January 29, 2007
Blue Cross provides boost to docs who use technology
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc. said it would provide financial incentives to providers who adopt health information technologies such as e-prescribing and electronic medical records.
The initiative is aimed at improving patient safety, cutting costs and helping physicians, according to a release from Blue Cross. It is part of Blue Cross' Recognizing Physician Excellence program. As part of the program, Blue Cross will make available an online drug reference guide product by California-based Epocrates Inc. to offer physicians information regarding drug information, drug interactions, drug pricing and alternative medicines.
The initiative aims to reduce adverse drug events and improve the quality and affordability of health care, Blue Cross officials said.
Blue Cross also is also spearheading a program called ePrescribe Florida, which is an outreach program intended to accelerate the adoption of electronic prescribing. ePrescribe Florida will use Jacksonville-based Availity as the Web-based portal to facilitate the program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, based in Jacksonville, serves more than 8.6 million people.
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CONTACT: Erica Sniad Morgenstern Epocrates Public Relations PHONE: (650) 227-6907 E-MAIL: pr@epocrates.com WEB: www.epocrates.com