Pharmacists will no longer feel the pinch of e-prescribing after eRx Script Exchange cut its fees to match the Federal Government’s 15 cent incentive per script.

The new pricing structure has been designed so that pharmacists will pay a 15 cent fee on each prescription dispensed and then receive 15 cents from the government as of 1 July.

Chairman of eRx Graham Cunningham said the company was committed to making the system cost neutral for pharmacist and welcomed the government incentive.

“We believe that this is a vital step in providing an e-script service that is both comprehensive and easy to understand, but also in removing any cost concerns about e-scripts.

“Whilst the announcement of incentive payments is extremely positive for patient care and for the future of e-health in Australia, we would prefer an approach that includes all prescriptions.

“Our new pricing policy allows us to continue discussions on these outstanding issues while we implement eRx fully across Australia for all prescriptions,” he said.

However Mr Cunningham warned eRx may not be able to maintain a cost neutral policy indefinitely, but he said the company would work with the government and industry to maintain the policy.

He added users would be given at least two months notice of any change to the price structure before implementing it.

Currently eRx is available free of charge to members of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association.

eRx e-prescribing software has been used by more than 2000 pharmacies and 3700 doctors to dispense more than 8.5 million scripts since April 2009.

Above article publish on http://www.pharmacynews.com.au/article/e-prescribing-to-be-cost-neutral/517557.aspx