FAQ's EPS - Electronic Repeat Dispensing
Select a topic below to expand the section:
If a patient has signed up to paper repeat dispensing, is there a need for consent when transferring to the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)?
No, as long as the patient wishes to use the EPS and the process has been explained.
Are patients currently on paper-based repeat dispensing automatically upgraded to EPS Release 2?
No. Patients who are currently on a paper-based repeat dispensing regime can not be automatically transferred to electronic repeat dispensing, either when the system goes live, or when future repeats are required. Prescribers are encouraged to transfer suitable patients onto electronic repeat dispensing. In most cases the clinical system reminds them to do so.
Why are patients given a prescription token at the start of a repeat dispensing regime?
The prescription token also acts as an 'aide memoire' for the patient if they have forgotten which pharmacy they have nominated. It also makes it easier for a patient to change their nomination part way through a repeat dispensing regime.
If the patient finds they do not have a supply of medication, for example, if they are on holiday in England and forgot to take their medication with them, they can take their prescription token to any EPS enabled pharmacy to obtain their next repeat.
Can appliances be prescribed as part of an electronic repeat dispensing regime?
Yes, however, currently dispensing appliance contractors are not permitted to dispense repeat dispensing prescriptions.
Can a patient change their nomination during an electronic repeat dispensing regime?
Yes. Patients participating in electronic repeat dispensing and who have a nomination in place can change their nominated dispensary at any time.
How does a patient order repeat prescriptions when EPS is introduced?
As now, arrangements for ordering repeat prescriptions are agreed locally. For example, some practices currently accept repeat prescription requests by phone, email, fax, or through online ordering systems. Others require patients to submit a paper request.
It is up to GP practices to decide how they wish to handle requests for repeat prescriptions; it may be worth considering updating local processes.
When does an electronic repeatable prescription expire?
As with paper based repeat dispensing, an electronic repeatable prescription has to be dispensed for the first time within six months of the date it was generated and is valid for 12 months from when it was written.
How does Electronic Repeat Dispensing work with PRN Medication?
All EPS items with the same repeat/interval combination generate together on a prescription. Items with different repeat/intervals group in separate prescriptions, generating tokens with different bar codes.
You can choose to print PRN 'as required' items with the same repeat and interval separately from other PRN items. See Settings - Prescription Tab in the Management Tools Help Centre for details.
in the top right corner and follow the on-screen prompts.
