Many electronic prescription (e-prescribe) software options claim to be the “best” in the market, but what does “best” really mean in this context? Determining which software is right for you depends on various factors such as practice size, personal goals, and the regulations of the state in which the provider practices. So, instead of making exaggerated claims, we’ll provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about the best e-prescribing software to meet your needs.
Essential Features Your E-Prescribing Software Must Have
Before we dive into what separates good e-prescribing software from great e-prescribing software, let’s discuss the essential features that all solutions should possess. These features ensure a basic level of functionality and compliance with industry standards.
- Prescription Writing: This one might be a given, but in addition to the ability to electronically generate and transmit prescriptions, there should be additional options to improve medication safety and adherence. For example, you should be able to enter medications using structured and codified sig in addition to a free-text option. Structured and codified sig provide a standardized format for conveying medication administration instructions, eliminating miscommunications that disrupt workflows and put patients at risk.
- Drug Interaction and Allergy Checks: The software should have the capability to check for potential drug interactions and allergy conflicts in real-time. This feature helps prevent adverse reactions and improves patient safety.
- Refill Requests and Approvals: E-prescribing software should enable pharmacies to send refill requests directly to the clinician, who can then review and approve them electronically. This streamlines the refill process and enhances communication between clinicians and pharmacies.
- Drug Database Updates: E-prescribing software should have an up-to-date drug database that includes comprehensive information about medications, such as dosages, instructions, and potential interactions. This database helps healthcare providers ensure accurate and safe prescribing.
- Integration with EHR/EMR: Seamless integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems is critical. This integration ensures efficient access to patient information and supports comprehensive healthcare management.
- Patient Medication History: The software should allow clinicians to view a patient’s complete medication history, including current and past prescriptions, dosage information, and frequency. This feature helps prevent duplication of medications and ensures medication reconciliation.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: E-prescribing software should comply with relevant regulatory standards and guidelines, such as those set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This ensures the security and privacy of patient information.
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Additional Features to Look For
Now that we’ve covered the features that your e-prescribe software must have, let’s dive into the additional features that you should consider when weighing your options.
- Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS): Although this is considered an additional feature for now, this will soon be an essential component of e-prescribe software as state and federal regulations continue to evolve. 35 out of 50 states already have existing e-prescribe laws, and most of those laws include regulations around the electronic prescribing of controlled substances. By adopting e-prescribe software that doesn’t currently have this functionality, you risk having to potentially change software later.
- Access to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP): PDMPs are electronic databases that contain patient-specific prescription information, enabling clinicians to view their patients’ prescription history before prescribing controlled substances. PDMPs provide a comprehensive record of a patient’s controlled substance prescriptions, allowing physicians to identify potential misuse, abuse, or diversion of medications.
- Reporting Capabilities: Real-time reporting enables healthcare providers to ensure timely medication management, enhance patient safety, improve quality control, and comply with regulations. Some essential reports might include:
- Pharmacy Renewal Report: This report displays the medications that need to be renewed or refilled. It helps pharmacies manage medication refills efficiently.
- Prescriber Report: The prescriber report provides a list of prescriptions sent during a specified time period, typically within 30 days. This report can be useful for analyzing prescribing patterns and tracking medication usage.
- Patient medication summary report: This report provides a complete list of medications prescribed to the patient, including new medications, changes to doses or medications, or discontinued medications. The summary report can be helpful for patients and caregivers to manage medication regimens more efficiently and improve adherence.
NewCrop’s Bonus Features
In addition to all the features and capabilities mentioned above, NewCrop’s comprehensive e-prescribing solution has gone the extra mile to ensure compliance, security, safety and efficiency.
- HITRUST CSF Certification: NewCrop has obtained the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) certification. This certification signifies that NewCrop has met a comprehensive set of security and privacy requirements, demonstrating our commitment to protecting sensitive patient data.
- ONC Health IT Certification – The ONC Health IT Certification confirms that NewCrop’s e-prescribing platform meets specific standards for functionality, interoperability, and security. With this certification, NewCrop assures healthcare providers and Electronic Health Record (EHR) partners of our platform’s compliance with industry standards and its ability to support efficient and secure electronic prescribing processes.
- Surescripts Connectivity: By connecting to Surescripts, NewCrop leverages their robust health information exchange infrastructure to facilitate clinical interoperability and support the secure exchange of critical patient data between healthcare providers. These benefits include:
- Real-time Prescription Benefits and Formulary Management: NewCrop offers integration with real-time benefits, allowing prescribers to check insurance formularies and drug pricing information in real-time, including which drugs are covered by a patient’s insurance plan. This helps clinicians choose cost-effective medications that are accessible to the patient, making them more likely to comply with recommended treatment.
- Electronic Prior Authorization: Many medications require prior authorization from insurance companies before they can be dispensed. E-prescribing software that includes electronic prior authorization enables clinicians to submit requests electronically, reducing administrative burdens and delays.
- Patient Education Materials: NewCrop’s patient education leaflets empower patients with relevant and understandable information about their medication. These leaflets provide critical knowledge that patients need to understand and adhere to their prescriptions’ instructions, leading to better health outcomes.
- Intuitive and Modern User Interface: NewCrop offers a modern and intuitive user interface, designed to simplify the prescribing process. The user-friendly interface makes it easier for healthcare professionals to use the software and navigate through different features.
Choosing the Right Software for You
There are a lot of different solutions on the market, and choosing the best e-prescribing software can feel like a gamble. To help narrow down your options, reference the features outlined in this article and assess which ones are important for your practice’s needs and patient safety. And remember, the implementation of e-prescribe benefits all involved (prescribers, patients, and pharmacists) and sets your practice up for success when new prescribing regulations are enforced.
To learn more about NewCrop’s industry-leading e-prescribe solution, schedule a personalized demo today.
