We occasionally receive queries from dispensing practices in our area about using the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) to dispense and claim for their dispensing patients. While this is technically possible, there are some important considerations to be aware of. 

Key Points

• EPS can be used by dispensing doctors for dispensing and claiming.
• NHS GPIT-funded clinical systems support EPS prescribing and non-EPS dispensing - they do not support EPS dispensing.
• Third-party solutions are available that can support EPS dispensing, but practices would need to evaluate and fund these independently.
• If a dispensing practice wishes to use EPS for their dispensing cohort, the required functionality must be considered as a business decision and expense.

Potential benefits to the business

1. More streamlined dispensing workflow.
2. Improved audit trails and reduced paper handling.
3. Easier claiming process with built-in reconciliation features.
4. Reduced workload when patient plans change - i.e. An EPS prescription can be dispensed elsewhere if needed, whereas paper (FP10) prescriptions require cancellation, reissue, and re-signing by a clinician.

Considerations for the business

This may not be cost effective for surgeries where dispensing patients are only a small part of their population.

If your practice is considering this route, we recommend investigating the options on the market:
https://digital.nhs.uk/services/electronic-prescription-service/for-dispensing-doctors

Once you intended to move forward, raise a request with your CSU regarding bringing third-party software/hardware within the surgery infrastructure.

GP IT Clinical Systems queries

If you have questions which relate to how this operates with your GP IT system:

• TPP SystmOne: Review the help document in SystmOne; if you have subsequent queries, please have a surgery/SystmOne lead 'Submit a ticket' above.
  Help > Support & FAQs > Documents & Training Guides: Dispensing Doctor EPS nominations
  
  
• Optum EMIS Web: Review the Optum documenation and engage with Optum support.