New York City-In an age of wireless communications, computers and the iPhone most people would assume that doctors would use digital and electronic means to write their prescriptions.
About 10 percent of Doctors nationally use electronic means to write prescriptions, but this number is on the rise.
Nearly 35,000 doctors across America currently use electronic means to prescribe medications for their patients, but the benefits and speed that electronic means offers means that more and more doctors all the time are starting to realize its benefits.
The benefits to both patients and doctors are numerous, both the speed at which its possible to write and issue a prescription, along with convenience and obvious money savings are issues to consider.
Most doctors would use electronic methods, but do not have the method such as a PDA or small personal computer to write such prescriptions.
As doctors and doctors offices become more electronically savvy and connected, the amount of electronic prescriptions is expected to rise sharply over the next several years.
Digital prescription methods can also track patient’s allergies, and alert a doctor to possible drug interactions and problems.
Some private drug companies realizing the savings and overall advantages are beginning to offer cost incentives to doctors to make the switch to electronic prescription methods.