Certified e-Prescribers Continue to Use Handwritten Scripts

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J., June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MediScripts, a point-of-prescription solutions provider, reports that physicians with e-prescribing access are still writing paper prescriptions in large quantities. According to the 2013 National Progress Report from SureScripts, less than 25 percent of all prescriptions dispensed in 2013 were issued electronically[i]. Activity among certified e-prescribers was also reportedly low with one-third of them not using their electronic prescribing system at all at the end of the year.

"Continued prescription pad use reinforces the fact that point-of-prescription print advertising channels remain an effective medium to reach physicians when they are making critical clinical decisions," said Robert D. Bedford, MediScripts Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. "Continuously engaging with a physician in the exam room builds brand awareness and loyalty throughout the year, at the point of prescription."

SureScripts reported that 98 percent of providers who e-prescribe also prescribe controlled substances, which represent 13 percent of all prescriptions issued in 2013. However, Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) is not universal nationwide as only 40 percent of U.S. pharmacies are enabled for EPCS. Therefore, physicians continue to rely on secure, tamper-resistant prescription pads to prescribe controlled substances.

"Very few e-prescribing systems can be used to prescribe all medications and adoption can impede workflow, so physicians continue to depend on tried-and-true pen and paper even when they have access to electronic prescribing," said Bedford.

With physician usage of handwritten scripts remaining strong, one-third of U.S. physicians wrote prescriptions on MediScripts Secure Rx prescription blanks in 2013[ii]. Secure Rx prescription pads help life science partners to reach and influence the right practitioners with consistent point of care communication. In 2013, MediScripts Secure Rx prescription pads delivered over one billion ad impressions to targeted physicians.

For more information on MediScripts, visit http://mediscriptspartners.com.

About MediScripts
MediScripts provides simple, easy to use clinical management solutions, supported by great service to help its customers work smart. Every solution that MediScripts provides delivers proven value and measureable impact to improve the quality and value of patient care. With over 30 years of industry leadership, MediScripts is a trusted provider of PhRMA Code compliant prescription pads and has expanded its solutions to include digital innovations such as Qology which integrates peer collaboration with clinical search. For more information, visit www.mediscripts.com.   

[i] SureScripts, 2013 National Progress Report and Safe-Rx Rankings May 2014.  
[ii] Kantar Media: Non-Journal Media Study December 2013.

SOURCE MediScripts