Top e-retailers are among a group of merchants and pharmacy chains that have banded together to promote the use of electronic prescriptions to enhance the prescription fulfillment process. They’ve launched a web site, LearnAboutEprescriptions.com, to educate consumers about e-prescriptions and help them determine if their physicians and pharmacies can communicate electronically.
CVS Corp., No.83 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, Walgreen Co., No. 71, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., No. 13, are among the merchants and pharmacy chains behind the initiative. Others include Duane Reade, Giant Food, Kerr Drug, Longs Drugs, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop and Supervalu Pharmacies.
The group is part of the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange, operated by SureScripts. The exchange is a national electronic network that facilitates e-prescriptions and the transmission of related medical information.
The informational site divides its resources into four areas by question: What is an e-prescription? Benefits of e-prescriptions? Does your doctor e-prescribe? Does your pharmacy accept e-prescriptions?
Physicians are mandated by law to electronically submit all prescriptions covered by the Medicare Part D program no later than January 1. The group of merchants and pharmacy chains that launched LearnAboutEprescriptions.com hopes their effort will get patients to push their physicians to embrace e-prescription technology for all prescriptions.
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