E-Prescribing as a Tool to Fight the Opioid Epidemic

Surescripts shares the results of a new initiative in Maine requiring electronic prescribing for opioids.  Use of e-prescribing technology (E-Prescribing for Controlled Substances or EPCS) has greatly increased, demonstrating how legislation can be an important tool for driving technology adoption.  Various benefits of EPCS in regards to the opioid crisis are highlighted.  Tracking prescription helps reveal patterns of use amongst patients and leniency amongst providers.  Security is enhanced by reducing fraud associated with paper or oral prescriptions.  The article emphasizes that EPCS is simply one tool in what is likely to ultimately be a multi-pronged solution to the opioid crisis. 

The full article can be viewed here