Set up ePrescribing (EPCS)

This article covers how to register with DrFirst to set up electronic prescribing of controlled substances, also known as EPCS.

Before you begin

To help expedite the registration process, please review the information below and have the listed resources available during the registration process:

To complete the registration process, you will need:

• Desktop or laptop computer (highly recommended for the best experience completing the process) 
• Your driver’s license, passport, or state ID
• A two-factor ID token
  • We generally recommend using Symantec VIP Access, which you can download here
• A smartphone or tablet with a camera
• Once you begin the process, you have 24 hours to complete it or the process will need to be restarted from the beginning

DrFirst uses Experian to verify your identity. It is recommended you check Experian to verify your personal information and make any updates prior to completing identity verification. To login to Experian or create a free account, go to the Experian website and follow their instructions for login/account creation.

Registering with DrFirst

Once you have completed the credentialing step of your Onboarding Checklist and your credentials have been verified, you'll receive an email from DrFirst with the subject line “Register to E-Prescribe with Rula" from the email address: "epcs-do-not-reply@drfirst.com". Once you receive this email, please follow the steps below: 

1. Open the email and click the link that says “Click to Register”. This link will open up DrFirst.
   
2. Find the “I have an invite” box orange button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page and click the orange “Proceed” button.
3. Review the terms and conditions then confirm your acceptance by checking the boxes going down the page. Click “Next” to proceed. 
4. On the next page, you will be given the option to complete the identity proofing process, or login using your existing authentication credentials if you have already completed the identity proofing process in the past. 

If you have completed identity proofing in the past, follow these instructions to complete registration: 

1. Select "Use my existing authentication credentials"
2. Enter the requested information
   • NPI number
   • Passphrase (password to e-prescribe controlled substances)
   • Token (authenticator to e-prescribe controlled substances) - Please feel free to use any existing token you have. They are not tied to a specific practice, and you can use them with any of your existing Dr. First prescribing accounts.
   • One-time-pin (OTP) from the token you selected 
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3. When you have successfully logged in, you will see a confirmation message:
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4. A Rula administrator will complete the Logical Access Control step, which is the last step to authorize you to e-prescribe controlled substances (if needed). 

Completing identity proofing through Experian

 If you have not completed identity proofing in the past, follow these instructions to complete registration: 

1. DrFirst uses Experian for identity verification. When you are prompted to begin identity verification, please ensure you have your driver’s license and smartphone on hand, then click “Continue” on the bottom left-hand side of the page.
   
   
   
    

2. Next, you'll be asked to provide information that will be used to verify your identity.
   
   
   
    

   IMPORTANT: The information you provide in this section needs to match the information found in your Experian profile. To avoid delays in completing the process, please ensure the phone number you provide is your personal phone number that matches the information found on your Experian profile.

   Some users will be prompted to answer additional questions based on records from their credit profiles. Note that these questions may not appear for all users.
   
   
   
    

3. Next, you'll be prompted to verify your identity using your smartphone or tablet. You'll do this by uploading a photo of your ID and entering your SSN. You can choose between a state ID, a driver's license, or a passport. Follow the steps below:
   • When you are prompted, scan the QR code with your smartphone to begin the process.
     
     
   • On your smartphone, select “Let’s get started” and select the document you would like to use to verify your identity
     • You will need to select “Allow”, to give Experian access to use your camera as part of the process
       
   • Upload a photo of your identification document
     
   • After uploading a photo of your identification document (front and back), you'll be prompted to take a photo selfie.
   • Once you complete this step, you will then go back to your computer and select “Check Status"
     
     
     
      
   • This will then bring you back to the DrFirst website to set up your security token.

Setting up your DrFirst security token and passphrase

Each time you submit a prescription for a controlled substance, you'll need to use your DrFirst security token and passphrase to confirm the prescription through EPCS. 

First, set up your security token from the DrFirst website by following the steps below: 

1. Click the orange “Add New Token” button
   
   
   
    
2. Download the Symantec VIP Access app on your phone. Note: You may already have it! 
   • If you’re looking for the app in the App Store, look for “VIP Access for iPhone”. The app icon is a white square with a yellow circle and a black check mark in the middle.

   • Please do NOT select iPrescribe. Rula does NOT utilize iPrescribe
     
     

3. Return to the DrFirst website to set up the token, entering in the following information: 
   • For Manufacturer:  Please choose SYMANTEC
   • For Issuer: Please choose DRFIRST
   • For Token Type: Please choose Soft token
   • For Token Nickname: Please enter your full name followed by the word “Rula”
   • You will then need to Type in the Credential ID. You will find this on the VIP Access app on your phone. This is the number that appears at the top of the app that begins with SYMC. Please enter the entire Credentialed ID (Letters and Numbers).
   • You will then need to enter the One Time Pin. This is the six-digit number in the middle of the app on your phone that changes every 30 seconds. Once you have entered that number click the orange button that says “Authenticate”
     
     
     
      
4. Now, you will set up your DrFirst passphrase and security question.
   • IMPORTANT:  Please save both your passphrase and security question in a secure location for when you need them!

5. Once you have created your DrFirst passphrase and security question, you will be sent a verification code and an email with a link to the verification code entry page.
    

   Note: This step applies to both non-controlled and controlled substance prescribing providers

   

   • If you have a verified phone number with Experian, the verification code will be sent to your mobile phone along with a link to submit the code. 
   • If you do not have a verified phone number, the verification code will be sent to you in a mailed letter. The letter can take 3-10 business days to arrive.
     
     
   • Verification can only be attempted 3 times within a 24 hour period or your account will be locked.

Activating your EPCS account

Congrats! You have successfully verified your identity and created your security token. The final step is for a Rula admin to activate your account.

Troubleshooting

Should you need any assistance with this process, please see this article or reach out to psych_onboarding@rula.com

Updated May 08, 2026 15:38