I guess I haven't e-prescribed in a while. I'm assuming 6 months, since that was the initial time I was allowed before losing my privileges.
The thing is, I don't really want to e-prescribe. You may recall, I signed up for Practice Fusion for the sole and explicit purpose of using their free eRx service. I was under the impression that e-prescribing would be required by 2015, and I wanted to make sure I didn't have to scramble, or pay a fortune, at the last minute.
But I don't like picking medications, along with their forms and strengths, from a drop down menu. Why people think this is less likely to lead to error than writing down exactly what you mean is beyond me. Something as simple as a mild tremor could lead to an error.
I don't like checking the system for the auto-refill requests. I don't like the "refill as needed" option, which I still don't understand (it allowed for no refills). I don't like the formatting of the EHR, with pop up windows covering up important information unless you upgrade to a paid version. And I don't like having my patients' information floating through the cloud. I try to limit the amount of that information-name, DOB, phone number, and the actual Rx, and NO diagnosis-but I still don't trust it. Maybe it's no different than any other way a pharmacy can access a patient's data, but it seems like it's not just the pharmacy that has it. It's out there in the cloud.
But I don't like picking medications, along with their forms and strengths, from a drop down menu. Why people think this is less likely to lead to error than writing down exactly what you mean is beyond me. Something as simple as a mild tremor could lead to an error.
I don't like checking the system for the auto-refill requests. I don't like the "refill as needed" option, which I still don't understand (it allowed for no refills). I don't like the formatting of the EHR, with pop up windows covering up important information unless you upgrade to a paid version. And I don't like having my patients' information floating through the cloud. I try to limit the amount of that information-name, DOB, phone number, and the actual Rx, and NO diagnosis-but I still don't trust it. Maybe it's no different than any other way a pharmacy can access a patient's data, but it seems like it's not just the pharmacy that has it. It's out there in the cloud.
I'm confused about the requirement for e-prescribing. Lately I've been wondering if it only applies to Medicare providers, like the meaningful use requirements. When I poke around online, I still find this:
"As of March 27, 2015, all prescriptions (including prescriptions for controlled substances) issued in New York State must be electronically transmitted, with certain limited exceptions."
The same page also reminds readers that as of March 27, 2013, controlled substances can be electronically prescribed, provided that,
"The practitioner and pharmacy...use a certified software application that is consistent with all federal security requirements to process electronic prescriptions for controlled substances."
Supposedly, the security requirements can be accessed through this link:
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ecomm/e_rx/
But there's a lot of information on that page, with a lot of links, and the most recent "clarification" update is from October of 2011. It's confusing.
There's also the following, that's specific to NY State law:
"New York State regulations also require each pharmacy and practitioner to register their certified software application with the Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE). Please visit BNE's webpage at www.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic for additional information."
THAT page has a blurb about what the BNE does, and a bunch of links, none of which led me to where I could register.
Now, the reason I'm so interested in e-prescribing controlled substances is that if I'm going to keep my privileges with Practice Fusion, I need to eRx something soon. And since I write for refills on most of the non-controlled meds I prescribe, the prescription I'm most likely to write next is for something controlled.
The underlying assumption here is that I want to keep my e-prescribing privileges. If I let them lapse, then supposedly it will be harder to have them reinstated. But I don't see how I can be refused the option of e-prescribing at the same time that I'm being required to e-prescribe. And that idea assumes that I WILL be required to e-prescribe, starting in March of next year.
But will I? ICD-10 is being pushed off a year. Why not this?
"As of March 27, 2015, all prescriptions (including prescriptions for controlled substances) issued in New York State must be electronically transmitted, with certain limited exceptions."
The same page also reminds readers that as of March 27, 2013, controlled substances can be electronically prescribed, provided that,
"The practitioner and pharmacy...use a certified software application that is consistent with all federal security requirements to process electronic prescriptions for controlled substances."
Supposedly, the security requirements can be accessed through this link:
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ecomm/e_rx/
But there's a lot of information on that page, with a lot of links, and the most recent "clarification" update is from October of 2011. It's confusing.
There's also the following, that's specific to NY State law:
"New York State regulations also require each pharmacy and practitioner to register their certified software application with the Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE). Please visit BNE's webpage at www.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic for additional information."
THAT page has a blurb about what the BNE does, and a bunch of links, none of which led me to where I could register.
Now, the reason I'm so interested in e-prescribing controlled substances is that if I'm going to keep my privileges with Practice Fusion, I need to eRx something soon. And since I write for refills on most of the non-controlled meds I prescribe, the prescription I'm most likely to write next is for something controlled.
The underlying assumption here is that I want to keep my e-prescribing privileges. If I let them lapse, then supposedly it will be harder to have them reinstated. But I don't see how I can be refused the option of e-prescribing at the same time that I'm being required to e-prescribe. And that idea assumes that I WILL be required to e-prescribe, starting in March of next year.
But will I? ICD-10 is being pushed off a year. Why not this?