From: The Veranda
Date: Monday, June 08, 2009
Where: Albany, Ga.

THE VERANDA TOUTS ITS TRAIL BLAZING EFFORTS FOR E-PRESCRIPTIONS

As lawmakers work to mandate e-prescriptions nationwide, the multi-specialty medical facility takes its place as the veteran adaptor of the technology in Southwest Georgia

Contact:
Miloy S. Schwartz
229.420.1723, ext. 13
miloy@langstaffmarketing.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2009
Long before the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, physicians in practice at The Veranda could toss their paper prescription pads in favor of e-prescriptions when ordering most of their patients’ medications. Nationwide, e-prescriptions have been so successful that, by 2012 physicians who have not implemented the technology are expected to be penalized for non-compliance.
“Our e-prescription technology allows us to see what prescription medications our patients have had filled within the past two years, even if the drug was not ordered by a physician at The Veranda,” said William George, M.D., physician and senior partner at The Veranda. “The information is then pulled into our electronic health record for the patient and we are alerted if there are any drug interaction concerns.” The e-prescription technology utilized by The Veranda and the online patient portal are interactive enhancements to the electronic health record the practice implemented in 2004. Available on its website for all patients of the Veranda, the patient portal tool offers patients prescription refill requests as well as appointment scheduling, pre-registration, personal health management, lab results notification, and bill payment. The portal also includes an online resource library with educational handouts and videos to help patients manage their health. “The Veranda’s patient portal is a key tool in our practice in the prevention of medical errors and the improvement of the overall health of our patients,” said George. “The technology enhances the ability of our team of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to provide an exceptional level of patient care.”Although most drugs can be prescribed electronically, currently regulations still require paper prescriptions for controlled pharmaceuticals such as pain medications, antidepressants and some pediatric asthma drugs. ABOUT THE VERANDA
Located in Albany, Ga., The Veranda is a multi-specialty facility which includes women’s health, family medicine, pediatric and endocrinology practices. Patients are provided with general medical services as well as preventative and diagnostic services. For more information, visit www.TheVeranda.org.
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