Kerry and Gingrich call for stronger use of e-prescriptions

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November 21, 2007

In a November 16 editorial in the Wall Street Journal, John Kerry, Senator (D-MA) and Newt Gingrich ask the federal government to make e-prescribing not only easier, but required of physicians. The two men cite many facts to bolster their argument:

• The Institute of Medicine would like all nurses and doctors to be e-prescribing by 2010
• 81% of 400 doctors polled think e-prescription is a good idea (although only 7% actually use the technology)
• The benefit of having all drug interactions pointed out to a physician when e-prescribing.

Kerry and Gingrich call on the government to require doctors who work with Medicare to e-prescribe, as well as offer bonuses to those physicians already e-prescribing and penalize those physicians who aren't using the technology in a few years.

To read the opinion column, click here. (Registration may be necessary.)