How do pharmacists read the hieroglyphic-like handwriting of physicians? In many cases it is impossible, which explains why each year medical errors can cost healthcare providers and insurers $77-billion, according to the Institute of Medicine.

Seeking to curb escalating costs are Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation, ePhysician, and PharmaCare with the launch of a six-month pilot project aimed at reducing the number of prescription errors caused by illegible handwriting.

BCBSRI has provided 50 physicians with a Palm handheld along with a free six-month ePhysician subscription. "ePhysician Practice application allows pharmacists to read prescriptions correctly and check for drug interactions, thus alleviating guesswork and ultimately reducing medical errors," said Dr. Stuart Weismen, ePhysician’s CEO.

Once the prescription is entered into the handheld device, it is sent electronically to the ePhysician server via a quick and secure Internet connection. The information is processed rapidly and sent through the server on a secure connection to the patient’s pharmacy by fax.

"With this program, we increase the legibility of prescriptions, reduce time consuming phone calls to pharmacies, instantly monitor drug interactions, and reduce waiting time at pharmacies for our patients," said Dr. Albert Puerini, President of Rhode Island Primary Care.

In addition, the ePhysician Practice software provides doctors with information on drug interactions and updated formulary information as well as enables the doctor’s office to review a patient’s prescription if the doctor is away.

After the six-month trial, the program will be evaluated for its effectiveness in enhancing legibility and reducing prescription errors.