I followed the link above, and took the "Readiness Quiz."

As the letter Roy posted suggests, this is really more than a "Quiz." This website has been carefully crafted to accomplish a number of separate functions, all geared towards mobilizing prescribers and vendors to use SureScri
pts:

  • 1. To promote e-prescribing, obviously. The overall message of the site is that we all need to start using SureScripts:
    • Because we will get in trouble with the Government if we don't.
    • Because we are missing out on obvious financial benefits if we don't.
    • Because we are not realizing the full benefit of our EMR until we do.
  • (All of these points are debatable).

    2. But also to gather demographic information on members and their practices, in a sneaky way, under the guise of obtaining data pertinent to determining our "Readiness". This will presumably be used to aid in future promotional efforts.

    3. To increase pressure on EMR vendors to electronically connect to pharmacy through the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange, operated by SureScripts.
    • This is being accomplished primarily via e-mails automatically generated through the site from individuals to their EMR vendor.
    • It will be accomplished secondarily through data collected through this site, as the data collected here will be used in other venues to support the push for e-prescribing.
Originally Posted by hockeyref
Also, on the same idea, what about good old fashioned hand the patient a paper Rx at time of service? This too seems to be left out almost as if it was intentionally tip-toed around so as to make you the end user and consumer (they are hoping to rope you in I think) think that the only way to be compliant next year is with a full blown, hemi powered, USS Enterprise, CCHIT compliant EMR or some sort of extra Rx service.
Excellent point, Paul. When I took the quiz, there was some fine print when I got my "rating," as follows:

Originally Posted by Readiness Quiz
The change in Medicare requirements does not prohibit you from printing prescriptions from your EMR. However without an electronic connection to pharmacies you cannot automate prescription renewals and are therefore not maximizing your EMR investment.
Doesn't sound quite so bleak now, does it? There does appear to be some effort here, on the part of the AAFP, to spread Confusion, Fear and Dread. Somebody needs to call them on it.

Brian Cotner, M.D.
Family Practice