Why do I need to ask a pharmacist? The lowdown on unlocking list of all your scripts 🔐

1 day ago
3 min read

So, you’re keen to get your scripts sorted with access to your set of scripts also known as Active Script List (ASL). Good on you! It’s honestly a game-changer for managing your meds.

You download an app like Scripty, ready to go, and… wait, you have to actually talk to someone? specifically, a pharmacist to access your own information?

We get it. In a world where you can order dinner, book a holiday, and even find a date without speaking to a soul, having to ask a human for an activation code feels a bit… old school. 😅

But there’s a reason the Government put this in place, and it’s all about keeping your private info safe. Here’s the layman’s guide to why your pharmacist is the key to unlocking your ASL (and how to make it happen).

The Bouncer for Your Script List 🛡️

Think of your ASL like a secure vault containing your entire script history. That’s pretty sensitive stuff! You wouldn’t want just anyone peeking in there.

Right now, healthcare professionals (like your local pharmacist) are the only ones approved to verify your identity and generate the "keys" to that vault.

They’re basically the bouncers. They need to check your ID, make sure you are who you say you are, and get your express permission before letting anyone (even an app like Scripty) see what’s inside.

The government is looking into "self-registration" down the track (kind of like how you verify yourself on myGov), but for now, a quick chat with your pharmacist is the only way to get started.

How to Get Your Code (Without the Awkwardness)

It’s usually painless. Next time you’re picking up a script, just follow these steps:

Ask for it: Say, "Hey, can you please register me for my ASL and provide me with my activation code?"
Say YES to the text message: You'll get a text asking for your consent. This gives that specific pharmacy permission to view your list (don't worry, you can manage who sees what later).
Get the code: This is the crucial bit. The pharmacist will generate a code for your Active Script List.
Link it in: Open Scripty, tap "Link to ASL", and type in that code. Boom. All your scripts, one place. Sorted.

Common Questions

We’ve seen a few questions pop up in our support chat:

"I don't have a 'regular' pharmacy. Is that a problem?"

Not at all! Any pharmacy can register you. You don’t need to be a loyal customer. They just need to be able to identify you (usually with your Medicare card and ID).

"My pharmacy gave me a code, but it doesn't work in Scripty!"

Ah, tricky one. Sometimes pharmacies get confused and give you a code for their own specific app. You need the ASL Activation Code. This code lets you use any approved app you choose, not just theirs. If it doesn't look right, double-check with them.

"Does this mean I'm stuck with that one pharmacy?"

Nope! Your ASL is yours. Once you’re set up in Scripty, you can see your scripts and take them to any pharmacy you like. You’re the boss.

"Can Scripty just give me my code?"

We wish we could! But we’re an app, not a pharmacy. We don’t have the government authority to verify your identity or generate codes. We’re just the friendly interface that makes looking at your list much prettier. 😉

"Can I get my code from My Health App / 1800Medicare or MyGov?"

No. If that changes, we’ll shout it from the rooftops!

More FAQs on Active Script List covered here.

How Scripty Has Your Back

While we can’t generate the Active Script List activation code for you, we’re doing everything else we can to help:

The Friendly Guide: We’ve got a guide in the app you can literally show your pharmacist if they’re unsure what you need.
Privacy Power: Once you’re set up, Scripty lets you see exactly which pharmacies have access to your ASL, so you stay in control.
The 'ASL Please' Tick: When you order through Scripty, you can tick a box that says "I need an ASL code." It adds a note to the pharmacist so they know you’re interested and can sort it out with you.
Linking multiple ASL profiles: With Scripty, you can connect several Active Script Lists in one app – perfect for parents, partners, or carers looking after loved ones.

Just so you know, Scripty works within the rules set by the Australian Digital Health Agency. ASL registration (that handy 'assisted' process in the pharmacy) is approved in pharmacy systems, but it's still optional for doctor software. That’s why for now it’s the pharmacist who helps you get your code.

We’re also constantly chatting with the powers that be, representing you (the patient) to make this process smoother and easier in the future.

Got more questions? Email us or check out our FAQs!