Parchment vs RxPad: comparing Australian ePrescribing software

Parchment and RxPad are the two standalone ePrescribing platforms most Australian prescribers compare. Both are listed on the ADHA's Electronic Prescribing Conformance Register against the current CPv3.0.1 profile, both include the MIMS medicines database, and both let you prescribe without changing your practice software. The differences are in integration depth, pricing structure, and who each is built for.

What do they have in common?

• ADHA-conformant electronic prescribing (CPv3.0.1) — eScripts via SMS or email, paper when needed

• MIMS medicine database included

• Real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) checks such as SafeScript

• Web-based, no installation, works alongside any practice management software

Where does Parchment differ?

Integrations, not just standalone. Parchment embeds prescribing directly inside practice management software — Cliniko, Nookal, coreplus, PracSuite, Optomate, Zanda, Zavy360, Principle and more, with an API for platforms that want prescribing native in their own interface. If your PMS is on the list, you prescribe without leaving your clinical workflow. RxPad is primarily a standalone prescriber app.

Pricing. Parchment's individual plans start at $15/month, with standard tiers at $35 and $65 — see current pricing. RxPad publishes tiers at $35 and $65/month. Like-for-like tiers are similar; Parchment's $15 entry tier is the lowest-cost way to start prescribing electronically in Australia.

Built for the whitespace. Parchment is designed for prescribers the big GP systems ignore — dentists, nurse practitioners, optometrists, midwives, podiatrists, and telehealth clinics — plus the software vendors who serve them.

Where might RxPad suit you better?

RxPad is a mature standalone product from Telecare with multi-location support and ISO 27001 certification, and some prescribers simply prefer its interface. If you want a pure standalone pad and your practice software is never going to integrate prescribing, it is a credible choice — verify any feature that matters to you on both products' current documentation.

How do I choose?

1. Check your practice software first. If Parchment integrates with it, embedded prescribing beats any standalone pad on workflow.

2. Match the plan to your volume. Occasional prescriber → Parchment's $15 tier. High-volume or team use → compare the $35–65 tiers side by side.

3. Confirm conformance yourself. Both appear on the ADHA register — always check the current edition before committing to any prescribing software.

You can start with Parchment free and write your first eScript in minutes, or book a walkthrough.

Published 30 August 2026. Competitor details from RxPad's public website and the ADHA conformance register at time of writing — verify current pricing and features with the vendor.