E-prescribing allows me to electronically send an
accurate, error-free and understandable prescription directly to the pharmacy.
I can send the prescription to local as well a mail-order pharmacies and I can
verify that that the prescription was actually received. In many cases, the
software will query the patient’s insurance company and I will be able to see
if a less expensive option is possible.
Another advantage of e-prescribing is that I will
alerted to potential drug interactions to medication prescriber by other
practitioner as well as to potential drug allergies. Patients don’t always
remember adverse effects from medications taken long ago but if someone entered
that data the software will pull it forward.
In New York, all controlled substance must be
electronically prescribed; paper, fax and telephone prescriptions will not be
accepted. In contrast, prescriptions for controlled substances in Connecticut
must be printed onto tamper-proof paper and presented to the pharmacy along
with appropriate identification. Before prescribing any controlled substance
the practitioner must check the
centralized database that lists all controlled substances dispensed to patient.
From the Connecticut Department of Consumer
protection: The purpose of the CPMRS is to present a complete picture of a
patient’s controlled substance use, including prescriptions by other providers,
so that the provider can properly manage the patient’s treatment, including the
referral of a patient to services offering treatment for drug abuse or
addiction when appropriate.
It has been years since I have written a paper prescription.
I still have a few (locked up) which I will use for travel immunizations from
the health department. E-prescribing makes for better patient care. Even though
the new narcotic laws may be irritating to patients they too lead to better
patient care.
The Department of Consumer Protection has useful information.
