Every prescription, Electronic, Everytime
Harbor now uses the Allscripts powered eprescribing solution from Advocate Physician Partners APPex. APPex is a web based program that runs on any computer with a web browser and an internet connection. 
Currently we use a Lenovo X61 tabet computer and a secure wifi network in our office. This new system interfaces with our practice management system which means we have updated patient information linked to our prescriptions. The system is especially good at providing accurate medication lists for patients. We have drug utilization review of dosing and drug interactions to enhance patient safety as well as allergy checking.
The Begining
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.
Pharmacy Interface
A company called Surescripts allows two way
communication between Walgreens, CVS, and Osco and many independent pharmacies to allow us to send a
prescription electronically. There also is an interface to Rx
Hub which
links us to PBMs and mail order pharmacies.Connection to a PBM also allows the prescription to be checked for insurance formulary compliance
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
computer. 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.