I never print RX. It is easier to hand-write the few controlled substances that still need to be written.
To me one of the best aspects is reduced duplication; no more writing all the prescriptions and then re-writing to document them in the chart. That is why we do the same as solodocmom and use the program for printing controlled prescriptions.
I hope no one is taking me wrong. WE LOVE EPRESCRIBE. Probably more than most. All I am trying to accomplish and ask for other's opinions is how to handle the situation when patients arrive before the ePrescribe. More and more, given that my best friend is a family practitioner right down the road, I see the differences between FP and Pediatrics. Adam tells me if his patients (average age of 55 or so) get there and there is no script waiting, they just leave and come back the next day. If one of my parents get to the pharmacy with no script and one kid in the car, one on the DS and the 9 month old crying, they aren't happy. And, they are on their cell phone.
There is almost nothing worse during the day than a patient already seen and treated calling back and having to represcribe the medication. And, if the first one didn't get their in 15 minutes, what's to say the second one will. The pharmacy tech SHOULD call the office. But, if not, I think you are better off explaining it should be there in 15 minutes and they should let the pharmacy know this.
I don't understand how writing a controlled script is quicker and more efficient than printing it. Printing is not only faster, it is legible and more accurate, since the med is either be represcribed from the active med list or taken from Surescript's list. And, it is recorded in the chart and script writer and the History. We have yet to finish a script pad in almost five years. The only thing we use a script for is head lice or scabies.
@Jon Catherine doesn't print controlled substances. She states that she hand writes them.
I know the ePrescribe process is different than email. I realize it has to go up to the clouds and to another cloud and back down to the pharmacy. But, is that the best technology can get. We've had email now for over 20 years and even with modems, they got where they were going in a hurry. And, they are extremely consistent. If I send an email to someone, they get it within 30 seconds and usually sooner.
ePrescribe has got to get to that level. The script should be at the pharmacy by the time the patient gets to the parking lot.
