US e-Rx merger concern over data privacy

The proposed merger of two major US electronic prescription networks, in an attempt to make it easier and more attractive for pharmacists and physicians to adopt the technology, has come under fire over patient privacy concerns. Challenging the move are the Patient Privacy Rights group and the Citizens' Council on Health Care, both of which claim that physician control of patient data will be lost.

SureScripts, which is owned by two pharmacist groups, is due to join forces with RxHub National Patient Health Information Network, a joint venture of the three largest US pharmacy benefit managers - CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions (Marketletter July 7).