After visiting a hospital, residents can reduce paper prescriptions and waiting time in the medication pickup process. Taipei City United Hospital has introduced electronic prescriptions at its 5 general branches and 3 specialty branches, and launched the electronic prescription medication pickup map. Patients can use their phones to check partner pharmacies, choose a nearby location and reserve a pickup time.
Electronic prescriptions are part of the digital medical policy promoted by the National Health Insurance Administration in recent years. The focus is to reduce paper prescription use and lower risks such as prescription loss or repeated medication pickup. For residents, partner pharmacies can be checked by phone after a visit, making pickup near home or work more flexible.
Taipei City United Hospital is connecting community pharmacies through system integration, covering prescription issuing, data transmission, pharmacy dispensing and pickup services. Partner pharmacies for electronic prescriptions have been matched in 9 administrative districts in Taipei City, with plans to expand to all 12 districts so more residents can pick up medication near home.
In addition to convenience, electronic prescriptions are also related to medication safety. After prescription data is sent digitally to partner pharmacies, pharmacists can dispense medicine and provide medication instructions. For patients with chronic diseases, long-term medication needs or regular follow-up visits, this can reduce the burden of keeping paper prescriptions and waiting in line.
Taipei City United Hospital said it has gradually built standard procedures for community pharmacy pickup with electronic prescriptions during the trial period. After stable operation in Taipei City, the service will be evaluated for expansion to New Taipei City, while paperless prescription use continues to expand.
