Electronic Prescribing

Questions and Answers about the Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Initiative

Q1:

How are non-formulary medications handled by the eRx software?

A:

The eRx software is capable of receiving electronic prescriptions for non-formulary medications. If CHCS determines that an electronic prescription is for a non-formulary drug (which is determined by the formulary status in the CHCS Formulary Management (FRM) file), that prescription will be placed in the CHCS holding queue for pharmacy intervention. Commercially, civilian providers are able to select and transmit any medications within their Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Q2:

How do I print a copy of the eRx?

A:

Within the electronic prescribing holding queue, the user selects one or more eRx's then selects inquiry from the action bar. At the device prompt, the appropriate printer name is entered. If more than one eRx's has been selected, each eRx will be printed on a separate page. Please see training slides or the User Guide for additional information.

Q3:

Why is the auto-match rate of eRx patient to CHCS patient low?

A:

MTF pharmacies may initially have a low auto-match rate of eRx patient to CHCS patient because civilian providers sending eRx's may not be including the specific information required for auto-population in CHCS (e.g. Patient SSN, DOD ID, etc.) Please see training slides or the User Guide for additional information on the patient matching criteria.

Q4:

How can the auto-match rate between the eRx/CHCS patient, the eRx/CHCS medication, and the eRx/CHCS provider be increased?

A:

The auto-match rate of the electronic prescribing solution can be increased through MTF and civilian provider collaboration regarding specific information required for a successful auto-match to occur.

Q5:

When should I clear the holding/error queue?

A:

The eRx software is programmed to automatically remove electronic prescriptions from the holding queue after 365 days. MTFs may choose to manage the holding queue based on local business practices. Removal of an eRx from the holding queue is irreversible and will require a new prescription to be sent from the civilian provider. Please see training slides or the User Guide for additional information on the holding queue capabilities.

Q6:

Can I validate prescriptions in the error queue?

A:

Yes, the electronic prescribing solution allows validation of eRx’s in the error queue. The electronic prescribing solution notifies the user of identified errors. Please see training slides or the User Guide for additional information on the error queue capabilities.

Q7:

What information will I receive in an electronic prescription?

A:

The electronic prescription must contain all legally required information for a valid prescription (e.g. Patient Name, Medication Name, Directions, Quantity, Refills, Provider, etc.)

Q8:

What is the compatibility of the civilian software (Electronic Health Records/Electronic Prescribing) with the MHS electronic prescribing software (CHCS)?

A:

MHS utilizes commercial electronic prescribing industry standards (i.e. NCPDP) to ensure compatibility with electronic health records and commercial ePrescribing networks.

Q9:

Does the electronic prescribing network support controlled substances?

A:

Yes, the electronic prescribing networks supports controlled substances. However, the electronic prescribing solution in CHCS is not certified to receive and process electronic prescriptions for controlled substances.

Q10:

When will I be able to receive controlled substances?

A:

Currently there are no plans to enhance the electronic prescribing solution in CHCS to support receipt and processing of controlled substances via electronic prescribing. The future MHS Electronic Health Record may be able to support the receipt and processing of controlled substances.

Q11:

How do I process controlled substances?

A:

The electronic prescribing solution in CHCS is not certified to receive and process electronic prescriptions for controlled substances. The MTFs will be required to have the proper documentation (i.e., hard copy prescription or faxed prescription) as required by the DEA prior to dispensing a controlled substance. View the DEA requirements for a valid prescription

Q12:

Will I see a "script image" in the automation (PharmAssist, ScriptPro, Parta, etc.)?

A:

An eRx is received as text, not in a computerized image format. The MTF may print the eRx and scan the printed copy into the automation based on MTF workflow and/or business rules.

Q13:

How long does an electronic prescription stay in the holding and error queues?

A:

The eRx software is programmed to automatically remove electronic prescriptions from the holding/error queue after 365 days.

Q14:

How is a new provider added to CHCS when validating an electronic prescription?

A:

New providers identified through the electronic prescribing solution are added to CHCS using existing functionality and business processes. Users with the Provider Add/Edit security key should follow current CHCS business rules and local MTF policy for adding providers during the eRx provider validation process.

Q15:

How do I view the original electronic prescription and the resulting CHCS prescription?

A:

The original eRx and resulting CHCS prescription can be viewed using the Prescription Inquiry (PRI) capabilities. Please see training slides or the User Guide for additional information on the updated PRI functionality.

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