Electronic Prescription
Plain English
It's the electronic prescription system used by SSN doctors. Instead of a paper red prescription, you get a numerical code on a slip (the promemoria), and the pharmacy uses it together with your tessera sanitaria.
Why it matters
It cuts paperwork, lets you pick up prescriptions in any Italian pharmacy, and reduces the risk of lost or misread prescriptions. Some prescriptions can also be repeated remotely by your GP.
Real example
"After Suvi's consultation in Latina, her GP issued a ricetta dematerializzata. She picked up the medication at a pharmacy across town just by handing in her tessera sanitaria and the printed code."
Common confusion
Some specialised drugs still require a different procedure (red paper prescriptions or specific authorisations). Most everyday medicines use the electronic version.
Official source
Ministero della Salute