Information regarding guidance for defining electronic prescribing pharmacies in CHCS may be found in the Implementation Guidance document.

Electronic prescriptions processed (i.e. Validated) from the holding/error queue are integrated into current CHCS workload reports (e.g. HVR, VSR, etc.)

Electronic prescriptions processed (i.e. Validated) from the holding/error queue are treated like prescriptions received through CPOE/Pharmacy Order Entry.

The electronic prescribing solution provides the MTF prescription information before the patient arrives at the pharmacy and affords the MTF the option to fill prescriptions before the patient arrives; thereby reducing wait times and delays. Wait times, however, are dependent upon a number of factors including the MTF’s current business processes, procedures (batch vs teller), as well as workload.

Validating an electronic prescription in many cases is faster than typing a prescription because the electronic prescribing solution incorporates the look and feel of existing CHCS functionality. Efficiencies are achieved through familiarity, the intuitive user interface, and auto-matching capabilities. One of the benefits of ePrescribing is improving accuracy by eliminating translation and transcription errors.

The ordered quantity will be similar to that of a hard-copy prescription. Electronic prescriptions may be received with additional qualifiers (e.g. metric quantity, metric units, etc.). The pharmacy staff should apply clinical judgment regarding quantities ordered.

Current MTF practices for drug file maintenance of unused/outdated entries are automatically applied to the medication selection list within the CHCS electronic prescribing module.

MTFs should follow local policy for the creation or modification of electronic prescribing pharmacies within CHCS. The MTF electronic prescribing POCs will need to contact the PASS at least 45 days prior to implementing or changing a CHCS ePrescribing pharmacy site to ensure updates are communicated with the electronic prescribing network.

Fax numbers provided by the MTFs will be used for backup in the event any portion of the electronic prescribing process/network is down.

Electronic prescriptions within the holding queue are segregated from the rest of CHCS functionality (e.g. auto-batching) until processed (i.e. Validated). The fulfillment of electronic prescriptions may be incorporated into existing MTF workflow (e.g. fill-ahead, bank teller).

The electronic prescribing solution utilizes the "non-formulary" and "IP/OP" indicators associated with the pharmacy site's formulary group within the CHCS Formulary Management (FRM) option. Please see training slides or the User Guide for additional information on Drug Matching capabilities.

The status of electronic prescriptions processed with the Remove function are changed from "pending" or "error" to "removed". Electronic prescriptions that are removed from the holding queue are permanently deleted from CHCS after 15 months.

The electronic prescribing solution in CHCS does not allow for outbound ePrescribing (e.g. MTF Provider to MTF, Mail, or Retail pharmacies). MTF providers can continue to use AHLTA/CHCS to prescribe medications to MTF pharmacies connected to the same CHCS host.

Implementation and activation is a multi-step process, which needs to be coordinated with the Pharmacy Operations Support Contract (POSC). Detailed information regarding the necessary activities can be located in the Implementation Guide.

Provider outreach allows MTF pharmacies to manage the transition from paper to electronic prescriptions. A recommended outreach approach and customizable pamphlets are included with the Implementation guidance.