Drug Interaction Data for EHRs and ePrescribers

Now that ONC and CMS allow specialists and dentists to file exceptions from Meaningful Use requirements, many classes of clinicians find themselves able to qualify for incentive money. But even though they may not use much of a certified EHR's functionality, they're still required to implement a fully functional package to qualify.

This is something of a dilemma for vendors of EHR systems for specialists and dentists. How can they provide lightweight versions of functionality that may never be used, while still giving robust coverage of important features like e-prescribing? It's a development puzzle with seemingly no easy solution.

Are web services the answer?
Not every EHR or EMR can be successful relying on web services to fulfill Meaningful Use criteria, but specialists and dentists may be able to reap the benefits. Web services are inexpensive and quick to implement, and don't require you to maintain and update a complicated database of medications and other clinical concepts. Simply request the information you need via the web service when you need it, and it can be delivered to your application.

Lexicomp is one vendor that supplies robust web services to their own database of drug and clinical information. They provide enough functionality to fulfill every Stage 1 Meaningful Use requirement related to drug screening and interaction checking. They also have web services for the delivery of patient education materials.

If you think web services may be beneficial to your development, contact Lexicomp today to learn more.