The impact of information technology on managed care pharmacy: today and tomorrow

Understanding the use of health information technology (HIT) and its implications is crucial for the future of managed care pharmacy. Information is the cornerstone of providing and managing care, and the ability to exchange data is easier and more complicated than ever before. In this commentary, a subset of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Healthcare Information Technology Advisory Council addresses how HIT supports managed care today and its anticipated evolution, with a focus on quality, patient safety, communication, and efficiency. Among the tools and functions reviewed are electronic health records, electronic prescribing, health information exchange, electronic prior authorization, pharmacists as care team members, formularies, prescription drug abuse, and policy levers to address these issues.