First Qld eScript dispensed at Bargara via Best Practice

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Today was a historic day for medical prescriptions, with the first eScript in Queensland being dispensed at Grace Family Practice at Bargara, via Best Practice Software.

Best Practice Software Director Lorraine Pyefinch said it was fitting that it was dispensed in the Bundaberg region, as the Best Practice Bundaberg team had contributed to the development work.

“Best Practice Software is a proud Bundaberg company offering job opportunities for many talented and skilled staff,” Lorraine said. 

“Frank and I are extremely proud of the team’s hard work in delivering quality solutions and service to our customers across Australasia and the patients they care for.”

Best Practice Software
Will Durnford, Dr Preshy Varghese and Janet Whitmore at the Grace Family Practice to launch eScripts

Queensland is the last jurisdiction to approve eScripts, with the Minister for Health Steven Miles making the official announcement on Saturday. 

“Earlier this year the Federal Health Minister announced the fast tracking of eScripts as an important initiative in the fight against COVID19,” Lorraine said. 

“Progressively each State has made the required legislative changes to allow doctors to create a token that is sent to the patient’s mobile phone or email address. 

“The patient can then go to a Pharmacy (using their appropriate software) to have their prescription dispensed. 

“This is a completely electronic, seamless process and eliminates the need for a paper script and also dove-tails well with Telehealth consultations. 

“We have been working with various dispensing software, prescription exchange services and several surgeries across Queensland as part of the roll out and we believe that the Grace Family Practice is the first to process an eScript.”

Best Practice Software’s Lorraine Pyefinch said eScripts will revolutionise patient care.

“eScripts will enable seamless, end-to-end telehealth appointments to be completed. 

“If a patient is house-bound or isolating because of COVID19, they can have a teleconference with their usual doctor, receive the eScript token on their phone, then send the token on to the pharmacy of their choice (who are using the appropriate dispensing software). 

“The pharmacy can dispense and deliver it to the patient, so no need to leave the house.

“The roll-out of eScripts will be progressive as surgeries and pharmacies across Australia upgrade their software to activate the new functionality. 

“We recommend that patients check with their usual practice and pharmacy to ensure they are eScript ready.”