Top states for e-prescribing controlled substances

Prescription drug abuse remains a huge problem. One way healthcare workers and law enforcement hope to reduce the problem is by using electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, which helps physicians, pharmacists, and law enforcement officials to track dispensing.

However, while the technology is readily available, some states are doing much better than others when it comes to utilizing it.

Electronic prescriptions: Return to sender

According to Surescripts 2014 National Progress Report, 73% of pharmacies across the country are ready to receive electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, but only 1.4% of prescribers are ready to send them.

When it comes to using e-prescription for controlled substances the top 10 states are Nebraska, California, Michigan, Massachusetts, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Minnesota.

The bottom 10 states are Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Utah, Vermont, Hawaii, Missouri, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota.

In Nebraska, 8.11% of prescribers have the ability to e-prescribe; 75.9% of the pharmacies are able to receive electronic prescriptions, and 6.8% of controlled substance Rxs are handled electronically.

In North Dakota, by contrast, less than 1% of prescribers are able to send electronic prescriptions, 26.5% of pharmacies are equipped to receive them, and 0% of controlled-substance prescriptions are handled electronically.

According to the report, e-prescribing of controlled substances increased 400% in 2014, reaching 1.67 million controlled substance e-prescriptions nationwide.

“Connecting the nation’s healthcare system is a monumental task, and while more work is needed to ensure true interoperability nationwide, there is no question that the Surescripts network is more connected than ever before,” said Tom Skelton, Surescripts CEO. “Healthcare is evolving and our collective ability to share health information is addressing a major pain point for providers and patients that ultimately saves time and money and improves the quality of care.”