Learn about the different password types used with DrFirst ePrescribe, including your login password, signature password, and EPCS passphrase. This guide explains what each password is used for and how to reset them when needed.
In this article:
- Password Types Overview
- Login Password
- Signature Password
- EPCS Passphrase (Signing Password)
- Getting Help
Password Types Overview
DrFirst ePrescribe uses different passwords for different purposes to maintain security and comply with federal regulations. Understanding which password you need helps you access your account and prescribe medications smoothly.
The three password types are:
- Login Password: Gets you into the DrFirst portal
- Signature Password: Authorizes non-controlled prescriptions
- EPCS Passphrase: Authorizes controlled substance prescriptions (EPCS users only)
📍 Note: Your DrFirst username and passwords are separate from your Practice Better login credentials.
Quick Reference Guide
| Password Type | What It's For | How to Reset |
| Login Password | Logging into DrFirst/iPrescribe | Contact Practice Better Support |
| Signature Password | Sending non-controlled prescriptions | Reset yourself in app Settings, OR contact Practice Better Support |
| EPCS Passphrase | Sending controlled substance prescriptions | Reset yourself via EPCS Gold Dashboard using security question |
Login Password
What it's used for:
Your login password is what you use to log into DrFirst when accessing the integration through Practice Better or when using the iPrescribe mobile app.
How to reset it:
If you've forgotten your login password, contact Practice Better Support. Our team will reset it and provide you with temporary credentials via a secure 1Password link. You'll then create your own permanent password when you log in.
📍 Note: You cannot reset your login password yourself. Practice Better manages all login password resets through the DrFirst Admin Center.
Signature Password
What it's used for:
Your signature password is used to authorize and send prescriptions for non-controlled medications. This password is automatically created during your initial DrFirst account setup.
When you'll use it:
You'll be prompted to enter your signature password each time you send a prescription (unless your practice administrator has disabled this requirement).
How to reset it:
Option 1: Reset it yourself (if you know your current signature password)
If you're using the iPrescribe app:
- Open the iPrescribe app.
- Go to Menu > Settings > Signature Password.
- Enter your current login password.
- Create a new signature password.
- Click Save.
Option 2: Contact Practice Better Support
If you don't know your current signature password, contact Practice Better Support. Our team will reset it for you and provide the new credentials via a secure 1Password link.
EPCS Passphrase (Signing Password)
What it's used for:
Your EPCS passphrase (also called your signing password) is used along with a one-time passcode (OTP) from your authentication token to send controlled substance prescriptions. This is only required if you've enrolled in EPCS.
When you'll use it:
You'll enter your EPCS passphrase plus an OTP from your VIP Access app or hard token every time you prescribe a controlled substance.
Passphrase requirements:
- 8-20 characters
- At least 1 uppercase letter
- At least 1 number
- Do NOT use special characters (like @ ! # $ %)
- No more than 2 of the same letter or number in a row
💡 Tip: Use only uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Avoid special characters as these can cause authentication errors.
How to reset it:
You can reset your EPCS passphrase yourself through the EPCS Gold Prescriber Dashboard.
If you remember your security question answer:
- Open the EPCS Gold Dashboard passphrase reset page: https://ui.epcsdrfirst.com/pob/forgotpass
- Enter your NPI number and your token's Serial Number (S/N) or Credential ID.
- Click Next Step.
- Select an existing token, enter the email you used during identity proofing, and provide an OTP from your selected token.
- Check your email for a message with the subject line "Prescriber reset passphrase notification."
- Click the Reset Passphrase Link in that email.
- Re-enter your NPI number and token Serial Number/Credential ID, then click Continue.
- Select a token and enter an OTP.
- Answer your security question (case sensitive).
- Create a new passphrase that meets requirements, confirm it, and click Continue.
If you don't remember your security question answer:
⚠️ Important: If you cannot answer your security question correctly, your account will be disabled and you will need to complete EPCS identity proofing again from the beginning. Neither DrFirst nor Practice Better can reset your EPCS passphrase for you.
We strongly recommend writing down your EPCS passphrase and security question/answer and storing them in a secure location.
To change your EPCS passphrase (when you know your current one):
- Log into the EPCS Gold Prescriber Dashboard.
- Go to the Profile tab.
- Select Change EPCS Passphrase.
- Select a token and enter an OTP, then click Submit.
- Enter your current passphrase.
- Create a new passphrase that meets requirements.
- Confirm the new passphrase and click Continue.
Getting Help
Contact Practice Better Support for:
- Login password resets
- Signature password resets
- Account access issues
- Questions about your DrFirst integration setup
Contact DrFirst Support for:
- EPCS passphrase issues (if you can't answer your security question)
- Questions about using prescribing features
- Token management questions
- Clinical workflow questions
Learn more about DrFirst features and workflows in the DrFirst Help Center →