I got a response regarding the medication database from Dr. Jon Bertman. He answered where the database comes from.
"The file comes from the FDA and is updated Quarterly. Any errors in there are from the FDA as we don't touch it other than to import it. You can edit it, and if it does get corrupted or cause a crash, you can always replace it with a new one."
A fix is on its way regarding insurance entries (where my staffers input it incorrectly and the incorrect entries are perpetuated like some government programs)...
"Currently the insurance entries are unique entries from some patient chart. We are actually fixing this to tie to verified entries, and this release is due out this fall sometime. In the meantime, you would search for the misspelled item in the Search Window and fix it in any affected charts, and this would remove it from being an option.
Jon"
I have already used my new Access 2007 to update and start cleaning up the medication database. I took out veterinary dosages, supplies, and other stuff that the FDA has placed which has no value for a family doctor when it comes to writing prescriptions.
However, I have noticed there are over 45,000 entries and will may take a very long time to go through the entire list. I was wondering if there are any takers in working together to make the medication list more user friendly? We need to come out with a protocol on what to keep. Obvious fixes would be:
(1) Misspelling
(2) Veterinary doses (unless there are veternarians using AC)
(3) Supplies (such as spinal needles which I do not routinely prescribe)
(4) Duplicate USP drugs (I never write USP after medications)
(5) Duplicate entries
(6) Drugs no longer on the market for human consumption.
(7) Dental supplies
It would be good to have someone that understands the Access Database.
Roy
