April 29, 2008

For anyone that goes to the pharmacy to get prescriptions, a new technology could make getting the bottle filled a lot easier. It's called e-prescriptions and it's becoming a growing trend.

There are usually two trips patients make before getting that prescription filled. One to the pharmacy to drop off the prescription, and then another to pick it up. But e-prescriptions could save you some time, by having you make just one trip.

For many patients getting that paper prescription from the doctor has just been the norm, even though getting that bottle filled can be time consuming. But a new technology called e-prescriptions could save you a trip and more importantly, could save you some time.

"I just go directly to the pharmacy and pick up her prescription and then go home," said Carla Couto, mother of an infant patient.

With e-prescriptions patients can have their prescription electronically transmitted directly to the pharmacy. 70% of the pharmacies nationwide already accept e-prescriptions including 16 right here in Charlottesville.

"We get the information instantly and accurately so when the patient gets here there prescriptions are ready and I'm available to answer any questions or address any concerns they may have," said Rob Breslin, a Rite Aid Pharmacist.

But only 6% of doctors use e-prescriptions, that includes 10 in Charlottesville. Proponents of the program believe that number is so low because doctors simply don't know about e-prescriptions. Which is why a national campaign involving 26,000 pharmacies has been launched to educate patients and their doctors about the benefits of e-prescribing.

"There would be no way on God's green Earth that we would ever want to go back to the old system," said Kenneth Guarnieri, MD, an internist.

If you would like more information just visit http://www.LearnAboutEprescriptions.com.