What is E-Prescribing Integration?
E-prescribing (electronic prescribing) is the computer-based generation, transmission, and filling of prescriptions. Instead of handwritten or faxed prescriptions, providers send prescriptions electronically directly to the patient's pharmacy of choice through the Surescripts network.
Integrating e-prescribing into your healthcare application transforms the prescribing workflow—reducing errors, improving patient safety, and enabling features like medication history access and real-time prescription benefit checking.
Surescripts E-Prescribing Services
The Surescripts network offers several interconnected services for comprehensive prescription management:
- NewRx: Electronically transmit new prescriptions from provider to pharmacy with complete medication details, dosing instructions, and refill information.
- RxRenewal: Process refill requests from pharmacies, enabling providers to approve, deny, or modify renewal requests electronically.
- RxChange: Handle therapeutic interchange requests when pharmacies suggest alternative medications based on formulary or availability.
- Medication History: Access patient medication records from pharmacies, PBMs, and health plans across the country.
- RTPB (Real-Time Prescription Benefit): Display patient-specific medication costs, formulary status, and lower-cost alternatives at the point of prescribing.
- ePA (Electronic Prior Authorization): Submit and manage prior authorization requests electronically, reducing approval times from days to hours.
- EPCS (Controlled Substances): Prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances electronically with enhanced identity verification and audit trails.
Integration Options Compared
| Factor | Direct Surescripts | Via BeyondRxAid |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 3-6 months | 4-6 weeks |
| Certification | Required (you obtain) | Pre-certified |
| Development Cost | $100K - $300K | Included |
| Ongoing Maintenance | Your responsibility | Managed |
| Pharmacy Network | 60,000+ | 60,000+ |
EPCS Requirements
Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS) has additional requirements beyond standard e-prescribing:
- Identity Proofing: Prescribers must complete identity verification through an approved credential service provider.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Each prescription requires authentication using two of three factors (knowledge, possession, biometric).
- DEA Compliance: Systems must meet DEA requirements under 21 CFR Part 1311.
- Audit Trails: Complete logging of all EPCS activities with tamper-evident records.
- Third-Party Audit: Annual audits by approved certification bodies.
Skip the 6-Month Certification Process
Leverage BeyondRxAid's pre-certified Surescripts integration and launch e-prescribing in weeks, not months.
Schedule Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is Surescripts e-prescribing?
Surescripts is the largest health information network in the US, processing over 20 billion healthcare transactions annually. E-prescribing through Surescripts enables electronic transmission of prescriptions from providers to pharmacies.
How long does Surescripts integration take?
Direct Surescripts integration typically takes 3-6 months including certification. Using BeyondRxAid's pre-certified infrastructure, integration can be completed in 4-6 weeks.
What is EPCS and do I need it?
EPCS (Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances) enables electronic prescribing of Schedule II-V medications. Many states now mandate EPCS, making it essential for comprehensive e-prescribing capabilities.
What e-prescribing features are available through Surescripts?
Surescripts offers NewRx (new prescriptions), RxRenewal (refill requests), RxChange (therapy changes), Medication History, Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB), and electronic Prior Authorization (ePA).
How much does e-prescribing integration cost?
Direct Surescripts integration costs $100,000-$300,000 including development and certification. BeyondRxAid includes e-prescribing in our healthcare infrastructure, eliminating separate integration costs.