Cerner is teaming up with DrFirst, a medication management solutions provider, to integrate data from numerous states' prescription drug monitoring programs into its EHR systems.
Using DrFirst's software, Cerner will be able to connect to PDMPs in 46 states and Washington, D.C. The partnership will allow physicians to review patients' prescription drug data directly in the EHR.
Prescription drug information collected in state PDMPs can help support safer pain management, safer prescribing, drug education efforts and drug addiction research, among other factors.
"At a time when the opioid epidemic continues to grow, it's important that we transform healthcare for the patient, advancing smarter pain management and timely engagement with individuals to prevent or alleviate substance use disorder," said Eva Karp, Cerner senior vice president and chief clinical patient safety officer. "Quicker and straightforward access to this information can also ease compliance with regulatory requirements."