Bulk billing starts from 6pm*
Bulk billing starts from 6pm
Bulk billing starts from 6pm
Medically reviewed by Dr Ammar Al-Ani
MBChB, CCBST, AMC, General Practitioner, 28+ Years of Experience
Updated in June 2026
No. You do not need a paper script if you have a digital script. Most pharmacies in Australia can scan the QR code on the eScript and dispense medications.
There is no difference in terms of legal validity between escript and paper script. The only difference is how the information is stored and accessed.
ePrescription is a convenient alternative to paper prescriptions. An electronic prescription is a prescription which is created and sent electronically, rather than on paper.
This means that instead of writing a prescription by hand or printing it, GPs can use their clinical software to create and send the prescription directly to their patient via SMS or email.
As of 31 October 2019, Commonwealth legislation officially recognised eScripts as an alternative legal form for supplying medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). [ref]
Pro-Tip: You can choose either a paper or digital script, but not both for the same prescription. If you travel often or use telehealth, the valid eScript from Telehealth services like Hola Health is the more flexible choice.
You can take your token to any pharmacy that supports eScripts, and most community pharmacies in Australia do. If you want to save time, you can opt for pharmacy delivery the same day.
You still get the normal pharmacist safety check. The pharmacist confirms the script, reviews the medicine, checks for issues, and gives advice on how to use it. Digital doesn’t mean “hands off”; it just means the paperwork moves more smoothly.
In terms of cost, it helps to remember that the doctor’s consultation fee and the medicine cost are separate things. Your telehealth service may charge for the consultation or prescription review, while the pharmacy charges for the medicine. If the medicine is listed on the PBS and you’re eligible, the government may subsidise the cost of the medicine. The Department’s page on prescriptions and the PBS overview are good places to check the basics.
Hola Health provides after-hours bulk billing script services for Medicare cardholders at set times. Here’s more info: Bulk Billed script online Australia
| Feature | Traditional Paper Script | Telehealth eScript (Token) |
| Physical Form | A signed piece of paper you must carry. | A QR code link sent via SMS or email. |
| Loss/Damage | If lost or destroyed, you must see a GP for a replacement. | Can be easily resent or accessed via your Active Script List. |
| Pharmacy Choice | Take the physical paper to any pharmacy. | Present the token at any ePrescribing-enabled pharmacy (over 95% in Australia). |
| Repeats | Pharmacist prints a “repeat form” on paper for you to keep. | A new token is automatically sent to your phone after each dispense. |
| Remote Ordering | Must mail the script or drop it off in person. | The pharmacist prints a “repeat form” on paper for you to keep. |
No. Once a token has been used to dispense the medicine, it becomes invalid. If there are repeats, you’ll need the new token generated after the last dispensing.
If you take multiple regular medications, eScripts offer a digital safety net called an Active Script List (ASL) or “MySL.”
With your consent, an Australian pharmacy can register you for an ASL. Once active, every eScript issued to you by a telehealth doctor automatically drops into your digital profile. This means you don’t even need to manage the SMS tokens on your phone—you can simply walk into any pharmacy in Australia, show your ID, and say, “Can you look up my active script list?” They can pull up and dispense your medication instantly.
Yes. Same-day telehealth appointments for script requests with Hola Health are available 24/7. Most patients receive their eScript by SMS within minutes of the consultation ending. You can then present the eScript at any Australian pharmacy for immediate dispensing or for home delivery through participating pharmacies.
Request script with Hola Health in 15 minutes*