New Hampshire S Eprescribing Initiative

New Hampshire’s ePrescribing Initiative

Q&A Sheet for Pharmacists and Providers

This document provides a set of common questions and answers about New Hampshire’s ePrescribing initiative. For further questions, please contact either:

Phil Boulter, MD or Patrick Miller, MPH

603.520.2896  603.536.4265

Q.  What is ePrescribing?

A.  Electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) is the capability for a physician or prescribing practitioner to electronically both write the prescription and transmit it to the pharmacy. It is also typically combined with electronic decision support rules to review allergy and drug-drug interactions as well as health insurance formularies and benefits design. ePrescribing functionality is typical within existing electronic medical records (EMR) systems.

Q.  What are the benefits of ePrescribing?

A.  Improved patient safety by prevention of medical errors, improved efficiencies for physicians and pharmacists, reduced medical costs, and improved patient satisfaction.

Q.  What is the New Hampshire ePrescribing initiative?

A.  Led by Governor John Lynch and the NH Citizens Health Initiative, the New Hampshire ePrescribing initiative is launching in the fall of 2006 with the ultimate goal of having all New Hampshire prescribing clinicians with access to ePrescribing technology within two years.

Q.  How secure is ePrescribing and what are the safeguards for patient confidentiality?

A.  ePrescribing is very secure and there are many safeguards to protect patient confidentiality. They include both secure data encryption algorithms for any information that is electronically transmitted, as well as the existing safeguards within a practice’s or hospital’s electronic medical records (EMR) system.

Q.  Who besides my physician, hospital, or pharmacy will have access to confidential information?

A.  No one. No state agencies or external parties will be able to access this information.

Q.  Many behavioral health practitioners and other specialists do not have access to electronic medical record (EMR) systems. How can they use ePrescribing?

A.  There are multiple ways, including hand held personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, for practitioners without EMR systems to use ePrescribing.

Q.  Can I use ePrescribing for controlled drugs?

A.  Not at this time due to New Hampshire law.

Q.  What is the process for my practice to begin to use ePrescribing methods?

A.  A tool kit with helpful information for you and your information technology support team will be available in late November 2006 for downloading from www.steppingupnh.org.

Q.  What will this cost a prescribing physician to implement?

A.  The costs will be minimal, and will depend upon whether your electronic medical records (EMR) system vendor will charge for developing the interfaces for connectivity. You should also plan for training costs for staff on new workflows within the EMR system.

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NH Citizens Health Initiative – www.steppingupnh.org

Updated October 13, 2006