E-prescribing is witnessing high adoption due to increased productivity, cost savings, greater medication adherence, and boost outcomes of EHR

 

Electronic prescribing is the computerized electronic filling, transduction, and delivery of a health care prescription, replacing the traditional paper and faxed prescriptions to buy prescription writing. There are several benefits of this new technology that make it an attractive option for the practice of medicine. In essence, electronic prescribing reduces the time associated with patient care by minimizing errors. It also reduces the possibility of professional liability for providers who incorrectly prescribe medications or fail to provide patients with the information they need in order to make informed choices. This article will discuss the many benefits of electronic prescribing.

The biggest benefit of e-prescribing is the reduction in errors and the elimination of wasted time through the use of electronic prescribing. When a patient visits a physical office to receive physical therapy or diagnostic service, the provider typically jots down the name of the medication, its code number, and other identifying information into a tablet computer. This information travels between the provider and the pharmacy where the service is given. If there is a mistake, it does not travel to the office, instead, it is placed into the computer of the next person to be provided with that service. This prevents errors and wasted time.

Currently, e-prescribing software is sold as a standalone program or as part of an electronic prescription management system, or EPMS. Most systems provide a user interface for e-prescribing. Some systems are designed for physicians and dentists, while others are designed for pharmacists and other clinicians. Both desktop and web-based systems can be used. Systems that require the installation of a computer and the acquisition of technical equipment typically charge a monthly fee.

Most systems provide data security features such as encrypted password servers and non-financial transaction processing and delivery services. E-prescribing allows practitioners and other pharmacists and medical professionals to electronically grade, accept and electronically deliver medications. Electronic prescription transactions eliminate the need for patient visits and the handling of physical prescriptions. All information is stored in the HIPPA secure electronic health information database. Prescribing is completed in minutes rather than days.

Since most patients are able to complete their own requests for medication, there is no longer a need for a paper filled with patient information. This helps reduce practices' expenses for supplies and postage, which results in an overall improvement in pharmacy management. Many studies have shown that e-prescribing saves the average practitioner more than half the time and resources compared to traditional paper prescribing. Electronic prescribing also allows the use of generic and brand name medications, reducing costs associated with retail pharmacies owned by drug manufacturers. In addition to reducing the time spent on paperwork, electronic prescribing decreases the potential for fraudulent or improper prescribing practices.

The primary challenge with e-prescribing is not the ability of the dispenser to match medication with the correct patient. Proper data encryption and quality assurance processes can greatly reduce this risk. Electronic prescribing assures that data is protected and provides a higher level of security for both the provider and the patient. With proper training and monitoring, e-prescribing can quickly become a routine element of pharmacy management.