Bye-Bye Fax?
Buried in a larger document for physician fee schedules, CMS published a proposed rule to force physicians and other providers to implement more advanced data transmission standards when sending electronic prescriptions. This would terminate an exception that was essential, in this writer's view - to early adoption of eRX technologies.
The fact sheet states that "Computer-generated faxing retains some of the disadvantages of paper prescribing. For example, the pharmacy incurs the administrative cost of keying the prescription into the pharmacy system and there is a potential for data entry errors that may have an adverse impact on patient safety. CMS believes it is important to take steps to encourage prescribers and dispensers to move toward the use of the Script standard. Therefore, CMS is proposing to eliminate the computer-generated fax exemption for all prescriber/dispenser transactions." This writer agrees, but the impact on work flow cannot be understated. This writer has done some impact analysis on removal of this exemption and believes it could drive prescription processing labor costs upward for both prescribers and pharmacies in the short term. Essentially, from a work-flow perspective, most authorities haven't been able to differentiate much savings between fax and true eRx. The real savings are realized by eliminating phone calls. But trouble with direct communications will increase calls.
Independent pharmacies in small communities may face the greatest short term hurdle.
Public comments will be received until August 31. There will be many valid concerns raised.
- Follow this link for the proposed rule
- Follow this link for a two page fact sheet from CMS
- Follow this link to the public comments site
The fact sheet states that "Computer-generated faxing retains some of the disadvantages of paper prescribing. For example, the pharmacy incurs the administrative cost of keying the prescription into the pharmacy system and there is a potential for data entry errors that may have an adverse impact on patient safety. CMS believes it is important to take steps to encourage prescribers and dispensers to move toward the use of the Script standard. Therefore, CMS is proposing to eliminate the computer-generated fax exemption for all prescriber/dispenser transactions." This writer agrees, but the impact on work flow cannot be understated. This writer has done some impact analysis on removal of this exemption and believes it could drive prescription processing labor costs upward for both prescribers and pharmacies in the short term. Essentially, from a work-flow perspective, most authorities haven't been able to differentiate much savings between fax and true eRx. The real savings are realized by eliminating phone calls. But trouble with direct communications will increase calls.
Independent pharmacies in small communities may face the greatest short term hurdle.
Public comments will be received until August 31. There will be many valid concerns raised.
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