PCMA: Require E-Prescribing in Medicare

(Washington, DC)—The successful implementation of electronic (e) prescribing is saving the state of Mississippi’s Medicaid program $1.2 million per month according to a recent news article from Government Health IT. The savings and increased quality demonstrated in Mississippi reinforces the importance in requiring the technology in Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) said today.

“The state of Mississippi should be congratulated for being on the leading edge in using e-prescribing to increase safety and savings for its Medicaid program,” said PCMA President & CEO Mark Merritt.

A recent study from the Gorman Health Group found that more than 70 percent of the savings and safety from e-prescribing arrives before the prescription is even written. E-prescribing provides the physician and patient with real-time clinical decision support on their prescription options, including whether a lower-cost preferred brand or generic drug is available. In addition, it provides a patient’s complete medication history, allowing the physician to determine whether any potential drug-to-drug interactions exist. Despite the obvious benefits, fewer than one in ten physicians use e-prescribing.

Following 18 months of savings, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid is negotiating with its contractor to expand its e-prescribing program, according to the article. In this instance, e-prescribing is helping to protect the most vulnerable population, those with lower incomes. Seniors across the country could also benefit from e-prescribing. A report released this week found dangerous drug side effects and deaths have more than doubled since 1998, with seniors disproportionately affected.

“Requiring e-prescribing in Medicare could prevent up to 1.9 million medication errors and save the federal government billions over the next decade, even after providing funds for equipment and savings,” added Merritt.

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PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which administer prescription drug plans for more than 210 million Americans with health coverage provided through Fortune 500 employers, health insurance plans, labor unions, and Medicare Part D.

Contact Information:
Charles Coté 202-207-3605