Drug Classifications

 Haven't heard of Brantley Whittington, CEO of the EHR firm Extormity?  Then perhaps you've been living under an HIT rock for the past several months.  Not to worry, he's made a big splash at HIMSS11 this year and the legend will only continue to grow.
 

According to a recent article from American Medical News, "Total EMR spending, which is expected to grow from $1.9 billion in 2009 to $3.8 billion by 2015, is about twice the growth rate analysts are seeing over the health information technology market and the general IT market, said Judy Hanover, research director of provider IT strategies for the Framingham, Mass.-based market research company and co-author of the report."

As a result of a request made by someone who particularly liked one of my posts last month,  I am reposting. This year at HIMSS should be pretty interesting,  and maybe a bit chaotic and a little unsettling.   Meaningful Use was getting bandied about last year,  but this year it is real,  tangible and around the corner.

Whether you are an  EMR vendor,   EHR manager,   ePrescribing vendor,  or someone else in this dynamic and quickly changing business segment,  you will want to see what it is going on.  One of the areas that is a bit overlooked and undervalued until you have signed a long-term agreement (and it is too late to reconsider)  is in the area of drug database information for clinical decision support. 

The data is important,  but equally important is the relationship with your drug information provider.  Once you make your selection,  you will be "stuck"  with them for a very long time.  Make the right choice.   Obviously,  other areas for evaluation have to do with the level and sophistication of APIs that the vendor has or are under development. 

Pediatric dosage calculations,  drug interaction software,  drug generic name,  drug brand name,  drug classifications,  drug and medicine interactions,  medicine lists,  clinical guidelines,  clinical information systems,  and more,  are all critical areas for consideration.

At HIMSS 2011 there will also be live demonstrations showing how our drug databases can be implemented and customized to meet the various specific needs of EMR vendors. Stop by and see us if you are a current customer or are looking to implement drug information or clinical decision support into your application, booth #6653.

Lexicomp will be attending HIMSS 2011 in Orlando.  This will be a great opportunity for any EMR, Hospital, or Consumer Health Site to visit booth #6653 and learn about our solutions for implementing decision support for drug interactions, duplicate therapy, drug allergies, and dose range checking, as well as drug databases, and patient education information for consumers. 

 A report posted January 21, 2011 by iHealthBeat states, "Nearly 90% of U.S. hospitals will need to install or upgrade their electronic health record systems during the next three years to comply with the federal government's meaningful use requirements."  Hospitals have the option to purchase a "ready made" from a vendor or to make their own.  No matter what the case, be sure your drug information complies with meaningful use.  While you are at, you might as well go above the requirements. 
 

This year at HIMSS should be pretty interesting,  and maybe a bit chaotic and a little unsettling.   Meaningful Use was getting bandied about last year,  but this year it is real,  tangible and around the corner.

Whether you are an  EMR vendor,   EHR manager,   ePrescribing vendor,  or someone else in this dynamic and quickly changing business segment,  you will want to see what it is going on.  One of the areas that is a bit overlooked and undervalued until you have signed a long-term agreement (and it is too late to reconsider)  is in the area of drug database information for clinical decision support. 

The data is important,  but equally important is the relationship with your drug information provider.  Once you make your selection,  you will be "stuck"  with them for a very long time.  Make the right choice.   Obviously,  other areas for evaluation have to do with the level and sophistication of APIs that the vendor has or are under development. 

Pediatric dosage calculations,  drug interaction software,  drug generic name,  drug brand name,  drug classifications,  drug and medicine interactions,  medicine lists,  clinical guidelines,  clinical information systems,  and more,  are all critical areas for consideration.

At HIMSS 2011 there will also be live demonstrations showing how our drug databases can be implemented and customized to meet the various specific needs of EMR vendors. Stop by and see us if you are a current customer or are looking to implement drug information or clinical decision support into your application, booth #6653.

Lexicomp will be attending HIMSS 2011 in Orlando.  This will be a great opportunity for any EMR, Hospital, or Consumer Health Site to visit booth #6653 and learn about our solutions for implementing decision support for drug interactions, duplicate therapy, drug allergies, and dose range checking, as well as drug databases, and patient education information for consumers. 

There are a lot of moving parts you will encounter as part of your certification process.  One area that should not create additional complications is with drug databases for clinical decision-making support.    This includes making sure you have the best drug-drug and drug-allergy calculators available.   There are only a few vendors in the marketplace in a position to deliver the high quality drug information your customer needs.

But it's not just about the drug information.  It's about the interface,  service,  assistance and support. Anyone can just send over drug information files.   But it's another story to interact with the vendor...............and feel guilt.   If you are looking to work with a drug data company (including: medicine lists, dosage administration, drug classifications, dosing calculators,  pediatric calculators,  clinical guidelines,  medicine interactions,  and more),  Lexicomp likely will provide the best service,  price and long term confidence.   If you are looking to work with a good ePrescribing company,  I would suggest DoseSpot.  They have a terrific product and are great to work with.

Don't forget to check out these companies at HIMSS conference in Orlando in February.

 "Not only is the medical community using smartphones and their applications for basic tasks, but they report using them to complete some of the work that would have previously been done on a desktop or laptop computer.  With one of the main focuses in healthcare today centered on the reduction of costs, any tool that can help medical personnel become more efficient is a boon to the industry."  So says Melissa Elder, chief author of a new report from Kalorama Information detailing the state of the current mobile medical app market.

Recently,   I posted the blog below and since then,  it seems the scramble to gain Meaningful Use dollars through ePrescribing is on.  The first reimbursements for this MU compliance occurred this week for medicaid reimbursement.  EMR companies  that are quickly trying to get certified by early 2011.    ePrescribing and Meaningful Use are the mantras of the day, and one area that should not be overlooked is the inclusion of selecting the right drug data and working with the right drug information supplier.

"Quoting a colleague of mine:  'A recent article by HealthData Management summarizes that, 'The new law mandates use of electronic prescribing by Jan. 1, 2011. Prescribers and dispensers must use either the Health Level Seven messaging standards or the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs’ SCRIPT standard to transmit prescriptions and prescription-related information.  The law does not mandate use of electronic health records.  But to ensure EHR systems are interoperable, they must be CCHIT-certified.  Further, the EHRs must meet the e-prescribing provisions of the law.'

Looks like ePrescribing will become a widespread reality within 2 years.  There will likely  be some business opportunities for some small companies to fill in the gap between ePrescribing as part of robust EMR systems and those that just need a tool to facilitate ePrescribing,  without integration into their system.

As more companies look for opportunity in the business "seams,"  they will need to work with a drug database company to close the loop.   And if they want to do it quickly and work with a vendor who serves as a partner,  and not just a supplier,  more and more are turning to Lexicomp.  

Not only will Lexicomp  provide all the basic drug data information such as:  drug interactions;  drug-allergy interactions,  therapeutic dosages,  drug classifications, dosage administration,  pediatric drug information,  and more;  but Lexicomp will also provide the service and support to allow the vendor to move quickly.  With this quickly changing marketplace,  working with a drug interaction software company to facilitate the product launch  is imperative.    If you are looking for a stand alone online ePrescribing application,  I would strongly suggest taking a look at DoseSpot.  They have a great product."

There is a lot going right about regarding Meaningful Use and EMR developers seeking certification.  More and more certifying bodies are in the marketplace making it easier to get certified.  There are very few suppliers of drug data and even fewer still that are easy to work with.  Lexicomp and Cerner/Multum are just two.  And if you are looking for an easy-to-use, out-of-the-box ePrescribing tool, I would take a look at DoseSpot.  What do all of these companies have in common?  They are easy to work with.

Don't wait to the end of your development process to worry about:  dose range checking,  pediatric dosing, drug calculators, medicine interactions, dosage precautions, clinical guidelines, drug interaction software, duplicate therapy, drug classifications, generic drug names, drug nomenclature and more.  These are critical paths for an EMR build.  But it's not just about the information.  It's about who you select as your partner and who have seamless API's which makes your drop easier.  

You owe it to your product and your customer to make the right choice. 

 The current market opportunity for mobile apps in the healthcare enterprise is $100 million and Chillmark Research predicts that within three years this will increase to over $1.7 billion based the rapid evolution of mobile devices, physician demand, and the healthcare enterprise’s need to improve quality and efficiencies.  This leaves little room for debate that the mobile era is officially here and that adoption of mobile apps in healthcare enterprise is only going to continue to proliferate.

ePrescribing is gaining momentum.  Partly this is due to more hospitals,  doctors and dentists  aiming to be compliant.   In several states,  this is happening because of state mandates.
 
 There will likely  be some business opportunities for some small companies to fill in the gap between ePrescribing as part of robust EMR systems and those that just need a tool to facilitate ePrescribing,  without integration into their system.

There is a mad scramble by companies and start-ups to fill this compliant gap as soon as possible.  Whether  they know it or not,  they will need to work with a drug database company to secure compliance.   And if they want to do it quickly and work with a vendor who serves as a partner,  and not just a supplier,  more and more are turning to Lexicomp.   Lexicomp is becoming a force in the delivery of drug data for those firms that are now (or will become)  involved in the ePrescribing sector.

Not only will Lexicomp  provide all the basic drug data information such as:  drug interactions;  drug-allergy interactions,  therapeutic dosages,  drug classifications, dosage administration,  pediatric drug information,  and more;  but Lexicomp also takes the time to work with their customers to resolve situations in a timely way.  

EMRs should work with a drug interaction software company  early in the process to avoid any late surprises in the certification process.

  Also,   if you are looking for a stand alone online ePrescribing application,  I would strongly suggest taking a look at DoseSpot.  They have a great product.

Last week I posted the blog below and I've sensed that it has resonated with the marketplace -- particularly EMR companies that are quickly trying to get certified by late 2010 or early 2011.    ePrescribing and Meaningful Use are the mantras of the day, and one area that should not be overlooked is the inclusion of selecting the right drug data and working with the right drug information supplier.

"Quoting a colleague of mine:  'A recent article by HealthData Management summarizes that, 'The new law mandates use of electronic prescribing by Jan. 1, 2011. Prescribers and dispensers must use either the Health Level Seven messaging standards or the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs’ SCRIPT standard to transmit prescriptions and prescription-related information.  The law does not mandate use of electronic health records.  But to ensure EHR systems are interoperable, they must be CCHIT-certified.  Further, the EHRs must meet the e-prescribing provisions of the law.'

Looks like ePrescribing will become a widespread reality within 2 years.  There will likely  be some business opportunities for some small companies to fill in the gap between ePrescribing as part of robust EMR systems and those that just need a tool to facilitate ePrescribing,  without integration into their system.

As more companies look for opportunity in the business "seams,"  they will need to work with a drug database company to close the loop.   And if they want to do it quickly and work with a vendor who serves as a partner,  and not just a supplier,  more and more are turning to Lexicomp.  

Not only will Lexicomp  provide all the basic drug data information such as:  drug interactions;  drug-allergy interactions,  therapeutic dosages,  drug classifications, dosage administration,  pediatric drug information,  and more;  but Lexicomp will also provide the service and support to allow the vendor to move quickly.  With this quickly changing marketplace,  working with a drug interaction software company to facilitate the product launch  is imperative.    If you are looking for a stand alone online ePrescribing application,  I would strongly suggest taking a look at DoseSpot.  They have a great product."

Quoting a colleague of mine:  "A recent article by HealthData Management summarizes that, 'The new law mandates use of electronic prescribing by Jan. 1, 2011. Prescribers and dispensers must use either the Health Level Seven messaging standards or the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs’ SCRIPT standard to transmit prescriptions and prescription-related information.  The law does not mandate use of electronic health records.  But to ensure EHR systems are interoperable, they must be CCHIT-certified.  Further, the EHRs must meet the e-prescribing provisions of the law.'"

Looks like ePrescribing will become a widespread reality within 2 years.  There will likely  be some business opportunities for some small companies to fill in the gap between ePrescribing as part of robust EMR systems and those that just need a tool to facilitate ePrescribing,  without integration into their system.

As more companies look for opportunity in the business "seams,"  they will need to work with a drug database company to close the loop.   And if they want to do it quickly and work with a vendor who serves as a partner,  and not just a supplier,  more and more are turning to Lexicomp.  

Not only will Lexicomp  provide all the basic drug data information such as:  drug interactions;  drug-allergy interactions,  therapeutic dosages,  drug classifications, dosage administration,  pediatric drug information,  and more;  but Lexicomp will also provide the service and support to allow the vendor to move quickly.  With this quickly changing marketplace,  working with a drug interaction software company to facilitate the product launch  is imperative.    If you are looking for a stand alone online ePrescribing application,  I would strongly suggest taking a look at DoseSpot.  They have a great product.

Try out the offerings from the Lexi-Comp-Cerner partnership and learn about the integrated clinical decision support systems delivered by two of the most reputable names in the industry.  

More and more EMRs are scrambling around to secure drug data to include their product.  Some of the EMR vendors are looking to do this after they have received certification and some are doing this as part of their certification process.   One area that they might be overlooking involves the APIs (and the concomitant support provided)  that the drug data vendor provides.  Many EMR developers decide they want to do this in-house.  Some decide they want to do this to save money,  while others decide to do this because their IT staff wants to own the entire process.  But there is a problem with this.  Even if they are IT experts,  they are not experts in the management of this drug data.

Whether their EMR product includes drug-drug or drug-allergy interactions,  pediatric dosing charts,  medication or generic brand names,  therapeutic dosages drug classifications, medicine lists,  dosage administration, duplicate therapy,  clinical guidelines,  or more;  the EMR vendor does usually have the internal experience and expertise to manage this information.

You are better off working with your vendor,  whether it be Lexi-Comp,  DoseSpot,  or Cerner/Multum and relying on the APIs they offer.  It will be faster,  less error-prone,  eat up fewer resources and keep more folks in the organization happy.

What will hospital information and practice management systems look like in 2014?  Will it be a radical shift,  "encouraged"  by government requirements?   Or will the government have to retrench a bit from their demands because of the difficulties - both financial and developmental -  that smaller hospitals will encounter?   Hard to say,  but there is a great deal at stake - including money,  disruption,  lost time,  turning off patients  etc.

EMR and EHR developers,  hospitals and group practices have a lot on their plates.  One area that tends to be an afterthought is the integration of drug information into the various systems.   Many of these systems need drug data to generate medicine interactions,  dose administration,  pediatric dose calculations,  therapeutic dosages,  drug classifications and  drug lists.   There are only  few providers of this information.   The key is to select the provider who will provide the greatest support in integrating this data into your system.  One that will help from assisting in clinical guidelines to eprescribing to drug nomenclature.

To convert raw data into a system that will like a drug interaction database for clinical decision support,  means you need to look beyond just the data.  You need to discern who will be the easiest vendor to work with and will hand hold if necessary.  Sometimes going with the biggest provider is the best,  other times,  when customer support is critical to a successful implementation,  it is best look to look long term.

It's no surprise that a majority of hospitals aren't ready for the switch to electronic medical records and that the uptake of technology has not been, nor will be, as rapid as the government hopes. 

Although there are billions of dollars available for care facilities to implement new technologies, such as EMRs, clinical decision support systems (CDS), and clinical information systems (CIS), these are often expensive and time consuming up front, requiring implementation and training of already overworked staff.  This process can take from months to years to reach maturity and often does not show significant gains immediately.  Remember, though, the aim is for better standardized patient care and long term efficiencies within the facility.

With all the headaches associated with the implementation of clinical information systems,  take the guesswork out of at least one part of the process and ensure that your EHR vendor is partnered with a reputable drug information provider.  Lexi-Comp provides drug product information that includes drug classifications by brand and generic name, a comprehensive drug interaction database, pediatric dosing calculators, and duplicate therapy checking.

Learn more about Lexi-Comp's drug information.