Study Shows E-Prescribing Usage Continues to Increase; Leads to Greater Drug Adherence, Health System Cost Savings

A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care has found a continuing upward trend in the number of healthcare providers and pharmacists utilizing e-prescribing technologies.  The study showed that the number of providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) sending prescriptions digitally has increased from seven percent in 2008 to 54% in 2012, while the percentage of pharmacies receiving e-prescriptions has risen from 70% in 2008 to 94% in 2012.

An earlier study commissioned by Surescripts, a Healthcare Leadership Council member, found that greater use of e-prescribing results in improved drug adherence, enhanced patient safety and health system cost savings of $140 billion to $240 billion over 10 years.