Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.
General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.
Moving your prescriptions to a new pharmacy is free, and you don’t need your doctor’s help to do it. eScript tokens and an Active Script List go wherever you go, paper repeats kept “on file” need to be collected from your old pharmacy, and your PBS Safety Net spending for the year can come with you. This guide walks you through each step, and the prescription team at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair is happy to help.
What moves easily, and what needs a step?
| What you have | What to do |
|---|---|
| eScript tokens on your phone | Nothing. Show them to us, or send them ahead by email or through the app. |
| An Active Script List | Give us your consent in store and we can see your current eScripts. |
| eScript tokens your old pharmacy holds for you | Ask them to send the tokens to your phone. |
| Paper repeats on file at your old pharmacy | Ask for them back, then bring them in. |
| Your PBS Safety Net spending this year | Ask your old pharmacy for a printout, or use form PB240. |
| Medication packs (Webster packs) | Talk to us before your current packs run out. |
Step by step: moving your scripts to us
- List your regular medicines. Write down what you take, the strength and how often, or ask your old pharmacy for a printout of your medicine history.
- Collect any paper repeats. If your old pharmacy keeps paper scripts on file for you, call ahead and ask them to have the repeats ready. The pharmacy holds them for you, so you can take them elsewhere at any time.
- Gather your eScripts. Find the tokens in your SMS or email. If your old pharmacy has been holding tokens for you, ask them to send the tokens to your phone.
- Ask for this year’s PBS record. Your spending on PBS medicines counts towards the PBS Safety Net. Ask your old pharmacy for a printout of what you’ve spent this calendar year, or keep track yourself on the Services Australia form PB240.
- Bring your cards. Bring your Medicare card and any concession, health care or DVA card, so the right PBS price applies.
- Bring it all in, or send it ahead. Hand everything over at the prescription counter at the back of the store, or email your eScripts to [email protected] (or send them through the app) so they’re ready when you arrive.
What about my Active Script List?
An Active Script List keeps all your eScripts in one place. If you already have one, there’s nothing to move: give us your consent in store and we can see your current scripts. If you don’t have one yet, we can register you at the counter. Bring your mobile phone and 100 points of identification.
What if I use medication packs?
If your medicines are packed into weekly blister packs, talk to us before your current packs run out so there’s no gap. We’ll need your current prescriptions and an up-to-date list of your medicines, and we may check details with your GP. See medication packing for how it works and what it costs.
Do I need to tell my doctor or my old pharmacy?
You don’t need your doctor’s permission to change pharmacies, and new eScripts still arrive on your phone or in your Active Script List as usual. You only need to contact your old pharmacy to collect paper repeats, ask for tokens they hold, or get your PBS record. It’s also worth asking them to stop any repeat reminders or medication packing they do for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to move my scripts?
No. There’s no fee to move your prescriptions to us, and no fee for dispensing or for sending your script ahead. You pay the usual PBS or private price for each medicine.
Will my PBS Safety Net total start again?
No. What you spend on PBS medicines in a calendar year counts towards the Safety Net whichever pharmacy you use. Bring a record of this year’s spending, from your old pharmacy or on form PB240, so your running total stays accurate.
Can you get my repeats from my old pharmacy for me?
Often, yes. Call us on (07) 5592 2099 and we’ll explain what’s needed for your scripts. eScript repeats are the easiest: your old pharmacy can resend the tokens to your phone.
Can someone else collect my medicines for me?
Yes. Forward the token to a family member or carer, or ask us to note who can collect for you.
I’m only on the Gold Coast for a holiday. Can you still fill my scripts?
Yes. Prescriptions from any Australian state can be filled here. See our guide for visitors to the Gold Coast.
When to see a pharmacist or GP
Talk to your pharmacist if you’re not sure which repeats you have left, if your list of medicines has changed, or if you take several medicines and would like them checked. See your GP if a script has run out or your medicines need reviewing. Never stop a regular medicine because you’re between pharmacies: ask us about your options the same day. In an emergency, call 000.
Ready to switch? Bring your scripts to the prescription counter at the back of the store, or send your eScript ahead by email or through the app.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
Pop in, no appointment needed. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair (Pac Fair), Broadbeach, open 7 days and until 9pm on Thursdays. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.