E-prescribing in the optometric practice

E-prescribing offers optometrists and other health care providers important opportunities to prevent medical errors and adverse reactions, facilitate smooth claims filing, and encourage proper patient compliance with care regimens. However, as with any new technology, practitioners first need to implement it, learn how to use it, and become accustomed to it. The AOA-HITTC is continuing to develop materials on e-prescribing in optometric practices. AOA members should watch the electronic and print versions of the AOA News as well as the AOA Web site for details. The eHealth Initiative's list of the top tips for successful e-prescribing (see Box 5) can provide some valuable hints. Health care providers should also be aware that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration presently prohibits the e-prescribing of controlled substances (see Box 6). For those who wish an even more detailed discussion, the eHealth Initiative offers The Guide to E-Prescribing for Physician Practices. However, it will ultimately be up to each practice to make sure practitioners, staff, and patients realized the full range of benefits e-prescribing can offer. "For the practice to have the optimum experience with e-prescribing, it is important that leadership is committed to realizing its benefits and working through issues rather than giving up when they hit a bump in the road; the entire practice is involved in planning and selection and chooses software and hardware solutions that have robust functionality and support the practice workflow; the practice communicates with pharmacies, patients, and the vendor about e-prescribing; an individual is assigned to manage prescription renewal and provide assistance to all users of the system to help them get comfortable; and training and support is adequate," the eHealth Initiative reports emphasizes.