Advantages to Pharmacies
Pharmacies have upgraded their computer systems in recent years to allow physician practices to establish a direct electronic connection to pharmacy computers. As a result, pharmacies are now able to send refill authorization requests directly and securely to practice computers as an alternative to time consuming phone calls and faxes.
This enhancement can dramatically reduce the number of faxes and phone calls normally associated with the refill authorization process. A recent MGMA study indicated that these phone calls alone cost physicians over $10,000 a year in lost time. That does not even take into consideration the time spent managing faxes*.
With the average practice spending two hours a day or more managing refill requests by phone or fax, a secure electronic connection to pharmacies allows requests to be managed in significantly less time, leaving more opportunity for patient care or other reimbursable activity.
After completing the technology assessment, you will know whether or not your practice already has technology that is compatible with pharmacy computer systems. You can then realize important benefits, including:
Improved Efficiency: Prescription refill authorization requests are sent directly to your computer and all of your requests can be reviewed in one queue. Staff workflow is simplified, allowing for the completion of refill authorizations in much less time than by phone or fax. This frees up staff time for more important and reimbursable tasks.
Enhanced Patient Safety: The prescription information you send is identical to the information that the pharmacies receive. The result is greater accuracy, less chance of dispensing error and fewer calls to your practice for clarifications.
Widespread, Secure Coverage: Over 90% of the nation’s pharmacies are enabled to communicate prescription information electronically with physician practices via a secure network.
* 2004 MGMA – Analyzing cost of administrative complexity in group practice.
For study results click http://www.mgma.com/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=288 or MGMAAnalyzingTheCostOfAdminComplexityInGroupPractice.pdf (164kb .pdf)
Sources: http://www.getrxconnected.com/MA/benefits.aspx
http://www.mgma.com/about/default.aspx?id=280
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