Published:
WellPoint NextRx and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Will Enhance e-Prescribing Capabilities for RI Physicians
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPoint NextRx, an independent
pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company and the nation's largest
health-plan-owned PBM, announced today that SureScripts-RxHub connectivity is
available to physicians inRhode Island through Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode
Island (BCBSRI) effective August 16, 2008. The connection to SureScripts-RxHub
network is part of WellPoint NextRx's e-prescribing strategy to reduce the
time physicians spend managing prescriptions while saving members money. It
also supports BCBSRI's ongoing efforts to encourage adoption and use of
electronic health records by physicians.
"Approximately one in three Americans carry a Blue Cross and/or Blue
Shield card. Partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans is one way in
which we can combine our expertise and implement new programs to positively
impact the cost and quality of care that members receive," said Renwyck Elder,
president of WellPoint NextRx. "WellPoint NextRx is consistently identifying
new programs that offer health plan members access to affordable, quality
medications. We're pleased to be working with BCBSRI to connect physicians,
including those treating BCBSRI members, to critical decision support
information at the point of care to help manage the patients' use of
medications and counsel patients on safe and affordable choices."
The connection to SureScripts-RxHub allows NextRx to electronically link
with physicians/providers who e-prescribe, providing valuable real-time
pharmacy information before prescriptions are written, thereby helping to
reduce errors and increase physician effectiveness. Before an authorized
physician or provider prepares an e-prescription for a BCBSRI member, with
patient consent, immediate eligibility and formulary information will be
provided from NextRx. In addition, medication history can also be provided to
physicians during the prescribing process.
"We are making every effort to promote the adoption and use of electronic
health records byRhode Island physicians," said Jim Purcell, president and
CEO, BCBSRI. "We believe that making e-prescribing easier will further
encourage its use, which will directly benefit our members."
In 2006, the state ofRhode Island finished first in the nation as part of
the first ever nationwide ranking of electronic prescribing activity, earning
the state the SafeRx Award. Earlier this year, NextRx completed a pilot
program launched by BCBSRI for increasing the use of specific generic over-
the-counter medications. The OTC Options Program was designed by NextRx in
response to BCBSRI's desire to help members save money on medications to treat
common ailments such as allergies.
SureScripts-RxHub operates a low-cost utility that facilitates the secure
exchange of e-prescriptions and prescription information nationwide. NextRx
was first connected to SureScripts-RxHub in late 2006.
WellPoint NextRx is a service mark of WellPoint, Inc. Services are
provided by a WellPoint PBM (either NextRx Services, Inc. or NextRx, LLC, as
applicable). WellPoint NextRx is a division of WellPoint, Inc.
About WellPoint NextRx
WellPoint NextRx is a progressive pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) helping
health plans, employer groups and third party administrators target the
reduction of total health care costs and improve health outcomes. NextRx
provides extensive PBM services including claims processing, clinical and
disease management programs, retail network, mail and specialty pharmacy,
customer service, and rebate management. With roots that date back to the
1980's, NextRx has years of experience in providing all of these fundamental
services. WellPoint NextRx is a division of WellPoint, Inc. Services are
provided by a WellPoint PBM (either NextRx Services, Inc. or NextRx, LLC, as
applicable). Visit www.wellpointnextrx.com.
About SureScripts-RxHub
SureScripts-RxHub gives healthcare providers secure, electronic access to
prescription information that can save their patients' lives and reduce the
cost of healthcare for all. Available during emergencies or routine care,
SureScripts-RxHub's network is used by physicians, physician assistants and
nurse practitioners nationwide to exchange health information and prescribe
without paper. The next time you or anyone you know goes for a checkup and
your healthcare provider takes out their pad and pen to write a prescription,
take the opportunity to ask them for an e-prescription instead. For more
information go to www.SureScriptsRxHub.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island (BCBSRI)
Blue Cross & Blue Shield ofRhode Island has been the state's leading
health insurer for more than 69 years and now covers more than 680,000
members. Blue Cross & Blue Shield ofRhode Island is an independent licensee
of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
SOURCE WellPoint NextRx
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
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