It’s time to stop wavering on electronic prescribing. Waivers postponing Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (July 2020 EPCS Law) expire after 12 months. The law requires you to electronically write, review and send prescriptions directly to the pharmacy for a controlled substance that contains an opioid. That means time’s running out to make the switch and speed up your workflow.

There is a strong argument to get rid of the old pad and pen and move to e-Prescribing whether you only prescribe antibiotics and antifungals or also prescribe controlled substances such as Norco, Lortab and Tylenol 3.

Electronic prescribing helps reduce medication errors and adverse drug events, improves formulary adherence by prescribers and increases patient adherence to prescription medications.

e-Prescribing also streamlines the way you work.

• Eliminate prescribing with pad, phone and fax. Most e-Prescribing software is for ALL medications, including controlled substances
• Cloud-based e-Prescribing software gives you flexibility to e-Prescribe anywhere. Use your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone to care for your patients with ease and efficiency
• Most e-Prescribing software is designed for your team to still prepare each prescription for you to review and send directly to the pharmacy
• Some e-Prescribing software offers quick access to drug information through a built-in drug database function, like the Lexicomp^Ⓡ directory, that allows you to rapidly search dosing options, contraindications, and discontinued meds

Electronic prescribing provides better protection for you and your patients. As a provider, you complete a one-time, identity proofing process to prescribe controlled substances. Identity Proofing prevents someone from impersonating you to illegally write scripts for controlled substances. Another unique security element is multi-factor (two or more steps) user authentication required each time you e-Prescribe a controlled substance. Identity proofing and two-factor authentication add layers of protection for all involved.

Virginia already requires patient prescription history checks through Virginia’s prescription monitoring program (PMP) when prescribing Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances. Electronic prescribing software can integrate directly with the Virginia PMP making that additional security step as simple as a few clicks. And, research shows that PMP checks work to curb opioid abuse. The Virginia Department of Health Professions reports that, over the last four years, the state has “experienced a substantial decrease in "doctor-shopping" indicators”.^[1]

Reducing doctor shopping, forged prescriptions (e.g. pad stealing) and patient deaths are the reasons the EPCS and PMP mandates are in place. Begin e-Prescribing now to improve workflow and access robust information to help inform decisions around prescription care.

VDA Services Endorsed Partner, iCoreRx, speeds workflow, provides key integrations and time-saving functions. Special discounted pricing for VDA members. Book a demo at iCoreConnect.com/VDA or 888.810.7706.