SureScripts does not market e-prescribing software. They operate a dedicated network for e-prescribing, like the network that ATMs use. I am not sure how SureScripts gets reimbursed for transactions yet. I'm still reading about it.
SureScripts also acts as a certifying body, like CCHIT, that approves e-prescribers. For example, Amazing Charts provides e-prescribing via NewCrop,
"a SureScripts Certified Solution." From the SureScripts website: SureScripts was founded in 2001 by the two associations that represent over 55,000 pharmacies in the United States - the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).
SureScripts does not develop, sell or endorse electronic prescribing software or applications, but instead works with pharmacy and physician technology vendors to certify their prescribing systems for connection to the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange, operated by SureScripts.
One of the problems with e-prescribing is that certification costs money, and the cost is passed on to the EMR consumer, whether we use it or not.
However, it seems that Amazing Charts has absorbed this cost, since they have a relationship with NewCrop. We must all already be paying the cost of certification, despite the fact that few of us (I suspect) use the interface.
If we activate our interface with NewCrop, it costs an additional $420/year for each full time prescriber.
I have never been tempted to use this. My understanding is that it is slower than the present prescribing feature of Amazing Charts, and this time loss is a hidden cost. I have no desire to pay an extra $420/yr for a "feature" that makes me less productive.
Can anyone here testify about their experiences with e-prescribing? I would especially like to hear from people who have used the e-prescribing feature of Amazing Charts.
