Prescription delivery

Prescription delivery usually means sending the prescription document or electronic token to the patient or their nominated pharmacy. It does not mean the physical medicine has been delivered. An eScript may arrive by SMS or email after a clinician decides to prescribe, while dispensing and transport are separate pharmacy processes.

What should I receive?

An electronic prescription commonly uses a unique token that the pharmacy scans to access the prescription securely. There may be separate tokens for separate prescribed items. Check that the message relates to your name and the expected consultation without sharing it publicly.

A consultation confirmation, invoice or generic SMS is not necessarily the prescription token. If you cannot identify it, contact the issuing service through the official channel. Check the phone number and email address supplied during booking before arranging another appointment.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Electronic Prescriptions - Australian Digital Health Agency.

What if the token does not arrive?

Look for the message in the expected channel and check relevant spam or filtered-message folders. Then ask the issuing service or pharmacy for help. Do not assume the absence of a message means a prescription was refused or, conversely, that a prescription must have been issued.

If you entered the wrong contact details, report the error promptly because the information is sensitive. A replacement token does not represent an additional authorised supply. Use the current valid token and ask about old messages if there is any uncertainty.

How do I obtain the medicine?

Present or send the token to a pharmacy using its accepted process. The pharmacist checks the prescription, suitability, stock and supply requirements. Ask separately about price, counselling and delivery if needed.

Read Doccio's prescription service information. The doctor decides whether a prescription is appropriate, and receipt of an eScript does not guarantee stock or immediate dispensing. If treatment is time-sensitive or symptoms worsen, seek individual advice rather than waiting only for a message to arrive.

Where to go next

Read prescription consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.