A lot of factors contribute to the success of a prescribed medication. Is it the best drug for the job? Is this formulary covered by insurance? Which has the least likelihood of side effects. And though doctors spend many years studying the pharmacology that they prescribe, the success of treatment for outpatient care ultimately depends on the person taking the medication. Moreover, to be successful at home patients must feel educated, invested, and empowered. Today we are taking an in-depth look at how electronic prescriptions help doctors empower their patients to take control of their health and the positive effects that brings. 

Empowering Patients Begins with Education

The first step in making sure a patient knows how to run with their treatment, is first helping them to walk on their own. When physicians take the time to help patients understand what is happening with their bodies, what the causes are and the prognosis is, they are more likely to share the responsibility for their health. Effective electronic prescription software should include expansive literature or patient education that can be printed or emailed to help patients understand their treatment.  

Doctors should use the tools included with their e-prescribing technology and the EHR with which it is integrated to make sure patients understand their condition, lab results, side effects, and even what to expect at the pharmacy. When a patient is armed with information, they are more likely to approach their treatment with confidence and take control of their at-home care. 

Conversations are Critical 

E-prescribe features like drug review also allow doctors to have better conversations with their patients. At point of care, they can discuss possible roadblocks and decide together on what should be the plan of action.  

For example, perhaps a patient is worried about a certain side effect like weight gain but is afraid to speak up and, down the line, stops taking her medication and treatment is disrupted. With all of the drug options and formularies at a doctor’s fingertips, a physician’s mind is freed to have this conversation and ask questions. When a patient feels listened to an included in the prescribing decision, they’re less likely to be apprehensive about their medication and invested in their treatment and overall wellbeing. 

The Ripple Effect

Patient empowerment often causes a ripple effect in a patient’s holistic wellbeing. When someone has a better grasp on what is troubling their body, feels like an active partner in the prescribing process, and has the resources and support they need they can be inspired to make positive changes elsewhere in their life. Especially when it comes to their medications, patients can overcome apprehension and feel included. This can make them feel more in control and more inclined to take control of other aspects of their health such as diet, exercise, sleep habits, or stress levels. 

Benefits Expanded by EHR Integrations

When electronic prescriptions are integrated with an EHR that has a patient portal, clients are able to access lab results, view appointment notes and instructions, or securely message their doctor with questions. An e-prescribe EHR integration gives them the tools they need to successfully manage their medication plan and health from home.

For example, it may be easier to request a refill for a lost medication online than it would be to call in and resolve the issue. Or someone can quickly send their prescribing doctor a message if a new side effect arises and adjustments may be needed. By helping them track prescriptions online, you are giving them access to a portal of information, so they see their health on a screen. Letting them track their own health by using software like this gives them visibility into the progress they are making in their health. This could be extremely valuable to a patient managing a chronic condition.

Insurance Claims Made Easier for Doctors and Patients

Insurance claims for prescriptions are much less likely to be denied when the prescriptions are submitted electronically. And healthcare providers aren’t the only ones who feel the pain of denied claims. When prescription claims get denied, patients can’t get the medicine they need. Plus, the web of phone calls to insurance companies, doctors, and pharmacies patients have to make can be extremely frustrating and demotivating. When a medication or formulary isn’t covered, they are also forced to decide if they want to part with hard-earned money to pay for a treatment that could improve their quality of life.

Empower your Patients with e-Prescribe

It’s important that your patients take ownership of their health. As a doctor, you can only do so much, and patients must feel empowered to do what they can to improve their wellbeing.

When you are talking with patients about medication and their diagnosis, make sure they play an active part in your decision making. Take every opportunity to educate and introduce them to the tools and resources at their exposure. The result will be a smoother, more effective treatment for everyone involved.

NewCrop’s e-prescribe software is designed to help streamline your processes and make your prescribing more efficient. To learn more about how NewCrop improves the quality of care for patients, schedule a demo with our knowledgeable team.