Blue Cross program generating 39,000 e-prescriptions monthly
Physicians statewide have enrolled in an e-prescribing service designed to reduce errors and increase patient safety. The pilot program offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is the first of its kind in the state.
“The e-prescribing program has been a huge success for Louisiana physicians and for Blue Cross,” said Richard Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana senior vice president, provider and customer relations. Williams said, “Physicians have embraced the tool, e-prescribing an average of 39,000 prescriptions each month for both Blue Cross and non-Blue Cross patients.”
Electronic prescribing enables a physician to transmit a prescription electronically to a patient’s pharmacy of choice. It decreases prescription errors caused by hard-to-read handwriting and automates the process of checking for drug interactions and allergies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is the first insurer in Louisiana to offer a statewide e-prescribing program.
“This has been a great addition to my practice,” said Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, a New Orleans internist and nephrologist who participates in the pilot program, which uses PocketScript®, Zix Corporation’s e-prescribing service. “I don’t write any more prescriptions. I love it.”
Rodriguez said he likes the service for many reasons. “I can avoid handwriting mistakes,” he said. “The system keeps a log of all the prescriptions a patient is taking, my office staff doesn’t have to wait on the phone, and I can see the insurer’s preferred drug list.”
Offering an e-prescribing pilot program is Blue Cross’ second step toward encouraging the widespread adoption of electronic medical records. In 2005 the company began offering claims-based health histories to its customers. The health history is a three-year record of healthcare services, drawn from claims information submitted by doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and laboratories, and it’s available to almost all customers and health care providers through the company’s secure web portal at www.bcbsla.com or by calling its customer service department.
“The claims-based health history initiative and the e-prescribing pilot program align with Blue Cross’ goal to provide Louisianians with health guidance and affordable access to quality care,” said Ob Soonthornsima, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana senior vice president and chief information officer. “We are excited to offer these health technologies to our customers and providers.”
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is Louisiana-owned and -operated. Marking its 73rd anniversary this year, the company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. It is a tax-paying mutual company, owned by its policyholders.
Headquartered in Baton Rouge, also has district offices in Alexandria, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport. The company’s subsidiaries include HMO Louisiana, Inc. and Southern National Life Insurance Company, Inc.
About Zix Corporation
Zix Corporation (Nasdaq: ZIXI), also known as ZixCorp®, provides easy-to-use-and-deploy e-mail encryption and e-prescribing services that protect, manage and deliver sensitive information to the healthcare, finance, insurance and government industries. ZixCorp’s e-mail encryption services enable policy-driven e-mail security, content filtering and send-to-anyone capability. Its e-prescribing service provides point-of-care access and transmission of patient and payor data that improves patient care, reduces costs and improves efficiency. For more information, visit www.zixcorp.com.
