January 2009 Revision for Prescribers
Electronic Prescriptions are Live Now
	Our apologies if this email causes any confusion, but it updates our previous information on the electronic prescriptions capability in TheraManager, and updates the features available with the different options.
	Also in recent days we have enhanced the program with a display of drug and allergy interactions, formulary, monographs and leaflets in multiple languages within TheraManager. All this is available for a 30day trial period even for controlled substances printed to paper. After the thirty day trial, you will need to sign up for option 3 to view this information.
	A very valuable feature that is also integrated into the program is for pharmacy renewal requests, that are polled at intervals and flagged in the program, It is available in all options.
	We should mention that prescribing electronically is a 2 stage process. Composing the scripts and transmitting them to the pharmacy. Hence the clinicians can compose and the staff transmit, or vice versa.
	As we said in the last letter, meds must be selected from one of two indices and choosing the index to use is an IRREVOCABLE decision. We strongly recommend using the FDB index because of all the valuable features associated with it.
	We should also point out that all the prescribers using TheraManager with the Prescribing feature in the same practice, will be required for to sign up for the same option.
	Here are the 3 options with revisions all of which include renewal requests. Option 1 Uses meds taken from the RXNorm Index and is free for electronic scripts and renewal notifications, but it is not as complete or as easy to use as the FDB index and you will not have access to drug interactions, allergies, monographs, leaflets or patient formulary information, nor will you be eligible to receive the CMS 2% incentive. We are told that switching your patients' records from this index to the FDB index will NOT be available for the foreseeable future. Option 2 Uses the FDB Indexand allows electronic scripts and renewal notifications. This index is more complete than RXNorm, easier to use and allows you to upgrade to the benefits of option 3. It does NOT include drug interactions, allergies, monographs, leaflets or patient formulary information and you will not be eligible to receive the CMS 2% incentive.with this option. There will be a monthly charge of $20 a month (discounted to $16 for early adopters) for each physician using this index. Option 3 Uses the FDB Index and gives you electronic scripts, renewal notifications, access to all drug-drug interactions and warnings, allergies, the patients formulary, monographs and leaflets in multiple languages. The monthly charge for this option is $60 (discounted to $48 for early adopters).Only this option will be eligible for the CMS 2% incentive.
	We are in the process of adding Help Notes and a movie to help you use the new Prescription Screen. The roll-outs will be in the following sequence. Stage 1 Trial Mode The latest version of the program (dated January 13, 2008) gives you access to both indices for trial purposes only, and allows you to send scripts for a dummy patient to the website or to write them directly on the website using the FDB index. You will be able to view drug interactions,allergies, formulary, monographs and leaflets. The Prescriptions Screen will work the way it is intended to, except that you will be restricted to a dummy patient in electronic mode. You will be able to continue printing paper scripts as usual. Stage 2 Web-based Prescribing Having decided which index you wish to use and which option you want, we can register you now to go live for writing scripts on the website and transmitting them electronically. Stage 3 Program and Web-based Prescribing. When the program has been finally certified in the next few weeks, you will be able to write scripts in the program and transmit them electronically, as well as writing them on the website and printing them on paper from either.
	We strongly recommend option 3 for the following reasons: The provision of drug-interactions and allergy information could save you from a disastrous mistake. This option may be reflected in your liability insurance rates. You will become eligible for the CMS 2% incentive. The associated features are required for CCHIT certified EMR. The information in the monographs will make you smarter in your prescribing. The information sheets for your patients will save you time. The information sheets in different languages will save you misunderstandings. Formulary information is a great service to patients and will save discussion and call-backs. The FDB Index is much easier to use with separate, dose, route and category.
	According to CMS a program is currently qualified if it is able to perform the following tasks: Generates a complete active medication list using electronic data received from applicable pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), if available. Allows eligible professionals to select medications, print prescriptions, transmit prescriptions electronically and conducts all alerts. Alerts include automated prompts that offer information on the drug being prescribed and warn the prescriber of possible undesirable or unsafe situations such as potentially inappropriate dose or route of administration of the drug, drug-drug interactions, allergy concerns, or warnings/cautions. Provides information on lower cost therapeutically appropriate alternatives, if any. For 2009, a system that can receive tiered formulary information, if available, from the PBM would satisfy this requirement. Provides information on formulary or tiered formulary medications, patient eligibility and authorization requirements received electronically from the patient’s drug plan (if available).
	If you are going to use the FDB Index, which we recommend, don't wait but give us a call as soon as possible.
	If you are leaning towards using the RXNorm Index, please give it lots more thought because you will not be able to switch and have access to drug interactions etc.
	We hope to add 2 features shortly such as one that associates diagnosis with medications, and a selection of pharmacies within the program for selection as the patient default. Currently done on the website.
	Help on the Prescription Website is available as videos and a tour by clicking the E-Open Button on the Prescriptions Screen and then the Admin Tab.
	If you want to register, need further support or you have suggestions please contact support@theramanager.com or call 908-508-8900.