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EPS Release Two

The Electronic Prescription Service - Release Two is expected to begin rolling out in 2008. This extended functionality in the PMR software will enable prescribers to sign their prescriptions electronically. If a patient decides to nominate a pharmacy, for example, one they use regularly, their electronic prescriptions will be transmitted via the spine to the pharmacy. If a patient does not wish to nominate a pharmacy he/she can continue to receive a bar-coded paper copy of the prescription as described above. A patient can change their nomination at any time and it is intended that this will normally happen at the pharmacy rather than at the GP practice.

Benefits

Release One will save dispensers having to re-key information, however, the main benefits for GP practices and patients will be delivered in the Release 2. For example:

  • Prescribers will be able to bulk sign prescriptions on their computer
  • Prescribers will be able to cancel an electronic prescription up until the point it is recorded in the system as having been dispensed
  • There should be an improvement in accuracy due to the dispensers not having to retype the information
  • Patients will not always need to visit the GP practice to pick up their prescriptions especially for repeat prescriptions, which amount to around 70% of FP10 prescriptions
  • When a patient nominates a pharmacy, dispensers can begin preparing the prescription once it has been sent by the GP so that it can be ready for collection by the patient
  • Pharmacists may be able to manage their stock more effectively, which will benefit patients by helping to ensure that their prescription is available
  • Patients can choose to nominate any pharmacy so, for example, they can pick up their prescription from a pharmacy near work. This was not always possible before with repeat prescriptions

Pharmacy NACS (OCS) Codes

Cegedim Rx would like to stress the importance of maintaining information on the correct pharmacy NACS code (The National Administrative Code Service code). A NACS code is the authoritative single common reference for your organisation within the NHS and is used to register your organisation for reimbursement of prescription charges.

It is important that the pharmacy must communicate to all suppliers if their NACS code changes. This may happen in the situation when a pharmacy changes ownership, changes name or simply just changes bank details.

Pharmacy Action

Cegedim Rx recommends that you contact your local PCT to update their records.

Inform the Cegedim Rx EPR team who will take the necessary action to ensure that you are able to maintain contact with the EPS spine and that there is no disruption in service. Any failure to do this may result in your connection not being available for a period of time and you may not be able to download your electronic prescriptions.

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