How EMR Software and Electronic Prescriptions Work Together
EMR Software and electronic prescriptions are beneficial to doctors and patient’s alike. When the prescriber can offer the prescription electronically to the pharmacy discrepancies are reduced significantly and the quality of patient care increases exponentially. There is little room for error when the prescription is raised electronically and the patient is highly benefited.
At the moment, e-prescriptions via EMR software are not used as much as they should be. In USA alone 1.5 billion prescriptions are given by doctors every year. At the same time, in 2007 only 2% of those prescriptions were e-prescribed as per the Gorman Health Group for Pharmaceutical Care Management Association study. This study determined that there are tens of thousands of providers currently using e-prescriptions, but it is a small amount compared to the number of health care professionals who should be taking advantage of this technology. The study also established that by 2017 more than 80% of prescriptions in the United States is going to be e-prescribed. As a result, millions of adverse drug effects will not occur in patients. In 2008 the total number of prescriptions sent electronically has jumped to 7%, according to Sure Scripts. The numbers are growing and as more health care professionals realize the benefits e-prescribing offers the numbers will grow even more.
For example, there are thousands of people that will die as a result of a prescription error usually due to the prescription being illegible. Many other factors can result in error in prescription. For instance , not having records for past medications, not providing enough information on drug/drug or drug/allergy interactions, as well as doctors and pharmacists not working together.
Many errors are reduced by the use of e-prescriptions. Medical errors are minimized significantly, patient safety and quality of care are improved, paperwork is eradicated, patients’ medical histories can be racked, saves time, increases performance, and many other benefits.
While healthcare professionals can benefit significantly by using electronic medical records software and e-prescriptions many are initially concerned about making the change. As a result, providers who use this EMR software are going to receive EMR incentive payments from Medicare through 2014. The incentives provided for its use will gradually reduce by 2013. The goal is to inspire healthcare providers to go ahead and make the modification now, rather than later.
EHR software helps improve medical practice efficiency and increase focus on patient care. EHR software systems are now considered a necessity by most doctors and hospitals
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