When opioid abuse is a topic of conversation, electronic prescribing is often left out as a potential solution. Just last year, the Executive Branch of the US Government announced efforts to address prescription drug abuse and heroin use. These efforts focused on Prescriber training, treatment, and statewide prescription monitoring programs (PMP). Again ePrescribing was left out.
ePrescribing is a common sense solution, especially as it relates to preventing opioid abuse. According to Devon Herrik, Ph.D., a senior fellow for the National Center for Policy Analysis “Mandatory e-prescribing of controlled substances adds electronic checks and balances to an existing system.” (link 1 below). RXNT is one of the few DEA certified EPCS (Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances) solutions that not only allows Physicians to safely prescribe controlled substances, but also allows them to better monitor dispensed medications and to implement regimens for drug overuse. Through technology empowered by Surescripts, a Prescriber is able to view a patient’s medication history from any Prescribers throughout the country, as well as their formulary. These powerful tools wielded within the ePrescriber allow Prescribers to get the full landscape of a patient’s medication use and habits, potentially curbing addiction in the early stages.
The pandemic of opioid abuse is far from over; since 1999, the amount of prescription opioids sold in the U.S. nearly quadrupled. Two states have officially mandated ePrescribing of controlled substances, Minnesota and New York, while Maine’s mandate is set for 2017. These states are paving the way to help “inhibit abuse and diversion of prescription drugs to the illicit market.”
RXNT offers fully integrated EHR, PM and E-Prescribing Solutions that enable physicians to streamline their workflow. To learn more about the benefits of RXNT’s solutions for your practice or to see a free demonstration, contact us at 1-800-943-7968 Option 3 or email us at [email protected] or request a demo!
