Frequently Asked Questions
Is DocUpdate free, and if so, how does it make money?
Yes, DocUpdate is completely free for providers. We keep it free by partnering with select, specialty-relevant pharma companies to share curated updates relevant to your practice. These messages are delivered by DocUpdate, not by third-party marketers, and you can adjust or opt out of them anytime here.
Is DocUpdate HIPAA-compliant?
Yes. DocUpdate is fully HIPAA-compliant and operates under a formal Business Associate Agreement (BAA). We protect all Protected Health Information (PHI) using industry-standard encryption, restrict access and disclosures to the minimum necessary, and promptly report any incidents as required by law. We take data privacy and security extremely seriously. View our full BAA.
Is my patient’s data safe on DocUpdate?
Yes. Your patients’ data is protected under HIPAA. We never sell patient information, and we only share it when required to deliver care, such as securely sending prescriptions through Surescripts. All patient data is securely stored and transmitted using industry-standard encryption and compliant with healthcare privacy standards.
Who can sign up for DocUpdate?
DocUpdate is available to licensed U.S. healthcare providers who are authorized to prescribe medications. This includes physicians (MD, DO), dentists (DDS, DMD), podiatrists (DPM), nurse practitioners (NP, APRN), physician assistants (PA), and optometrists (OD), in accordance with each state’s scope of practice.
Can I send prescriptions to any pharmacy in the U.S.?
We work with 95% of US pharmacies — non-controlled prescriptions can be sent nationwide.
Does DocUpdate support prescribing controlled substances?
Not yet. Controlled substances require additional security and identity verification. This feature is on our roadmap.
How do you ensure prescription accuracy?
Every prescription routes through Surescripts, the same secure network used by most EHRs and pharmacies. Pharmacies run drug–drug and allergy checks before dispensing.
If I make a mistake entering a prescription, what can I do?
You can review and edit prescriptions before submitting them. Once a prescription is sent, pharmacies add their own safety checks (like reviewing dosage, interactions, and allergies) before dispensing. With that being said, we still recommend reviewing all patient records before prescribing.
We also support the ability to cancel scripts after they have been sent – lease note that while the cancellation request is transmitted to the pharmacy, we currently don’t receive confirmation on whether it’s been filled or successfully canceled.
If you still notice an error, you can reach out to support@docupdate.io to receive assistance.
Does DocUpdate integrate with my EHR?
DocUpdate does not integrate with an EHR.
How fast does a prescription reach the pharmacy?
ePrescribing transmission is near-instant — pharmacies usually receive it within seconds.
Can DocUpdate handle refills and pharmacy callbacks?
Yes. Prescribers receive notifications for callbacks, refills, and any related pharmacy administrative questions.
Does DocUpdate work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. DocUpdate is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Is DocUpdate available outside the U.S.?
DocUpdate is currently limited to U.S. licensed providers.
Can I request medication samples and speak with pharma representatives through DocUpdate?
Yes. Our Concierge tool allows clinicians to request samples, access patient resources and speak directly with pharmaceutical reps.
Do you offer enterprise plans?
Enterprise plans are in development. Right now, DocUpdate is available for individual providers and can be shared through an organization.
Can my practice or staff sign up?
Staff accounts and practice-level profiles aren’t live yet, but they’re on our roadmap.
How do I change my messaging preferences?
As a physician founded company, our focus is to keep physicians in control. You can update your messaging preferences anytime by clicking here or inside the app.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.