Continuation of SMS reimbursement and the Electronic Prescription Fee

The Department of Health and the Australian Digital Health Agency have advised of the fee extension.

The reimbursements of electronic prescription tokens sent via SMS will be extended until 31 March 2023, or until the outcomes of the tender process for the new provider of electronic prescribing services is completed, whichever comes first. This is the official advice shared with the AMA by the Department of Health and the Australian Digital Health Agency.

Reimbursements will be provided for both the original electronic prescription tokens through prescribing systems and the cost of repeat tokens generated through dispensing systems. 

In addition, image-based prescribing for public hospital arrangements will extend until 31 March 2023, allowing a prescription written for a hospital patient to be lawfully dispensed at a hospital pharmacy. 

Information on previous extensions of e-prescribing that expires on 30 September can be accessed here.