Electronic Prescribing
Dr. Litoff has been an early adopter of electronic prescribing.
He started using handheld computers as they were easy to use and could
be used in the exam room without interfering with the doctor patient interaction.
His early Palm computer could write a prescription but only print it in
the office. Although was an improvement over a hand written prescription,
as handhelds gained the ability to connect to the internet the modern
eprescribing solution was developed.
Connectivity
Handhelds can connect to the internet via WiFi (802.11)
or by using cellular phone technology. This allows the patient data
to
reside outside of the handheld which improves security and storage issues.
Another advantage of internet connectivity is that the handheld can
not only access patient demographics from the office practice management
system but the prescription can be sent to a local or mail
order
pharmacy. Connection to a PBM allows the patient's med list can be checked
for drug interactions and insurance formulary compliance
Software and Interface
Harbor subscribes to the Sigma Point System by eHealth
Solutions this provides the handheld and desktop software for storage
and encryption of the patient demographics
and prescription history and an interface with our practice management
system and the pharmacies. A company called Surescripts allows two way
communication between Walgreens, CVS, and Osco to allow us to send a
prescription electronically. There also is an interface to Rx
Hub which
links us to PBMs an mail order pharmacies.
Convenience
The major benefit to eprescribing is patient convenience.
Prescriptions are electronically sent to the pharmacy and are ready for
pickup when the patient arrives at the store. Pharmacists can obtain
refill authorizations by sending the refill prescription to the doctor's
handheld. The doctor can see if the refill is appropriate and authorize
or deny the request with one or two taps on the screen. Office nursing
personnel can access the application through a desktop computer and a
standard browser and also manage refill requests. Phone calls and faxes
from pharmacies are minimized.
Patient Safety
Illegible prescriptions are eliminated. In many cases drug interactions are more easily recognized. Patient compliance handouts and drug information can be printed in the office. The doctor can see all medications the patient is taking even those prescribed by other physicians. Patients are less likely to run out of medication as authorization of refills is improved.