Indianapolis-based WellPoint on Monday announced the launch of an electronic-prescription pilot program for 100 physicians in its subsidiary, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio, the Indianapolis Star reports.
The program will allow participating physicians to submit patient prescriptions electronically to pharmacies and provide information about the prescriptions, such as possible drug interactions, drugs with similar names and cheaper generic options.
Physicians will be reimbursed $750 for computer hardware and $40 per month for the cost of the e-prescribing service. WellPoint said that other e-prescribing programs have resulted in changes to 2% of prescriptions because of alerts about safety concerns.
General Motors, an Anthem customer in the Ohio area, also is providing funding for the program. WellPoint has not yet decided if the program will be expanded to its other markets (Lee, Indianapolis Star, 1/23).