Set up ePrescribing (EPCS)

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

Registering with DrFirst

After you have verified your identity with a member of our Onboarding team, you'll receive an email from DrFirst with the subject line “DO-NOT-REPLY-EPCS”. 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, we will start the identity-proofing process. If the page says you have already done this, you have the option to use your existing credentials, or to click “Complete Identity Proofing Process again” to start the identity verification process following the steps below.
   If you choose to use existing credentials, please confirm you know your DrFirst passphrase and have a security token ready to go for your upcoming activation call.

Completing identity proofing through id.me

DrFirst uses id.me 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 “Verify with id.me” on the bottom left hand of the page. 

Once you are on the id.me website, You will then need to create an id.me account.

Please note: You may already have an existing id.me account, so please check if you have one before proceeding to create a new account. Creating a new account will delay the EPCS activation process.

If you do not have an existing Id.me account, We recommend creating an account using the email address you intend to use with your work with Rula"

If you are creating a new id.me account you'll need to set up 2FA (Two-factor authentication) to secure your account. Instructions on how to set up 2FA for id.me can be found here. 

Next, you'll be prompted to verify your identity. 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.

• Once you have chosen which ID to use. ID.me will text a link to your cell phone where you can upload a photo of the front and back of your ID.
• After uploading a photo of your ID you'll be prompted to take a video selfie.
  • ID.me will ask if the identifying information is correct. You'll then enter your SSN on your computer screen.
  • Next ID.me will ask to verify your medical provider information.
    • You will enter their NPI and DEA number, please make sure you are entering the DEA number associated with the state you'll be practicing in.
      

Lastly, you'll be prompted to authorize DrFirst to use the information you have entered. Please click “Allow”. 

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” buttonDownload 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.

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 “Authentic”

Lastly, you will set up your DrFirst passphrase and security question. Please save both in a secure location for when you need them! You'll need the passphrase for your upcoming call with a Rula team member to activate your EPCS account. 

Meet with a Rula team member to activate your EPCS account

Congrats! You have successfully verified your identity and created your security token. The final step is to meet with a Rula team member who will grant your account access. This will only take ~5 minutes! 

Please schedule a time to meet with a Rula Team Member here.

Troubleshooting

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

Updated December 19, 2024 19:21