritten amendments, additions and deletions to prescriptions with 2D barcodes are not permitted. If you need to change a 2D prescription, you must carry out the changes in Consultation Manager and reprint the prescription, the changes are reflected in the barcode.