Technology has transformed all areas of life and digitization is becoming clearer. In the field of health, it can be seen with the growing number of queries over the internet. It is a modality that has gained popularity because it allows patients to be cared for remotely and avoids contagion because there is no physical contact. Similarly, prescribing electronic medical prescriptions is an alternative that is increasing among doctors.
In this case, avoiding the traditional paper format generates other benefits such as significant paper savings for the practice. Although not everything is so simple because for health professionals who are not used to this modality, everything is new and strange.
what the law says
Therefore, the constant question is how electronic medical prescriptions can be prescribed to patients. First of all, it should be remembered that it was in 2011 when the Health Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved the issuance of this type of document.
As in the printed format, everything is managed by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris). sustenance is found in Article 226 of the General Health Law, regarding the General Rules for the electronic processing of permits for the use of special prescriptions for medicines.
Requirements to be met
The first thing you should keep in mind is that there are three general requirements that you must meet to start the electronic process:
- Being a doctor, homeopath, dental surgeon or veterinary doctor.
- Have a personal email account.
- Have your valid official identification scanned, your certified copy of the professional license of the medicine and/or specialty career and the proof of address (not older than 3 months of its issue) that will appear on the form.
- Exclusive requirement for hospital units: Scan a free letter signed by the director of the institution and on letterhead, where the doctor is designated as responsible for the prescription of narcotic drugs.
Steps to follow to be able to prescribe electronic medical prescriptions
The next thing is to enter the Cofepris procedures and services link. There you must register with your basic information data, including name, CURP, professional ID and personal email account.
When accessing the next step, you must upload copies of your official identification, professional license and proof of address.
When you do all of the above, the message “your registration has been completed” will appear on the screen. Through your email you will receive a message with your account and password. By having both you will be able to enter the system directly. You must take into account that the use of this digital tool is personal.
Now yes, you already have the possibility of issuing electronic medical prescriptions to your patients. Take into account that everything is done from the Cofepris portal where you registered. In that same site you will have at your disposal a wide range of codes corresponding to medicines. The rest of the filling is the same as what you normally do in any face-to-face consultation.
Finally, you should always keep in mind that electronic medical prescriptions are your responsibility. You must make professional use of them and only prescribe drugs to patients who really require them.