Geisinger unveils automated e-prescribing system for medications System aimed at improving accuracy of medications

DANVILLE, PA. – Geisinger Health System announced today that it’s launching an automated system for prescribing medications, which could reduce errors, cut pharmacy wait times and increases the likelihood of medication compliance.

Geisinger’s e-prescribing system electronically transmits prescriptions directly from the clinic to the patient’s pharmacy.

“This new system cuts many steps from the prescribing process,” said Geisinger Director of Best Practices Tammy Anderer, MSN, CRNP. 

Geisinger is piloting the system at community practice sites in Millville, Bloomsburg and Catawissa. E-prescribing will soon be rolled out to all Geisinger community and specialty practice sites.

E-prescribing offers greater accuracy and patient safety while eliminating the need for follow up phone calls between the doctor’s office, patient and pharmacy, said Geisinger’s Chief Medical Officer, Clinical Operations and Community Practice Steven B. Pierdon, MD.

“This helps avoid ‘hand-off errors’ that can occur when a medication is incorrectly ordered or understood by the provider and pharmacy,” Pierdon said.

Geisinger’s e-prescribing involves most regional private and retail pharmacies, including Weis Markets, CVS, Rite Aid, Giant and Wal-Mart. 

The Institute of Medicine, a respected nonprofit group that seeks to improve healthcare in the U.S., has recommended that all prescribers and pharmacies use an e-prescribing system by 2010.