PharMerica joins Surescripts network

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Electronic prescribing network Surescripts has certified PharMerica, a chain of specialty infusion and institutional pharmacies that serve long-term care centers, for receiving orders for controlled and non-controlled substances over the Surescripts network.

PharMerica said e-prescribing would substantially reduce the amount of time it takes for patients to receive their medication while streamlining what was previously a manual, paper-based process and also streamline the process of complying with Drug Enforcement Administration policies for dispensing controlled substances in a long-term care setting.

"We are confident that bringing pharmacy industry standards to the long-term care industry will lead to faster rates of adoption," PharMerica CEO Greg Weishar said. "The Surescripts network is convenient, efficient and economical for the physician community."

Electronic prescribing has seen tremendous growth in the last decade, with the majority of retail pharmacies and prescribers set up for it. But due to Drug Enforcement Administration regulations, e-prescribing of controlled substances like opioid painkillers has been slower to take hold, but it is continuing to grow nonetheless. Currently, it is legal in 44 states, according to Surescripts.