Drug Safety

HealthInsight is working to decrease the rates of drug-drug interactions and potentially inappropriate medications prescribed in the elderly through a combination of provider and consumer outreach.

Tools

Appropriately caring for older patients, who often have multiple conditions, can be a challenge. Properly managed pharmacotherapy can help your older adult patients to lead longer and better lives. As you know, this age group is at higher risk for adverse drug events and drug interactions due to altered pharmacokinetics and polypharmacy.

• Medication Alternatives for the Elderly
• Medication Safety Reconciliation Tool Kit
• Outpatient/Ambulatory Medication Reconciliation Form
• Physician Initial Medication Orders Form

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Electronic Prescribing

Under the federal Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, or MIPPA, physicians who prescribe electronically for Part D patients in 2009 and 2010 will receive a two percent bonus based on their Medicare revenue. In 2011 and 2012, the bonus will drop to one percent, and in 2013, the bonus will drop again to 0.5 percent. Penalties are in place for physicians who don't ePrescribe by 2012. The bonus program is designed to streamline the prescription process and cut down on errors.

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Free ePrescribing For Every Physician In America

Free technology for every physician in America is available through the National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative (NEPSI). For more information, visit www.nationalerx.com. Free of low cost ePrescibing tools may also be available through developing clinical health information exchanges.

• Utah: www.uhin.com/products/cHIE.php
• Nevada: under development