Electronic Prescription: Ministry of Health Answers Frequently Asked Questions

The Ministry of Health is addressing frequently asked questions regarding electronic prescriptions.

1. Is personal data confidentiality being violated?

2. In case of an allergy, when a person's condition worsens suddenly, what should they do if their medication is obtained through an electronic prescription?

3. If a patient has a hormone-dependent condition and is taking, for instance, thyroid hormone regularly, why has the medication changed to an electronic prescription?

4. Does filling out an electronic prescription complicate the doctor's work and increase their workload?

5. Can an emergency doctor prescribe an electronic prescription?

1️⃣ During the implementation of electronic prescriptions, patient data is rigorously protected. No medical secrets are available to pharmacy staff. The pharmacist only sees the medication name and dosage, along with identification data of the purchaser; any other medical information, including the diagnosis, is not visible to the pharmacy staff since there is no such section on the prescription.

2️⃣ In case of an allergy flare-up, when a person's condition worsens suddenly, it is always necessary to call emergency services, as the medication must be administered only by a doctor, under their supervision. Regarding antihistamines, none of them require a prescription.

3️⃣ Any medication, even if taken long-term, requires consultation and examinations with a doctor from time to time, as long-term medication may necessitate changes in the drug or adjustments in dosage. There is no medication prescribed at the same dosage and without change for an entire lifetime. Moreover, a patient may develop other conditions during their life, which may require a reevaluation of the prescribed medication and dosage. There is an option for long-term prescriptions, allowing medications to be prescribed for 180 days, during which it is advisable to consult the doctor at least twice a year, and conduct testing if necessary.

4️⃣ Issuing a prescription electronically takes 2-3 minutes. Writing a paper prescription takes no less time, as it also involves filling out records. The system enables the doctor to issue the prescription more quickly for the same patient during subsequent visits with just a few taps. Additionally, there is no need for paperwork, records, signatures, or stamps, and the patient can go directly from the doctor's office to the pharmacy.

5️⃣ An emergency doctor does not prescribe any medication, as making decisions at that moment and providing long-term prescriptions is not part of the emergency doctor's responsibilities. They evaluate the patient's condition on-site; if it is manageable, they provide the necessary medical assistance or arrange for hospitalization at the appropriate medical institution.