Study: importance of E-Rxing on adherence

A new report that finds millions of Americans are either using their prescription medications incorrectly - or not taking them at all - underscores the importance of promoting electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) in Medicare, the US Pharmaceutical Care Management Association has said.

According to the report from the National Council on Patient Information and Education, patients not experiencing acute symptoms are less likely to stick with their medications. For example, just 51% of people with high blood pressure stick with their medications, according to the report.

"Today, 20% of prescriptions go unfilled," said PCMA president Mark Merritt. "E-prescribing improves medication adherence by providing physicians with information on each patient's medication history and more affordable prescription options. This real-time information allows the physician to know which medications the patient is actually taking, counsel them on the importance of sticking with their therapies, and discuss more affordable options if cost is an issue," he added.