More Than Half of U.S. Office-Based Physicians Use E-Prescribing Systems

Fifty-two percent of office-based physicians currently use e-prescribing systems compared to fewer than 10 percent three years ago, according to a Surescripts news release.

Surescripts' study of e-prescribing use in the United States also found that 94 percent of retail pharmacies are connected and receiving e-prescriptions.

In addition, Surescripts ranked U.S. states on their use of e-prescribing based on three steps: electronically confirming a patient's prescription benefit information before sending the e-prescription; electronically cross-referencing a patient's medication history with pharmacies and payors; and electronically routing a prescription to the patient's choice of pharmacy. Massachusetts was the top e-prescribing state, having used e-prescribing for 43 percent of all prescriptions in 2010.

Here are the 10 states with the highest rates of e-prescribing in 2010:

1.  Massachusetts                
2.  Delaware                
3.  Michigan                    
4.  Connecticut                    
5.  Rhode Island                    
6.  Pennsylvania
7.  South Dakota
8.  Iowa
9.  Oregon
10. North Carolina

Related Articles on E-Prescribing:

Kentucky to Share E-Prescribing Data With Other States to Curb Drug Abuse
Study: Effective E-Prescribing Requires Redesigned Work Processes, Technical Support
AMA Praises E-Prescribing Exemption Additions But Wants More Time