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.
Governor Orders State to Step Up Work on E-Prescribing
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has issued an Executive Order to significantly increase patient safety through the use of e-prescribing in Arizona. It is estimated that patients in the United States suffer 1.5 million preventable adverse drug “events” every year because of mistakes with their medications. Costs associated with those errors are estimated to exceed $4 billion annually. The executive order is available online.
Aetna Helps Patients, Physicians Improve Outcomes with New Online Capabilities
Health care benefit company Aetna announced several new online features and services aimed at physicians which will provide prescribing and clinical decision support through the Web. Consumer PHR tools will also be rolled out to Aetna members later this year.
Understanding the Value of Electronic Prescribing
An Interview with: Patricia L. Hale MD, PhD, FACP
