BCBSA Supports Efforts To Promote Electronic Prescribing

Statement from Dr. Allan Korn, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

March 4, 2008

WASHINGTON – Dr. Allan Korn, senior vice president and chief medical officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), released the following statement regarding the new "GetRxConnected" program and "Safe-Rx Awards" announced today by the Center for Improving Medication Management, SureScripts, and the nation's leading community pharmacy organizations.

"As a founding member of the Center for Improving Medication Management, BCBSA commends the Center's efforts to promote wider adoption of electronic prescribing through their new online initiative, GetRxConnected.

"Last year, the Institute of Medicine estimated that preventable medication errors resulted in 7,000 deaths and cost the healthcare system $77 billion annually.  BCBSA supports electronic prescribing efforts and the American Health Information Community's recommendation that the U.S Department of Health and Human Services seek authority to mandate e-prescribing in Medicare by 2010.

"Programs like GetRxConnected will help strengthen efforts to improve medication management and yield positive results for consumers, providers and pharmacists.

"The use of health information technology to promote quality care is a key strategy in BCBSA's new proposal – 'The Pathway to Covering America:  Ensuring Quality, Value and Access' – a comprehensive, five-part plan to improve access, quality and affordability.  BCBSA supports the use of health information technology to deliver innovative and appropriate care and Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are leading supporters of electronic prescribing initiatives in their states.  The presentation of the annual 'Safe-Rx Awards' by SureScripts and the nation's leading community pharmacy organizations to the top e-prescribing states helps bring visibility to this important issue.

"We commend the Center's leadership in spearheading the GetRxConnected initiative and recognizing states who have been at the forefront of this innovative technology.  We look forward to working with the Center, Members of Congress and other stakeholders to promote electronic e-prescribing in an effort to provide safe, quality and effective healthcare for all Americans."

For more information on "The Pathway to Covering America:  Ensuring Quality, Value and Access," please visit www.bcbs.com/issues/uninsured/pathway-to-covering-america/.