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Douglas S. Bell, Richard S. Marken, Robin C. Meili, C. Jason Wang, Mayde Rosen, Robert H. Brook, and RAND Electronic Prescribing Expert Advisory Panel , Recommendations For Comparing Electronic Prescribing Systems: Results Of An Expert Consensus Process, Health Affairs Web Exclusive, May 25, 2004 [Abstract] [PDF] [HTML Version][Supplemental Exhibit][Related Papers] [Reprints & Permissions]

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Reducing Patient Cost

Paul S. Schranz   ( 1 March 2007 )

Reducing Patient Cost 1 March 2007
Paul S. Schranz, Independent Researcher Send comment to journal: Re: Reducing Patient Cost paul.schranz{at}plutomnia.com Paul S. Schranz	The data transmission and storage recommendation indicates that prescription orders must be transmitted to a pharmacy once completed. This limits the ability of the patient to select the most cost-effective pharmacy since the patient must know beforehand -- i.e., before they visit the physician -- to which pharmacy the prescription will be transmitted. An alternative is to transmit the prescription to a secure, pharmacy independent, prescription repository. Pharmacies can then be connected to the repository via secure connection over the Internet. The patient when filling their prescription order can shop online for the best price for their prescription order. When key information is entered into a pharmacy's online storefront, the prescription information can be retrieved from the repository in order to present pricing information to the patient. The patient can then decide to fill the prescription, or to try another pharmacy's online storefront. The identity of the patient can be kept confidential from the pharmacy until the patient chooses to fill their prescription at a certain pharmacy. I look forward to your comments on such a proposal.