The Top Five Reasons to Use ePrescribing Software and How it Can Improve Care

By: Robert McDermott, President & Chief Executive Officer, iCoreConnect

While many Americans know how essential dental care is to their overall health, nearly 40 million avoid the dentist. One way dentists and dental practices can help their patients overcome their fears and concerns is by providing high quality patient care. Quality patient care is about two things: ensuring patients receive the service they want and the treatment they need. That means having all of the tools and resources you need at your disposal, including ePrescribing software. What Is ePrescribing Software? Gone are the days of messy handwriting, lost or damaged prescriptions, pharmacy callbacks to clarify prescription issues, or other prescription errors. ePrescribing software allows dentists to write a prescription on any computer or device and securely send that prescription directly to the patient’s pharmacy. Patients can then skip multiple steps and have their prescriptions quickly and accurately filled, improving the patient care experience. What Are the Benefits of ePrescribing Software? One of the primary benefits of ePrescribing software is the ability to improve the accuracy of prescriptions. When nearly a quarter of all prescription errors can be attributed to illegible handwriting, electronic prescriptions are already changing the prescription world.

• While different software solutions will provide different features, the right ePrescription software will not only send the prescription to your patient’s pharmacy, but it will also: • Check the state’s PMP database to ensure you’re safely prescribing controlled medications • Autofill patient information • Offer “favorites” for both prescription combos and pharmacies • Provide alerts and warnings for interactions and contraindications

• Fully integrate with existing dental practice management software

In short, ePrescribing software can and should be doing more than simply digitally transmitting prescriptions, though that clearly has immense value on its own.

How ePrescribing Software Can Improve Patient Care

Given the robust features of a fully-developed ePrescription software solution, the benefits are significant, especially when it comes to improving patient care and the overall patient experience. In fact, recent research in Europe revealed that nearly 72% of patients preferred ePrescriptions based on the convenience alone. That same convenience is afforded to all patients. However, convenience isn’t the only benefit. ePrescribing software can also: • Improve prescription accuracy • Ensure patient prescription safety • Increase adherence to prescriptions • Improve perception of care While those are immediate patient care benefits, your patients will also have a better patient experience because your team will have more time to focus on patient care. Additionally, your practice will: • Have a more efficient workflow • Free up staff time to focus on patient care • Realize significant cost savings Patient care and practice growth are top priorities for most dentists and dental practice managers. Finding the right technology tools that can achieve both is essential, but IT and technology needs often sit on a back burner.

That’s why the right technology tools and healthcare software platforms offer a seamless integration with your existing practice management system. ePrescribing integration allows patient information to auto populate your ePrescription, saving time and reducing errors. Advanced ePrescribing tools are an essential and easy way to let technology streamline your clinical workflow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert McDermott is President and Chief Executive Officer of iCoreConnect, an awardwinning provider of secure cloud-based communications and productivity software for high compliance industries, most notably in dentistry. During McDermott’s first six months on the job, he met with more than 2,000 dental and medical professionals around the country. Every one of iCoreConnect’s cloud-based services, from our practice management software and HIPAA-compliant email to our ePrescription tool, are designed on the input of those practicing doctors.

Because of McDermott's commitment to the customer and product excellence, iCoreConnect was named one of the United States’ Top 10 Encryption Providers by Enterprise Security Magazine. iCoreExchange, the company’s HIPAA-compliant email, was named one of Dental Products Report’s Top 50 Products. Additionally, iCoreConnect was honored as a Top 10 Dental Solution by Healthcare Tech Outlook.

iCoreConnect, an ODA Rewards Partner, develops cloudbased technologies to improve and protect your practice, including iCoreRx e-Prescribing software. ODA members receive a 43% special discount on iCoreRx. e-Prescribe all meds faster from any device with iCoreRx. Book a demo at land.icoreconnect.com/OK3 or call 888.810.7706.

Oklahomans know all too well that you can never be too prepared for severe weather, but where do you turn when you need immediate relief in the aftermath of a devastating storm? Help is available! The Oklahoma Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program (RDGP) is a charitable trust established to provide aid to dental professionals affected by natural disasters, physical disability, chemical dependence, or other hindering conditions. Over the last three years, the RDGP awarded $28,000 in disaster assistance to individuals and dental organizations affected by severe weather. Aid is provided confidentially and without remuneration. Whether you are affected at home or office, contact the RDGP to apply for immediate assistance 800-876-8890. The RDGP accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and dental organizations from around the country to provide aid after devastating destruction caused by tornadoes and other natural disasters across the state. Funds are awarded to dental professionals who are victimized by the storms. Additionally, the funds are used for programs like the Oklahoma Dental Foundation MobileSmiles Program to aid in relief efforts in several Oklahoma communities. The RDGP relies solely on contributions from individuals and dental foundations. The donations received help prepare & provide for those Oklahoma dentists and dental foundations in need of resources after destructive storms. The RDGP also contributes to the Oklahoma Health Professionals Program which is an outreach program designed to support and monitor medical and allied health professionals throughout Oklahoma who are experiencing difficulty with substance abuse. The services provided by the OHPP are confidential and at no cost. Services include expert consultation and intervention designed to encourage healthcare professionals to seek help for substance abuse and behavioral concerns. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the 24-hour confidential direct line (405-601-2536). The RDGP voluntary section on the ODA dues statement funds the ODA’s contribution to the Health Professionals Program.

Whether you need help or want to provide help, don’t wait! Contact the RDGP manager today at sfrantz@okda.org or call 800-876-8890 Tax-deductible donations to the program can be mailed to: OK Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program 317 NE 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 For grant application and program guidelines, visit okda.org/programs/member-support/