E-Prescribing: The Transmission Of Prescriptions 239865

E Prescribinge Prescribing Is The Transmission Of Prescription Or Pres

E-Prescribing is the transmission of prescription or prescription-related information using electronic media between a prescriber, dispenser, pharmacy benefit manager, or health plan, either directly or through an intermediary, including an e-prescribing network. In an effort to understand the benefits and cautions about e-prescribing, conduct thorough research. Create a 4- to 5-page report in Microsoft Word document consisting of your research findings covering your responses to the following questions: Evaluate three pros and three cons of e-prescribing. Summarize the e-prescription standards as described by the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. Evaluate the projected cost and time savings as estimated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Comment on the controversy surrounding the 2013 e-prescribing penalty. Support your responses with examples. Cite any sources in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) has revolutionized the healthcare industry by streamlining the medication prescribing process through electronic transmission. This innovation has brought numerous benefits, but also certain challenges. This paper critically evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of e-prescribing, summarizes the standards set by the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), assesses the projected cost and time savings as reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and discusses the controversy surrounding the 2013 e-prescribing penalty.

Advantages of E-Prescribing

One significant advantage of e-prescribing is enhanced safety. By electronically transmitting prescriptions, the risk of medication errors due to illegible handwriting or misunderstood handwriting is greatly reduced (Kaushal et al., 2010). Electronic systems often have built-in alerts for potential drug interactions or allergies, further improving patient safety. Another benefit is increased efficiency; e-prescribing reduces the time physicians spend writing and transmitting prescriptions by eliminating paper-based processes, leading to faster fulfillment at pharmacies (Shah et al., 2017). Additionally, e-prescribing facilitates better record keeping and tracking of prescriptions, which improves overall medication management and supports adherence programs (Milstein et al., 2015).

Disadvantages of E-Prescribing

Despite its benefits, e-prescribing presents certain disadvantages. One concern is the high setup cost, including investment in electronic health record (EHR) systems, training, and infrastructure, which can be burdensome especially for small practices (Gupta et al., 2018). There are also technical challenges; systems may experience downtime, connectivity issues, or interoperability problems, which can delay or disrupt prescribing practices. Privacy and security concerns pose significant risks as well—electronic transmission of sensitive health data is vulnerable to cyberattacks and unauthorized access, necessitating robust security measures (Shah et al., 2017). Furthermore, the potential for alert fatigue and over-reliance on automated warnings can contribute to desensitization among prescribers, possibly leading to oversight or dismissed alerts.

Standards for E-Prescribing (NCPDP)

The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) establishes standards that facilitate efficient and safe e-prescribing processes. These include the SCRIPT standard, which enables the electronic transmission of prescription information, ensuring data consistency and security. The SCRIPT standard supports features such as medication history, refill requests, and medication history queries. NCPDP's standards also promote interoperability across different electronic systems by defining data formats, transaction procedures, and security protocols (NCPDP, 2017). Implementation of these standards is essential for reducing errors, improving workflow efficiency, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Projected Cost and Time Savings (HHS)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates substantial savings attributable to e-prescribing. According to their reports, e-prescribing can reduce medication errors by up to 50%, translating into decreased costs associated with adverse events (HHS, 2018). Time savings are also significant; prescribers save an average of several minutes per prescription, allowing for better patient care and reduced administrative burden. Cost reductions in pharmacy dispensing, improved adherence rates leading to fewer hospitalizations, and decreased paper-related expenses further contribute to overall savings (Davis et al., 2020). These projections underscore the economic and efficiency benefits that e-prescribing offers within the healthcare system.

The 2013 E-Prescribing Penalty Controversy

The 2013 e-prescribing penalty introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) aimed to incentivize adoption of e-prescribing technologies by penalizing providers with high rates of unclear, inaccurate, or delayed prescriptions. However, this policy generated controversy for several reasons. Critics argued that the penalties unfairly penalized small practices and those in rural areas with less access to advanced systems, exacerbating healthcare disparities (Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, 2014). Additionally, some providers claimed that the penalties failed to account for the technical and infrastructural challenges faced by some practices, leading to unjust financial consequences (Kewalramani & Chiang, 2015). Others highlighted that strict reporting requirements could incentivize providers to manipulate data or avoid e-prescribing altogether to evade penalties. Despite these issues, proponents claimed that the penalty pushed healthcare providers toward modernization and enhanced medication safety (CMS, 2013). The controversy underscored the need for tailored policies that balance incentives with support for providers facing implementation barriers.

Conclusion

E-prescribing represents a significant advancement in healthcare, offering benefits such as improved safety, efficiency, and record management. However, challenges related to costs, technical issues, and security must be addressed to maximize its potential. Standardization through organizations like NCPDP ensures data consistency and interoperability, supporting the overall effectiveness of e-prescribing systems. While the projected savings in healthcare costs and time are promising, controversies like the 2013 penalties highlight the importance of designing policies that foster equitable adoption and minimize unintended negative consequences. Continued research and policy refinement are essential to realizing the full benefits of e-prescribing in modern healthcare.

References

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2013). Medicare E-Prescribing Incentive Program and Penalties. https://www.cms.gov
  • Davis, K., Stremikis, K., Squires, D., & Schoen, C. (2020). Mirror, mirror on the wall: How the performance of the U.S. health care system compares nationally and globally. The Commonwealth Fund.
  • Gupta, S., Brixey, J. J., & Tulu, B. (2018). Challenges in Implementing Electronic Prescribing Systems in Community Pharmacies. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 31(6), 689-695.
  • HHS. (2018). Benefits of Electronic Prescribing: An Overview. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Kewalramani, A., & Chiang, E. (2015). Impact of the 2013 e-prescribing penalties on rural practices. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 21(6), 485-490.
  • Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission. (2014). Report to Congress on E-prescribing Policies. MACPAC.
  • Milstein, A., et al. (2015). Impact of Electronic Prescribing on Medication Safety. Journal of Patient Safety, 11(3), 135-142.
  • NCPDP. (2017). Standards for Electronic Prescribing. National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. https://ncpdp.org
  • Shah, N., et al. (2017). Safety and Efficacy of Electronic Prescribing Systems. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 106, 124-134.
  • Kaushal, R., et al. (2010). Medication Errors and Electronic Prescribing—A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 17(6), 704-710.

Related Assignments