Electronic prescriptions in the Region of Murcia

Repeat prescriptions will no longer mean extra doctor’s appointments

The health service of the Region of Murcia is introducing a new electronic prescription service which is designed to make the prescribing and dispensing of medication quicker, easier and more efficient for both patients and medical staff. The main benefit is that it will no longer be necessary to make repeat appointments with your doctor to receive more medication for chronic conditions, freeing up more time for doctors and making life considerably easier for patients.

The electronic prescription relies on the automatic transmission of information about medical treatment direct to chemists, and means that traditional paper prescriptions will gradually be phased out.

Patients receiving electronic prescriptions for acute or chronic conditions will still have to go to a dispensing chemist’s to receive their medication within ten days, as has been the case up to now, and for those with chronic (or constant) conditions authority will be given to receive more medication regularly over a period of up to a year.

The timeframe for receiving more supplies of medication will last from ten days before the previous amount prescribed is due to run out until 90 days afterwards. If this 90-day limit is exceeded then the prescription will be blocked, and can only be unblocked by making another appointment with the prescribing physician.

How it works
When you see the doctor and medication is prescribed you will be given a Treatment Sheet (“Hoja de Tratamiento”) on which details of medications are shown along with instructions regarding how and when to take them.

When you go to the pharmacy you will have to show this Treatment Sheet and your health service card in order to receive your medication and pay for it (where necessary). In emergency cases the Treatment Sheet alone will be accepted by pharmacy staff.

Frequently asked questions
How will I know what medication to take?
The treatment sheet (“Hoja de Tratamiento”) supplied by your doctor will include all the medications prescribed, along with the duration of treatment and the frequency with which doses should be taken.

Do I have to go back to the health centre when I need more medication?
If the treatment is for a chronic or constant condition, it will not be necessary to make another appointment: the medicine will be supplied by the dispensing chemists until the prescription period expires.

Which chemist’s should I go to?
All pharmacies in your municipality and others which form part of the electronic prescription scheme will be able to supply you with the prescribed medication. Eventually this will include all pharmacies in the Region of Murcia.

Can I receive prescribed medication for other members of my family?
Yes, but only when you show the patient’s Hoja de Tratamiento and health service card.

What do I do if I am outside the Region of Murcia?
If you know you are going to need medication while outside the Region of Murcia you should make an appointment with the doctor prior to your trip so that prescriptions can be made available to you in advance.