.png){kind=logo}
PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT PAPER: HOW AND WHY
Since September 15 2021 it is no longer necessary to show a prescription on paper to the pharmacist. Each prescription is created as a computer message (for each box a separate prescription and therefore also a separate message is created). The doctor sends this proposal to "national computers" via secure software (encrypted). A pharmacist in Belgium who can read your E-ID will then find these messages.
You can decide for yourself whether you want the prescription also on paper or only electronically. When both versions exist, the paper prescription will read "electronic prescription" at the top. When you request 1 prescription for 1 box, and you also receive the paper prescription, you can of course only use the prescription once (you cannot exchange it once with and once without paper, because the paper version and the electronic version contain the same barcode).
If there are internet problems - and sometimes also during home visits - you will only be handed a paper prescription. This does not bear the title "electronic prescription". There is no electronic version of this, but you still have to take this paper with you from the pharmacist.
What are the different options?
- You wish to see your regulations on a paper document. If you wish, your doctor will continue to provide you with a paper 'proof of electronic prescription'. Since 22/10/21 we can only print per 4 boxes on 1 sheet (each box separately is no longer possible). However, you can decide for yourself whether you actually buy 1,2,3, or 4 of the prescribed boxes in the pharmacy, and can keep the paper to use another part of the prescription later if necessary (or ask it without the paper next time).
- You can go to the pharmacist without paper. Your identity card is enough. You can view the list of existing prescriptions in one of the available apps. Most apps offer you various functionalities that allow you to manage your pending prescriptions while providing all the necessary guarantees regarding the confidentiality of your data. An example: https://voorschriftopzak.be/#/welcome or www.mijngezondheid.be
- In case of emergency, your (current) identity card will be enough... You can also go to the pharmacy without - paper or digital - proof of an electronic prescription. Your prescriptions are of course not on the chip of your identity card, but by reading your e-ID card, your pharmacist can download them via the secure platform. If the pharmacist has already read your identity card in the past 15 months, your prescriptions can be found via your national registration number, which are kept in your file. However, in the event of a technical problem, your pharmacist will not be able to access your prescription nor dispense your medicines. In those cases, the printed form or showing your list on an App may help.
All this is only possible if your e-ID is still the same. All these methods only work at the GP if your current e-ID (with chip) has been registered! When you have a new e-ID card: please have it registered in our office.
Any questions about these options? Don't hesitate to ask your doctor!