E-Prescribing Gains Ground

Doctors are renowned for poor penmanship. This is not a joking matter, however, since misread prescriptions have led to serious mistakes in dosing, adverse reactions or even death. Prescribing electronically eliminates the problem of penmanship. Doctors can enter prescriptions from a computer or a handheld wireless device. It is estimated that one in three doctors uses e-prescribing in the office. Patients should still request a printout of their prescription so they can check at the pharmacy to make sure they have received the right drug in the right dose with the correct instructions.