E-prescribing provides numerous benefits to all- right from the healthcare professional who prescribed the medicines, to the pharmacy staff who hands them over to the patients. A recently published report by Fortune Business Insights mentions that the global e-prescribing market is projected to reach USD 4,017.79 million by 2026. The industry is set to exhibit immense growth in the coming years as it is a convenient and cost-effective solution for physicians, unlike the conventional paper prescriptions that are time consuming.
What Are the Benefits of E-prescribing Solutions?
- Prevention of Errors: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that since 2000, approximately 95,000 prescription drug errors have been made till date. Majority of these errors occurred because of drugs with similar spellings or those that sound alike. Valcyte (valGANciclovir) and Valtrex (valACYclovir), for instance, are used for cytomegalovirus. However, their usage varies from one patient to another. E-prescribing helps in preventing such errors effectively.
- Instant Notifications: E-prescribing provides in-depth insights into a patient’s medication history. Such solutions help physicians by delivering instant alerts regarding duplicate therapies, allergies, pregnancy, and potential drug interactions.
- Prescribing Control Substances: E-prescribing aids in sending the prescriptions for controlled substances to specific pharmacies. It not only surges the convenience for patients, but also increases workflow efficiencies for doctors.
- Patient Safety: E-prescribing lowers adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication errors, thereby proving to be safe for patients.
- Insurance Coverage: Patients can easily choose generic medicines through e-prescribing software programs that can be covered by their insurance. Hence, it creates a better chance for them to comply with the prescribed medication therapy.
AMA Calls for E-prescriptions Permanency Even after Regulations of COVID-19 Ends
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is planning to permanently have e-prescriptions and telehealth services in Australia’s healthcare system, even after the upliftment of the stringent COVID-19 measures. The AMA announced that paper scripts seem useless in the presence of a digital e-prescribing alternative. They often interrupt a digital workflow from the pharmacist to the clinical software systems. Apart from that, poorly faxed or printed prescriptions and illegible handwriting can make it problematic for patients and pharmacists to determine the right dosage and medications. The AMA promised to reduce prescription misuse through the usage of such advanced solutions.
TheraNest Adds Unique Electronic Prescription Management & Submission Tools
In July 2020, TheraNest, a reputed mental health and therapy notes software was upgraded with a new suite of electronic prescription management & submission tools. It is integrated into TheraNest electronic health record and practice management system to increase medication compliance, eliminate errors, and refine efficiency. The novel TheraNest eRx feature would help doctors in providing controlled substance and legend drug e-prescribing capabilities. It is a complete new level of access to patient medication adherence support and history. At the same time, users can get easy access to the patients’ insurance coverage information and pharmacy records.
iCoreRx Receives Endorsement from Oklahoma Dental Association
In July 2020, iCoreRx was endorsed by the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) Rewards Program. iCoreRx is a cloud-based, (HIPAA)-compliant e-prescribing software that delivers real-time, single-click access to state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. It was developed by iCoreConnect, Inc., a cloud-based software and technology company headquartered in Florida.
As per one of the company officials, “ODA regulates electronic prescribing for controlled substances belonging to the Schedule II-V class. With the new endorsement of iCoreRx, dentists will be able to electronically prescribe every medication consisting of narcotics, opioids, and others. ODA will now be able to provide valuable support for the expansion of iCoreRx.”
Scrypt Introduces First Ever E-prescription Delivery Business in Newcastle
In July 2020, Scrypt, a cloud-based workflow management solution provider based in Newcastle commenced the delivery of the country’s first ever e-prescriptions. The residents of Newcastle can now see their clinicians, fill a script, and receive their medicines without leaving their homes. Keith Doolan, a resident of Hunter was the first person to take advantage of this new system. He had his doctor’s consultation via telehealth and then texted his script to the nearby pharmacy. It was delivered to his place in a short period of time. It is a very secure method, unlike the conventional way of sending scripts.
The Road Ahead
Even though the field of e-prescribing is expected to flourish in the near future, some resistance regarding the security of patient data and IT issues still exist. The lack of trained IT professionals in the healthcare sector is projected to impact the industry negatively. It would require experts to train pharmacists, nurses, and doctors for the correct usage of e-prescribing software solutions. At the same time, there is a high need for experts who can understand the specific requirements of the healthcare sector and accordingly consult with IT professionals to create innovative procedures and software solutions. Once these needs are met, the industry would be able to grow exponentially.
