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Loading ...We have been on EMR for 12 years (see previous posts). For the past 3 years, we have been faxing prescriptions, which has been very nice. Prescriptions are waiting patients when they arrive at the pharmacy (usually). So when we made the change to e-prescribing (using Sure Scripts embedded in our EMR) we figured it would be no big deal. After all, this is what is being “mandated” by Medicare (actually a 2% bonus if using it).
It’s not as smooth as expected. Here are the problems we are having:
1. Not all pharmacies are set-up yet with e-prescribing, but that is going to get better.
2. When you send an e-prescription, many pharmacies don’t check it and so call and say you haven’t sent it in.
3. Today, I was sending them in but they were delayed by nearly 30 minutes, and so got called on nearly every prescription.
4. Scheduled medications (of ANY category) cannot be e-prescribed. We can call in or fax anything but schedule 2 narcotics, but for some reason the more secure process of e-prescribing does not allow that. This means that I have to break up prescriptions on many patients – e-prescribing some, and faxing others.
All in all, I feel like we have taken a step backwards. So what happens when widespread adoption occurs?
Chaos.
I can hardly wait.
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{ 5 comments }
For surgeons and pain specialist, the need for Schedule II drugs make this division a true pain in the you know what.
We use Logician and haven’t implemented the autofax feature you use. I’m still impressed that we can even print a script. Old fashioned I guess.
Glad that the lag on SureScripts was system wide–our pharmacy had a bunch of angry/confused customers and annoyed doctors’ offices!
I believe that the DEA is considering changing the law on class 3-5 drugs being e-prescribed–because Medicare wants e-prescribing as a rule, not an exception. Of course, that could take years for the DEA to move on that….
I get a free $25 gift card every month when I trudge in with my “new” [new! very month!] schedule II prescription, so I won’t be disappointed when this takes a while. *whistling innocently*
Aren’t EMRS GREAT!?!?!?!?!
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