Setting up your DrFirst ePrescribe Integration in Practice Better

This guide will walk you through the setup process. To preview the feature, check out the video below or our interactive demo here.

In this article:

• Pricing and Setup
• Purchase and Activation
• Identity Verification
  • Experian Identity Proofing Videos
  • Provider Identity Proofing (IDP) Overview
  • Additional IDP Steps For EPCS
• Using ePrescribe
  • Prescribing Controlled Substances (EPCS)
  • Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
  • PDMP Integration Limitation for Telehealth-Only Practices
• Getting Help
• DrFirst ePrescribe FAQ

Pricing and Setup

To set up the DrFirst ePrescribe integration in Practice Better, you will need to set up an account directly through the Practice Better integration. Existing accounts that were set up directly with DrFirst are not compatible with our integration. 

Practice Better's ePrescribe integration with DrFirst pricing breakdown: 

• DrFirst ePrescribe (EPCS optional): $49/month per practitioner
  • One-time Onboarding fee: $99 per practitioner (non-refundable)
• DrFirst ePrescribe (EPCS required) + PDMP:
  • PDMP Add-on: +$5/month per practitioner
  • PDMP on-time Onboarding fee: $399 per practice per state (non-refundable)

Purchase and Activation

1. Go to Settings > 3rd Party Integration.
   • Team account owners, use the Team Member Switcher in the bottom left to select another team member to set up the integration for them. 
     
      
2. Click Get started beside the DrFirst ePrescribe integration.
   
    
3. Select the integration plan you want:
   
   • DrFirst ePrescribe
   • DrFirst ePrescribe with PDMP
     (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program: a tool practitioners can use to see what controlled substances have been prescribed to a specific patient.)
      
4. Enter the Practice information and complete all the required fields. If you don’t have a fax number, enter your phone number again.
   
    
5. Enter the information for the provider for whom the integration is being set up. 
   Providers must be added one at a time; additional team members can be added with the team member switcher (See Step 1 above).
   
    
6. At this stage you can elect to enroll in EPCS (Electronic prescribing of controlled substances).
   
    
7. Finalize your choices on the confirmation step. 
   
    
8. Our support team will reach out to you for the next steps.   

To update your ePrescribe plan, click the More Options Menu (3 dots) on the DrFirst ePrescribe integration and select Change Plan. 

Identity Verification

You will receive an email from DrFirst to complete your identity verification through Experian. Please note the sender of this email will be: infinIDAdmin@drfirst.com

The process will differ slightly if you have selected EPCS. The written steps below are an overview to set expectations. Follow the prompts and written instructions on your screen. 

⚠️ Once started, you must complete identity proofing. Most people will complete it in 5-10 min. If you cannot complete it, you will need to start over.

Experian Identity Proofing Videos

The following videos, produced by DrFirst, provide an overview of the IDP process for both EPCS and non-EPCS providers. 

Provider Identity Proofing (IDP) Overview

1. Open the IDP email and click the link to begin the IDP process. If for any reason this link is not working, please reach out to Practice Better support and request a new IDP email. 
    
2. Upon clicking the link from your email, the InfinID application will open. 
    
3. You will be presented with a prerequisites page. A personal credit card is not required during this process, but it can help you pass, as Experian uses financial history to verify your identity. 
   Click Continue to proceed. 
   
   • Note: Providers should record the temporary password.
      

4. After accepting the terms, you must enter some personal information, which Experian will use to verify your identity. All required fields are noted with a red asterisk.

   

   • Note: This is not a hard credit check, and you won't be charged. If entering this information, only the first eight digits are required.
      
5. After entering all personal information and clicking continue, you may be presented with three security questions about your financial history. Select any applicable answers and click Continue.
   
    
6. On the next screen, scan the QR code with your mobile device.
    
7. After accepting the terms of use, select an identifying document to submit to Experian (Driver's license or Passport). 
    
8. You will be prompted to photograph your identifying document (front and back).
    
9. Next, take a picture of yourself using the front-facing camera on your phone.
   • Recommended: take a photo without glasses.
      
10. The application will prompt you to exit from the mobile screen and return to the identity proofing screen where you scanned the QR code. Here, select the Check Status button.
    • If you are enrolling in EPCS, proceed with the steps in the following section: Additional Steps For EPCS
       
11. You will be notified on screen and by email whether you failed or passed identity proofing. Once you pass identity proofing, you will receive a verification code either by text message or mail. 
    
    • If Experian has successfully verified your phone number, you'll receive a text message you can enter immediately on screen. The verification code within the text message is valid for 7 days.
    • If you don't receive a text message immediately, click Didn’t receive your code?
    • DrFirst will mail you a letter if Experian was only able to verify your mailing address or if you didn’t get a text message after clicking Didn’t receive your code?
    • The letter usually takes about five to seven business days to arrive. The verification code within the letter is valid for 30 days.
    • Close the confirmation screen and wait for your letter to arrive. 
       
12. You'll receive an email with a link to return to the verification code entry page. Keep this email, as you may need this link again. 
     
13. Upon clicking the link, enter your NPI number and the verification code received either by text or mail.  
     
14. After entering the verification code, you will receive a confirmation email. 
     
15. At this point, your account will be auto-activated if you log in to DrFirst (Rcopia) within seven days and send a prescription. Otherwise, you will need to repeat the identity proofing process. 
     

Additional IDP Steps For EPCS

The first ten steps above, in the IDP Overview, are the same for EPCS and non-EPCS enrollment. 

You are required to set up at least one "soft token" (2FA method) during this process. 

You may optionally request a "hard token" (a physical device with a 2FA code). Learn more. 

For EPCS providers, after clicking Check Status

1. Once IDP has been completed, you will receive a confirmation on the next screen that your identity has been successfully confirmed, and you will be prompted to add a token. 
    
2. Select the orange Add Token button to begin.
   • It's highly recommended that you add at least two tokens in case one is lost or inaccessible. If you cannot attach two tokens at this step, another token can be added from the EPCS Dashboard later. Your account can have up to five tokens. 
      
3. Select the manufacturer from the Token Manufacturer drop-down menu.
   • Select SYMANTEC if: You are using a soft token (VIP Access App on mobile phone/tablet/computer). Or you are using a keychain hard token that has the Symantec name and logo on the face of the token.
   • Select ONESPAN if: You are using a keychain hard token that has the OneSpan name and logo on the face of the token.
      
4. Complete the rest of the fields with the following listed information to be entered per token:
   • Token Issuer: DrFirst
   • Token Type: OTP HARD TOKEN (key fob) or OTP SOFT TOKEN (VIP Access)
   • Token Nickname: Nickname for the token to help identify it (Ex. “iPhone token”, “key fob”, etc.).
   • Serial Number or Credential ID:  
     • If using a Symantec HARD token (keyfob): enter the Serial Number (S/N) on the back of the token without any spaces.
     • If using a OneSpan HARD token (keyfob): enter the Serial Number (S/N), which is the long string of numbers on the back of the token without any dashes.
     • If using the Symantec VIP Access app SOFT token: enter the Credential ID that appears at the top of the screen without any spaces.
   • One Time Passcode (OTP): The number generated on the hard token or the “Security Code” from the VIP Access app.
      
5. You must have at least one registered, active token with your profile at all times. If you lose access to all registered, active token(s), you will need to complete your registration from the beginning.
    
6. Next, a signing passphrase, security question, and security answer must be created for your account.
   • This signing passphrase is a password that will be used to prescribe controlled substances.
   • The security question and answer will be necessary if you ever have to reset your passphrase.
   • The signing passphrase must be at least eight characters long, be mixed case, and contain at least one number (avoid special characters).
   • A security question and security answer (case sensitive) will need to be entered as well. Since it is case sensitive, the security answer has to be remembered exactly as it was entered. This will be used in the event the passphrase is forgotten.
   • Note: We strongly recommend that the passphrase and security question/answer are written down to be stored in a secure location. DrFirst cannot reset a passphrase. The passphrase can only be reset by correctly answering your security question. If the passphrase is forgotten and cannot be reset, your account will be DISABLED, and you will be required to complete IDP again from the beginning.
      
7. After entering the Signing Passphrase, Security Question, and Security Answer, click Continue.
   
8. You will be notified on screen and by email whether you failed or passed identity proofing. Once you pass identity proofing, you will receive a verification code either by text message or mail. 
   
   • If Experian has successfully verified your phone number, you'll receive a text message you can enter immediately on screen. The verification code within the text message is valid for 7 days.
   • If you don't receive a text message immediately, click Didn’t receive your code?
   • DrFirst will mail you a letter if Experian was only able to verify your mailing address or if you didn’t get a text message after clicking Didn’t receive your code?
   • The letter usually takes about five to seven business days to arrive. The verification code within the letter is valid for 30 days.
   • Close the confirmation screen and wait for your letter to arrive. 
      
9. You'll receive an email with a link to return to the verification code entry page. Keep this email, as you may need this link again. 
    
10. Upon clicking the link, enter your NPI number and the verification code received either by text or mail.  

    • Enter the verification code, passphrase, and one-time PIN from your selected token. 

      
       

11. Once you have completed your identity verification and token set up, send an email to Practice Better’s support team to confirm you are ready for the next steps.
     
12. Practice Better support will arrange a Zoom call with you to complete the setup of EPCS in your DrFirst account.

Using ePrescribe

You can access your DrFirst portal in a few places in Practice Better. 

Learn more about Creating Prescriptions through Practice Better's ePrescribe Integration →

1. Go to a Client Record > Medical History. 
    
2. To open your DrFirst portal, click one of the "Manage" buttons above the Medication History, Drug Allergies, or Prescriptions sections. 
   
    
3. Or, open a Client Hub and use the Manage Prescriptions button to launch your DrFirst portal.
   
    
4. The DrFrist portal will open as a pop-up within your Practice Better portal so that you can manage your prescriptions all from Practice Better.
    
5. Once you close the DrFirst pop-up, any new client data will be synced back to Practice Better, as indicated by the notification at the top right of your window. 
   
      
6. Practitioners can monitor DrFirst notifications, like messages from pharmacies, by adding the DrFirst Notifications widget to the Practice Better Dashboard. 
   
   
   

Prescribing Controlled Substances (EPCS)

Practitioners require the following credentials each time they prescribe controlled substances:

• Provider login credentials (and any applicable 2FA methods)
• Passphrase (used to send prescriptions with controlled substances)
• Signature password (provided to you by Practice Better support during the setup process) 

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)

If you select PDMP as part of your integration, this process can vary depending on your State. There is a non-refundable, one-time setup fee of $399 USD per practice. 

⚠️ Providers are required to set up EPCS to use PDMP through Practice Better's integration with DrFirst. 

Review your State requirements here:

• Current EPCS & PDMP compliance state requirements | DrFirst

Practice Better's support team will communicate specific instructions to you through email. 

This process generally takes 6-8 weeks, and we cannot guarantee your State will approve your application.

While you wait for the PDMP tool to be activated in your account, you can still use the ePrescribe integration. 

To learn more about PDMP, review the blog below from DrFirst:

• PDMP: What Is It? | DrFirst

For steps to use the PDMP tool in iPrescribe, see the help page from DrFirst linked below:

• View a patient's PDMP record | DrFirst

Here's a more succinct version framed for practitioners:

PDMP Integration Limitation for Telehealth-Only Practices

If you operate a telehealth-only business without a physical location in your state, you may be denied PDMP integration through DrFirst. State regulations require providers to maintain a physical address within the state to qualify for integrated PDMP access—current rules have not yet adapted to accommodate telehealth models.

💡 Workaround: You can still access patient PDMP information by logging directly into your state's PDMP website rather than accessing it through Practice Better's integration.

Getting Help

Practice Better’s team can support the activation of the integration. 

If you need help with creating prescriptions, please contact DrFirst support and include your NPI number for them to locate your account. 

• DrFirst Help Center
• DrFirst | Tips & best practices for Support requests

DrFirst ePrescribe FAQ

Q: Where is ePrescribe available?

A: Practice Better’s ePrescribe integration with DrFirst is available to practitioners in the United States.

Q: Can I prescribe in multiple States?

A: To prescribe to patients outside of your home state, providers require:

• A valid license for each state where you’ll ePrescribe
• A unique DEA number for each state (required if you prescribe controlled substances)

If you need to submit more than one State license and/or DEA number, follow up with Practice Better support after submitting your integration application.

Q: I already have a DrFirst account. Can I connect that account with Practice Better's integration?

A: No, we are unable to connect existing DrFirst accounts through the Practice Better ePrescribe integration.

A new DrFirst account will be created for you when you enable the DrFirst ePrescribe integration with Practice Better.

Q: How do patients receive their prescription?

A: Prescriptions are electronically sent to the patient's pharmacy. Patients receive a HIPAA-compliant text notification (if enabled by the provider and a mobile number is on file).

Q: My client data isn't syncing from DrFirst. How can I resolve this? 

Patient data from DrFirst will automatically sync to Practice Better clients when the integration window is closed. To troubleshoot, go to a specific client's Medical History page, click Manage Prescriptions to open the DrFirst integration, close the window, and the data will sync. 

Opening the DrFirst portal from another patient's Medical History page or the Client Hub won't resolve unsynced data for other clients. 

Q: How do I log in to the iPrescribe app?

A: During your integration onboarding, Practice Better’s support team will securely send you the login credentials for your account, which you can use to log in to the iPrescribe app.

For more details on how to use the app, reference the documentation here:

• DrFirst Help Center | iPrescribe

Q: Where can I check what information Experian has on file for me?

A: To check the information that Experian has on record, you can obtain a Free Experian credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. Identity proofing questions are formulated based on credit history.

This includes but is not limited to questions about home/auto loans, bank accounts, places of residency, etc. Having a credit report available can assist in answering these questions.

Q: What can I do if I am locked out of my account after three failed identity verification attempts within a 24-hour period?

A: You will have to wait 24 hours from the last time identity verification was attempted and failed. Any attempts made during the lockout period (whether it be an hour or 23 hours) will extend the time that you will have to wait. DrFirst Support DOES NOT have the ability to unlock your account.

Q: What is Serial Number (S/N) and Credential ID?

• Serial Number or (S/N): the series of numbers and/or letters on the back of the hard token that is the unique identifier for that token. S/N refers to Serial Number—not to be confused with SSN which refers to your Social Security Number and will only have to be entered in the User Information page.
• Credential ID: the series of letters and numbers (starts with “SYMC”) that appears at the top of screen when you open the soft token VIP Access app. It is a unique identifier for your soft token every time it is downloaded. So, if you delete the app and redownload it, you will have to attach another token.

Q: What happens if I forget my passphrase and cannot answer my security question?

A: If the passphrase is forgotten and cannot be reset, your account will be DISABLED, and you will be required to complete EPCS onboarding again. We strongly recommend that the passphrase and security question / answer are written down to be stored in a secure location. DrFirst and Practice Better cannot reset a passphrase. The passphrase can only be reset by correctly answering your security question.

Q: What are some factors that result in failed Identity Proofing?

A: There are several factors that can hinder your ability to successfully complete Identity Proofing, these include but is not limited to the following:

• Fraud Alert
• Inability to answer security questions accurately
• Personal information entered does match what Experian has on file

If you are failing Identity Proofing, please call the DrFirst support team to assess the next steps for you to complete Identity Proofing successfully. Their Support Team is available for any assistance during the EPCS Registration process at https://help.drfirst.com via Live Chat or Ticket.