A hard token is a small physical device that generates secure authentication codes for accessing your DrFirst ePrescribe portal. If you prescribe controlled substances through Practice Better's ePrescribe integration, you'll need a hard token to meet DEA security requirements and protect your practice.
Ordering your physical authentication device for controlled substance prescribing is simple, whether you need your first token or a replacement.
In this article:
- Do You Need a Hard Token?
- Ordering a Brand-New Hard Token
- Ordering a Replacement Hard Token
- Next Steps
- Common Questions
Do You Need a Hard Token?
Hard tokens are only required for practitioners who prescribe controlled substances (EPCS). If you only prescribe non-controlled medications, you won't need a hard token.
Ordering a Brand-New Hard Token
If you're new to DrFirst's system and setting up ePrescribe for controlled substances for the first time, you can order your first hard token at no cost.
Placing Your Order
- Go to the DrFirst Hard Token Request storefront.
- Select the quantity you need and click Add to cart.
- Click Check out to proceed to the checkout screen.
- Enter your shipping information carefully, including:
- Email address
- Full name
- Complete shipping address
- Phone number
-
Double-check all fields for accuracy to ensure delivery to the correct location.
📍 Please note: New tokens are provided free of charge, so you won't need to enter payment or billing information.
- Click Complete order to finalize your request.
After You Order
Once you've completed your order, here's what happens next:
Order Confirmation
You'll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided during checkout. This email includes:
- Your order number (DF####)
- A link to track your order status
- Customer information and shipping details
📍 Please note: Your order will be manually reviewed by DrFirst for accuracy and verification before shipping. This security step helps prevent fraudulent orders and typically takes 1-2 business days.
Shipping Notification
Once your token ships, you'll receive another email containing:
- A USPS tracking number
- Estimated delivery date
- A link to track your shipment
Delivery Confirmation
When your token is delivered, you'll receive a final confirmation email. If you haven't received your package, use the "Let us know" link in the delivery email to report the issue.
Ordering a Replacement Hard Token
If you already have a hard token and need a replacement, the process depends on whether your token is still under warranty.
Within the 90-Day Warranty Period
If your token is less than 90 days old and needs replacement due to a malfunction:
- Contact DrFirst support through their help center.
- Explain that your token is malfunctioning and is still within the 90-day warranty period.
- Our support team will provide you with a promotional code for a free replacement.
- Go to the DrFirst Hard Token Replacement Request link to complete your order with the promo code at no charge.
Outside the Warranty Period
For tokens older than 90 days, or if you need an additional token, you'll need to purchase a replacement for $25.00.
Placing Your Replacement Order
- Go to the DrFirst Hard Token Replacement Request link.
- Review the replacement token information and select the quantity needed from the QTY dropdown menu.
- Complete the Shipping information section on the right side of the screen:
- Email address
- Full name
- Business name (optional)
- NPI number (optional, but recommended)
- Additional notes (optional)
-
Complete shipping address
💡 Tip: Including your NPI and business name helps DrFirst verify your order more quickly.
- Enter your Payment information in the Card information section. The replacement token costs $25.00.
- If your billing address differs from your shipping address, uncheck Billing info is same as shipping and enter the alternate billing address.
- Review all information carefully for accuracy.
- Click Pay to complete your purchase.
After Your Replacement Order
Order Confirmation
You'll see an order confirmation page from Stripe immediately after payment, followed by a confirmation email from noreply@drfirst.com containing:
- Your order number (DF####)
- Order summary with pricing
- Shipping and billing addresses
📍 Please note: DrFirst will manually verify your replacement order before shipping to ensure security. This typically takes 1-2 business days.
Shipping Notification
Once your replacement token ships, you'll receive an email with:
- Fulfillment tracking number
- Estimated delivery date
- Link to track your shipment
Delivery Confirmation
You'll receive a final email when your token is delivered. If you encounter any delivery issues, use the "Let us know" link in the email.
Next Steps
Once your hard token arrives, you'll need to activate it in your DrFirst account before you can use it for prescribing controlled substances.
See our article: Activating Your Hard Token for EPCS for step-by-step activation instructions →
Common Questions
How long does shipping take?
After your order is verified and ships, delivery typically takes 3-5 business days via USPS. You can track your shipment using the tracking number provided in your shipping notification email.
What if my token arrives damaged?
Contact Practice Better support immediately if your token arrives damaged or doesn't work properly. Tokens within the 90-day warranty period can be replaced at no charge.
Can I order multiple tokens?
Yes! You can select the quantity you need during the ordering process. Many practitioners order a backup token to keep in a separate secure location.
What happens to my old token when I order a replacement?
Your old token will need to be disabled in your DrFirst account once you activate your new token. You can manage this through the Token Management screen in DrFirst.