More than 26,000 pharmacies begin e-prescribing campaign

WASHINGTON Starting today, more than 26,000 pharmacies across the country will be displaying window stickers, logos and signs proclaiming “E-prescriptions Filled Here.” The goal of this program is to increase the use of e-prescription in doctor’s offices, where according to SureScripts, only 6 percent of physicians partake in e-prescribing, even though more than 70 percent of pharmacies accept them. SureScripts operates the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange, a network that transfers e-prescriptions from doctor offices to pharmacies.

Such major chains as CVS, Walgreens, Longs, Rite Aid and Kerr are taking part in the program, which hopes to reach 10 million patients this week alone.

An online promo will also be running to coincide with the print ads in the stores. Patients can go to www.LearnAboutEPrescriptions.com and type in their zip code and they can find out which physicians in their area e-prescribe. Also, the site gives information for patients to take to their doctors to inform them about the benefits of e-prescribing. There is also a website that patients can refer their doctors to learn more about e-prescribing, www.GetRxConnected.com, was actually started by physicians and also helps physicians adopt and start using e-prescribing technology.