BCBSNC Makes Electronic Prescribing Available...(iety of other ePrescribing technology op...),Health

"The success of our ePrescribe pilot program convinced us to make electronic prescribing more readily available now to all North Carolina providers," said BCBSNC President and CEO Bob Greczyn. "Our pilot program clearly shows that ePrescribing reduces physician and pharmacy administrative costs, saves customers money and ensures patient safety by reducing potential medical errors. Electronic prescribing is the way of the future. "

Since the pilot ePrescribe program in 2006 over 4 million electronic prescriptions have been written. It is estimated that electronic prescribing can generate costs savings of approximately $250 per doctor per month because of increased use of generics, avoidance of unnecessary or inappropriate prescriptions and other efficiencies.

Beginning today, providers statewide can sign up for ePrescribe through the BCBSNC website.
"We're aware that Medicare could require the use of electronic prescribing several years from now," said BCBSNC Vice President of Employer Health and Corporate Pharmacy Ron Smith. "We want to make this process easier and we've created a one-stop resource for information, discounts and connectivity. We hope the majority of providers will give it a try before any potential mandates require its use."

In addition, BCBSNC is partnering with Community Care of North Carolina and its 14 regional healthcare networks in this statewide ePrescribe launch. It's anticipated that adding this group of providers serving 800,000 patients will add an additional 3500 ePrescribing providers. Community Care of North Carolina, which was established by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to improve care for Medicaid recipients, has become a national leader in building m
'/>"/>