About E-Prescribing
E-prescribing is the use of electronic tools to prescribe drug prescriptions. E-prescribing tools can include both software programs, as well as hardware like personal computers, handheld and wireless devices, and touch screens. E-prescribing is one of the integral steps to achieving broad deployment of the EHR. Other issues related to this topic area include, but are not limited to, pharmacy automation, medication compliance, pharmacy databases, CPOE and adverse drug events (ADE).
Today, prescribers make their drug-prescribing decisions using whatever information is available to them, then they give a handwritten prescription on paper to the patient or fax it to the dispenser or pharmacy. Once the prescription reaches the pharmacy, tasks become somewhat more automated. Through electronic claims, eligibility, and benefits submission, the dispensing pharmacist may learn about contraindications, the need for prior authorization, or lower cost alternatives. The dispenser then contacts the prescriber by phone for approval of changes, refills, or renewals.
Visit the HIMSS E-Prescribing Wiki to learn more about e-prescribing state incentives,
- ARRA and MIPPA Legislation Updates
Learn more about the ARRA and MIPPA legislation and regular updates on the Interim Final Rule. - Industry Tools
The E-Prescribing Task Force has “How To” Tip Sheets on selected topics for those implementing and facing challenges in using e-prescribing. - Regulatory
Visit the HIMSS E-Prescribing Wiki to learn about the state e-prescribing incentives.
New! Download and listen to the e-Prescribing episode of the HIMSS Physician Podcast series:
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Complexities of e-Prescribing: Physician and Pharmacist Viewpoints
Patricia Hale, MD, PhD, Deputy Director, Office of Health Information Technology Transformation New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY and Mr. Kevin Marvin, RPh, Principal, Kevin Marvin Consulting LLC, Burlington, VT discuss e-Prescribing from several perspectives including physician, pharmacist and patient.
Download and listen
Latest News:
E-Prescribing And CDS: "Quick" Information, Riding The HIMSS Wiki Wave
Medical News Today (6/1/09)
Plan Outlines Medicare, Medicaid Incentives
The Department of Health and Human Services has released the outlines of the program to offer Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for meaningful use of electronic health records systems.
CCHIT Reveals 2009-2010 Game Plan
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology has approved final 2009-2010 criteria for a number of its EHR certification efforts.
