e-Scripting has two main applications: the means to electronically capture information into a practice management application (PMA) and the means to electronically exchange information between practitioners and pharmacies. This article discusses the core features of e-scripting, which capture and exchange information, and its benefits for practitioners, patients, and pharmacies. 

IT IS NOTEWORTHY that e-scripting has two main applications: 

1. The means to electronically capture information into a practice management application (PMA)
2. The means to electronically exchange information between practitioners and pharmacies.

This article discusses the core features of e-scripting, which captures and exchange information, and its benefits for practitioners, patients, and pharmacies.

CORE FEATURES OF E-SCRIPTS TO CAPTURE AND EXCHANGE INFORMATION

a. GP to Pharmacy to GP

Practitioners can push scripts to selected pharmacies and mark the medications as non-substitutable, ensuring that only the originally prescribed product is dispensed. Data is pushed back to the practitioner for recordkeeping and adherence information as soon as the medication is dispensed. In other words, you, as a doctor, can see what and how much medicine was dispensed to your patient. 

b. Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

As soon as the practitioner captures clinical information into the software solution, it becomes part of the patient's electronic clinical history. The patient’s clinical history will then automatically inform and guide all future treatment plans. When, for example, chronic scripts must be refilled, the software will provide a list of issued scripts from which the practitioner can choose, eliminating the unnecessary time spent researching the history of chronic medication. In addition, an inline scripting history adds the list of chronic medication lines with one button to the current script. Thus, a 20-line script can be refilled in less than 15 seconds, saving the practitioner an immense amount of time.

c. EM Guidance

EM Guidance is a free and trusted online medicines and guideline resource for medical professionals that provides
up-to-date information. This product has been integrated into GoodX Software, making crucial medicine information immediately accessible to the practitioner. This feature allows the practitioner to prescribe better for better outcomes due to this expanded knowledge base at the practitioner’s fingertips. 

d. Chronic script reports

A chronic script reporting tool allows the doctor to see which patients are due for renewal and which patients are taking their medicines (provided they fill their prescriptions at participating pharmacies). The doctor can search for the active ingredient, patient, or script age. 

e. Allergy Warning System and Drug Interaction Checker

Allergies captured and linked to drug classes and active ingredients will trigger the warning system in the software. The drug interaction checker built into GoodX will automatically assess the information on the newly created script and warn the practitioner of any interactions between the medications captured in the script. This feature allows the practitioner to ensure that no interactions will adversely affect the patient and warn the practitioner in advance so that appropriate alternatives can be prescribed. This single-platform approach allows for a holistic view of the patient and all their chronic conditions and allergies. 

f. Unified platform for dispensing GPs

Dispensing GPs can rest assured that only one software system must be used and maintained for all clinical work and dispensing. Additionally, being able to bill, switch, dispense, print labels, and capture electronic remittance advices (ERAs) in one system allows the practitioner to manage his practice and finances effectively. 

THE BENEFITS E-SCRIPTS OFFER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND PATIENTS

a. Medical practitioners benefit from e-scripts in the following ways:

1. The software provides complete insight into the previous prescriptions given to the patient at the click of a button.
2. The practitioner will be able to see which medication the pharmacy dispensed.
3. Allergy alerts and potential drug interactions allow the practitioner to choose medication wisely, avoiding clinical and legal risks.
4. The practitioner builds a standard list of medications.
5. The practitioner can easily choose generic medicines from the list that Medical Funders cover and, in that way, be sensitive to the patient’s financial constraints.
6. Fast repeats of previous scripts save time and effort.
7. The practitioner can create templates and macros for scripts, enhancing their workflow.
8. The paperless workflow saves costs and filing space.
9. Medication adherence can be measured and is, therefore, reportable for future healthcare decisions.

b. Pharmacists benefit from e-scripts in the following ways:

1. e-Scripts received from a trusted software provider using a secured transmission source eliminate the risk of scripting fraud and double dispensing.
2. The pharmacist saves time and frustration by avoiding phone calls to practitioners due to illegible handwriting.
3. Imported patient and script information saves capturing time and the possibility of human error.

c. Patients benefit from e-scripts in the following ways:

1. Firstly, the patient can easily choose the pharmacy’s location and won’t have to stand in long queues if the pharmacy pre-packed and prepped the medication. It is far better for the prescription to wait for the patient than for the patient to wait for it. 
2. When e-scripts are sent directly to the preferred pharmacy, patients won’t lose their scripts. This adds security to the process and lightens the patient's burden and the practice's workload since extra printing is avoided.
3. Chronic medication adherence will increase since patients will experience a more convenient way of acquiring their medication.
4. Patients can have a more meaningful conversation with their pharmacist if they do not have to pick and pack the medication. Instead, patients won’t feel the pressure of waiting in a long queue if they want to discuss their medicines with their pharmacist.
5. When the practitioner sends the medication to the pharmacy, the patient information accompanies the e-script, saving capture time and reducing human error. In addition, by the time the patient arrives at the pharmacy, their information is already in the pharmacy system, making the engagement at the pharmacy highly convenient.

CONCLUSION 

The e-scripting in GoodX Software makes it very valuable to practitioners, patients, and pharmacists. So, if you are still using other means of scripting, it is time to reconsider the benefits of e-scripting.