Implementing a new ePrescribing solution does not have to be difficult, especially when faced with new controlled substances mandates. This is why we have created this comprehensive Q&A document to answer all of your questions.
Q: What is ePrescribing?
A: ePrescribing originally started in 2003 as a result of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), and has grown into being a common method for providers to fulfill patient prescriptions.
Today, ePrescribing is going through a period of massive growth and adoption by individual practices. With ePrescribing, providers enter prescription information into a computer or mobile device, and the order is securely transmitted to pharmacies using a special software program.
The adoption of ePrescribing has taken off in the last three years. In particular, the 2019 Surescripts National Progress Report found that ePrescribing rates climbed from 1.49 billion in 2017 to 1.79 billion in 2019 – bringing the total rate of ePrescribing up to 80 percent of all drug prescriptions.
Q: What is the role of ePrescribing and controlled substances?
A: One of the most significant benefits of ePrescribing is increased patient safety due to fewer errors in medicine delivery, which is especially important for controlled substance prescriptions. In 2019, 13 U.S. states enacted ePrescribing requirements for controlled substance prescription refill rules in 2019.
Another factor driving the overall adoption of ePrescribing is Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substance (EPCS) technology. EPCS technology helps caregivers to integrate opioid prescription information into EHRs streamlines and enables clinician workflow and reduces patient burden.
In addition, signed into federal law in 2018, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act includes an electronic prescribing requirement for the use of EPCS technology for all controlled substance prescriptions under Medicare Part D drugs.
Q: Please tell us about the EPCS mandate and the upcoming deadline for compliance.
A: Soon, providers in the United States must use EPCS technology when prescribing controlled substances containing opiates for Medicare patients.
For many providers, meeting this requirement may be challenging. However with the right ePrescribing partner, it is possible to easily be up-and-running with a solution that both meets the requirements and streamlines the entire prescribing process.
Q: Tell us about the new Juno RxTracker Solution.
A: Designed by clinicians for clinicians, the new Juno RxTracker offers streamlined ePrescribing for faster, intuitive, clinician-built workflows for mobile.
It’s an EPCS-certified solution that boosts patient safety through an automated electronic prescription process for all medications, including controlled substances.
For almost three decades, DSS, Inc. has developed innovative healthcare technology solutions for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest integrated health system in the U.S., as well as leading commercial health systems. As such, it was a natural evolution for us to enter the ePrescribing arena.
The solution enables smarter, faster, and safer ePrescribing. For example, all medication history information that enters the system is converted to a format compatible with all existing EHRs. Providers can also manage the full electronic prescription process for all medications with easy access to the associated state PDMP databases.
With Juno RxTracker, medication history information intake functionality is available via Surescripts and other sources for better medication reconciliation and communication at every level of patient care. In addition, pharmacy orders are submitted via the complete Surescripts® network of pharmacies using appropriate certified methods.
Q: How does Juno RxTracker help individual providers meet EPCS compliance mandates?
A: Juno RxTracker is an EPCS-certified solution that achieves national patient safety goals through an automated electronic prescription process for all medications, including controlled substances.
The solution also leverages the FDB State and Federal Module Controlled Substances Module™ – including the most current State and Federal DEA schedules.
Q: How does Juno RxTracker offer a super-easy setup and implementation for individual providers?
A: While many competitive offerings are challenging and time-consuming to set up, Juno RxTracker offers a concierge-like implementation through one point of contact at DSS, so that setup is completed in minutes with no long-term contracts. Our customer support is based in-house with friendly round-the-clock coverage in the U.S.
