e-Prescriptions

It's been said that nearly a third of doctors have illegible handwriting. From my own personal experience, I'd say it's more like two-thirds, but luckily for doctors, good penmanship isn't a criteria for medicine.

However, when it comes to filling prescriptions, the ability to read a doctor's handwriting is crucial. The sad truth is sometimes mistakes are made or directions aren't followed because of the difficulty which ensues from prescriptions that end up resembling hieroglyphics.

Luckily, modern day technology has provided us with a tool which makes this problem virtually irrelevant: e-prescription software. The doctor inputs the information directly into the system, and if the pharmacy has the proper equipment, they can immediately fill it to specification. If they lack the EDI set-up, the prescription is converted to a fax. Either way, the information is provided in a clean and legible way.

Another benefit to the electronic system is drug interaction. If a patient is on a medication prescribed by a psychiatrist--unbeknownst to their physician--the system will flag it and help prevent a potentially dangerous drug combination.

Since we've been using this software, phone calls from patients and pharmacies regarding prescription issues have been significantly reduced. The benefit of clearer communication has thus saved on staffing costs, as well as potential malpractice issues.

On a more personal, lighter note, one of our older and more beloved staff doctors, whose handwriting was so bad he once took a class in calligraphy, recently joked that he should have taken one in typing instead. He then added, "I used to feel like in order to practice medicine, I had to practice my penmanship!"

I'm curious if any readers are using e-prescription technology. If so, how is it working for you? If not, what are your experiences with the old-fashioned method of prescription writing? As always, your input is encouraged.