E-prescribing should mean that after checking for a drug allergy, the doctor is able to transmit the prescription electronically or fax the prescription to the pharmacy. If need be, the existing pharmacy computer system could check formularies and shop for less expensive alternative drugs. As a matter of fact, if checking formularies and shopping around are intended to save the insurance company money, then the insurance company should take the time and responsibility for this step.
Explore This Issue
May 2010Dr. Lee is associate clinical professor of otolaryngology at the Yale University School of Medicine and creator of Simplicity EMR software.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this op-ed are strictly those of the writer and do not represent any positions held by ENT Today, The Triological Society, sponsors or advertisers.