CVS Caremark, HBCBSNJ reaches 5.5 million e-prescriptions

The news that CVS Caremark and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey have reached 5.5 million e-prescriptions since 2004 is no doubt a major example of how providers are increasingly communicating electronically to advance patient care. What’s even more impressive, is the number of e-prescriptions jumped 20% in just one year from 2007 to 2008.

Once again, CVS Caremark has proven to be a leader and on the forefront of technology, this time with its proprietary iScribe e-prescribing system.

As the article states, this technology not only translates into a cost-savings for patients but also a safety benefit as the system eliminates handwritten prescriptions and provides the prescriber with easy access to potentially harmful drug interaction information. Furthermore, it is no secret that adherence ? or rather lack thereof ? is a major issue within the industry but with iScribe physicians are alerted when a prescription has been unfilled.

Industry members would be wise to keep their eye on BCBSNJ as, according to CVS Caremark chief medical officer and EVP, Dr. Troyen Brennan, it is an “industry bellwether in using technology to improve safety and compliance for their patients.”