E-prescribing

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.