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“Peer Pressure”
by Paul McLeod, M.D., MED3OOO Chief Medical Executive
Substantial pressure to provide electronic prescriptions is being applied to physicians. Leading the charge is a consortium of both independent and “chain” pharmacies that have teamed up with pharmacy benefits manager SureScripts for national exposure. For some time now, the “quality” benefits of e-prescribing have been widely accepted, and many physicians currently provide this service. Those that don’t may soon find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. This year, thousands of independent pharmacies will join with CVS/Pharmacy
In-store signs declaring "E-prescriptions filled here" and "Give your prescription a head start” will focus on attracting the attention of patients. The program’s web site provides educational materials and the advice to “Ask your doctor for an e-prescription.” Patients will be encouraged to search for local participating physicians and pharmacies by zip code. If you don’t participate, your patients will get a list of competitors who do.
“Ask your Doctor for an e-prescription” adds a new incentive to physicians, that of peer pressure. Providing patients with the services they want creates a competitive advantage for physicians and electronic prescribing is one of those services. If this program of nationwide consumer awareness is successful, it will create a new patient expectation that eliminates the paper prescription pad. No doubt, these same patients will look for doctors that allow them to request refills electronically by means of a secure web portal. E-prescribing is, for many physicians, a first step toward a paperless practice.
MED3OOO focuses on programs that improve the delivery of healthcare. E-prescribing is available to our clients as a module of all of our comprehensive EHR offerings. We have the technology and expertise to design solutions tailored to the needs of our clients. We keep our fingers on the pulse of innovative technologies that differentiate our clients from their peers. In short, MED3OOO understands healthcare and what it takes for you to win.
Click here for a printed version: Clinical Newsletter June 2008
The Clinical Advisory is a clinical publication from MED3OOO dedicated to informing physicians and clinical staff about tools and information to improve the quality of patient care.
Corporate Headquarters: MED3OOO, Inc., 680 Andersen Drive, Foster Plaza 10, Pittsburgh PA 15220. For more information on our clinical initiatives visit www.MED3000.com or contact Geoff Coleman at Geoff_Coleman@MED3000.com or 1-888-811-2411.
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Are Plastics Safe?
The controversy over the safety of plastic baby bottles, water bottles and medical devices continues. Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggest that polycarbonate bottles may not be safe for use. Small amounts of bisphenol A, a chemical in clear plastic bottles, can be released as the plastic breaks down. Findings also suggest that these levels increase when bottles are heated. Some studies link bisphenol A (BPA) to breast cancer and premature puberty, among other issues. Canada has announced its intention to ban the use of this chemical in baby bottles and U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation to ban bisphenol A and phthalates in children’s products. U.S. News and World Report says BPA is present in clear sport bottles, along with certain baby bottles. BPA is also used in many other products like helmets and goggles. Dr. Michael Babich of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission feels that any ban of the chemical could result in less protection for children who wear protective gear. Phthalates are used to make vinyl soft and flexible in medical devices, cars and toys. While consumer groups are encouraging people to find alternatives, manufacturers insist their products are safe.
The FDA agrees, according to their latest report. Seeking to ease public concerns about the health hazards associated with the chemicals used in these products, Dr. Norris Alderson, the FDA’s associate commissioner for science states; “Small amounts of bisphenol A can be released as plastics break down. But the level of exposure was safe. Some studies had reported higher release levels than projected by the FDA, but many of those studies were conducted under unrealistic onditions. Although our review is ongoing, there’s no reason to recommend consumers stop using products with BPA,” Alderson told a House subcommittee.
The Science and Environmental Health Network takes a more cautionary view. Their Director, Dr. Ted Schettler asks, “Do we wait for irrefutable proof of harm in people before taking action?” Dr. Earl Gray, a toxicologist at the EPA said he has serious concerns about the potential effects in children who are exposed to phthalates from IV tubes. He states that although the level of exposure for most people is low, there can be exceptions. In rats, phthalates have been shown to cause liver cancer and reproductive malformations in offspring.
It is important for us to be aware of the health news our patients are receiving from the media and federal agencies, and to help them sort out the risks.
This website is a comprehensive resource for environmental, health and safety information about bisphenol A (BPA). Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins – both of which are used in countless applications that make our lives easier, healthier and safer, each and every day.
On this site you’ll find the latest information about bisphenol A and a wealth of scientific data and resources to answer most any question you might have.
The Science and Environmental Health Network engages communities and governments in the effective application of science to protect and restore public and ecosystem health.
Several terms have been used to describe the basic idea behind Public Interest Research (PIR). For example, citizen science, civic science, engaged research, action research and public scholarship are all types of research that aim to directly benefit and involve members of public, non-academic communities.
Breaking New and Resources. FDA News specializes in FDA Approvals, Recalls and all Food and Drug Administration activities. FDA news coverage includes the latest breaking news from the FDA and over 10 quality news sources.
Patient Recall
Using the M3/IQ™ technology and our M3/Connect technology, we can work with you to identify those patients in your practice who should be recalled for needed services. If you would like to discuss either these reports or an automated patient recall process using M3/Connect technology, please contact Geoff Coleman at: Geoff_Coleman@MED3000.com.
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