Software boosts pharmacy purchasing efficiency

Just the fax, ma'am

Exaeris and TEAMM Pharmaceuticals have agreed to copromote MD Turbo, a breath-activated, electronic dose-counting companion to metered-dose inhalers. The device triggers the MDI at the appropriate time to make sure asthma and COPD patients get a full dose of medication. MD Turbo, which requires a prescription, is now being shipped to pharmacies. Exaeris is the commercial arm of Inyx, a specialty drug company with niche drug delivery technologies. TEAMM is the specialty drug division of Accentia BioPharmaceuticals. For more information, go to http://www.mdturbo.com/.

Hold the phone

Instead of hanging on the phone or sending a fax, pharmacists can send refill requests to the offices of prescribers using PocketScript 6.51 and get an electronic OK in return, according to Zix Corp. The upgraded PocketScript also includes patient co-pay information, a drug reference, and patient-specific drugs dispensed lists. The Web site is at http://www.zixcorp.com/.

Oh, my achin' back

Desk-Trainer, San Rafael, Calif., has come up with some five-minute exercises designed to reduce repetitive motion injuries in the workplace. The Web-based program guides users through a series of interactive animations that provide movements and exercises targeted at specific problem areas. You can try a free exercise at www. http://desk-trainer.com/. A three-month trial subscription costs $7.95; an unlimited 12-month license is priced at $19.95.

In sync

The Idaho pharmacy board has chucked its old paper-based inspections system for an automated process: MobileDataforce's PointSync Suite. The handheld PDA-based solution synchronizes both wirelessly and through cradles with the board's existing database systems, according to the Boise-based software solutions provider. The Web site is at http://www.mobiledataforce.com/.