Glossary > Healthcare > Telehealth Services > Digital Prescription Services

E-prescription

An e-prescription, also known as electronic prescription, is a digital version of a traditional paper prescription that is sent directly from a healthcare provider to a pharmacy through a secure computer or mobile device. It eliminates the need for handwritten prescriptions and allows for a more efficient and accurate transmission of medication orders.

Example #1

For instance, instead of receiving a physical prescription after a doctor's visit, the healthcare provider electronically sends the prescription to a chosen pharmacy. The patient can then pick up the medication without the risk of losing the paper prescription.

Example #2

In another example, a patient who requires a refill of their medication can request it online, and the healthcare provider can send the updated prescription directly to the pharmacy for immediate processing.

Misuse

Misuse of e-prescriptions can occur when unauthorized individuals gain access to the electronic systems and fraudulently prescribe medications. This poses significant risks to patients who may receive incorrect or harmful medications without proper medical oversight. It is crucial to establish strict authentication protocols and encryption measures to protect against such misuse.

Benefits

One significant benefit of e-prescriptions is the reduction of prescription errors. Since the process eliminates illegible handwriting and manual transcription errors, the likelihood of receiving the wrong medication or incorrect dosage is significantly decreased.

Conclusion

By utilizing e-prescriptions, patients benefit from enhanced accuracy, convenience, and speed in obtaining their medications. However, it is essential to safeguard the electronic systems against misuse to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of the prescription process.

Related Terms

DoctorPharmacyTelemedicineMedication