Enrolling in EPCS (Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances)
Complete your DrFirst enrollment to enable secure controlled substance prescribing in Canvas.
After your e-prescribing is set up in Canvas, you may also need to prescribe controlled substances. If so, this guide walks you through the enrollment process for EPCS (Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances) through DrFirst.
⚠️ Important: Step 2 must be completed within 24 hours once you start. If your setup times out, contact Prax Support for a new invite.
Step 1: Watch the DrFirst Video (2 minutes)
Before starting, watch a short video from DrFirst that walks through the enrollment process.
👉 Watch the video here
Step 2: Accept Your DrFirst Invitation (Time-Sensitive)
- Look for an email from: DO-NOT-REPLY-EPCS@drfirst.com
- Click Enroll Now in the email
- On the DrFirst page, enter your NPI number and Invite ID, then click Proceed
⚠️ You must complete this step within 24 hours of starting.
Step 3: Download the VIP Access App
The VIP Access app provides the security codes needed for setup. Install it on your phone:
Leave the app open — you’ll need it in Step 6.
Step 4: Enter Personal Information
Follow the prompts in DrFirst to complete your identity proofing with your personal information.
Step 5: Upload Your ID and Photo
- Upload a photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license)
- Take and upload a live selfie photo
- Return to your browser and click Check Status to continue
⚠️ Many users miss “Check Status” - skipping it may force you to restart.
✏️ Write down your temporary session code in case you get disconnected.
Step 6: Register the VIP Access App
You’ll be prompted to enter:
- The Credential ID (serial number) from your VIP Access app
- The 6-digit security code displayed in the app
Step 7: Verify by Text Message
You’ll receive a text with a verification code. Enter it to confirm your identity.
⚠️ If a text can’t be sent, a letter will be mailed instead — this may take up to two weeks. Whenever possible, use text for faster setup.
Step 8: Confirmation Email
Once verified, you’ll receive a confirmation email with:
- Your Experian Transaction Number
- Instructions for final steps
✅ Save your Experian Transaction Number — you’ll need it for activation.
Step 9: Create Your Passphrase
Set a secure passphrase to complete your enrollment.
- Letters and numbers only (no special characters)
- Choose something secure but memorable
- Store it in a secure place (e.g., a password manager)
Step 10: Activate Your Access
When all steps are complete:
- Contact Prax Support at support@praxhealth.com
- Our team will schedule a live session to activate controlled substance prescribing
Summary
- Complete your DrFirst invite (within 24 hours)
- Download and register the VIP Access app
- Verify your identity and upload your ID/photo
- Save your Experian Transaction Number
- Set your passphrase
- Contact Prax Support to activate prescribing
✅ Once complete, you’ll be fully set up to prescribe controlled substances electronically in Canvas.