Mobile reference device pioneered in Maine

Prescribers in the state of Maine now have access to detailed drug reference information along with the most up-to-date list of preferred drugs available to patients enrolled in 'MaineCare', 'Maine Rx Plus' and 'Drugs for the Elderly'.

The Epocrates Rx and Rx Pro mobile drug references, designed for the Palm OS and Pocket PC handheld platforms and available through Epocrates Rx Online, allows easy checking of preferred drug list status, prior authorization requirements, alternatives, generic substitutes and quantity limits. The drug references also include over 3,500 drug monographs, along with indications, a built-in dosing calculator, contraindications, drug interactions, adverse reactions, cost information, and the MultiCheck function, which is capable of checking up to 30 drugs simultaneously for interactions.

Access to a single source of information at the point-of-care allows providers to immediately see the latest list of drugs available through the state's various pharmacy benefits, as well as the drugs available through private insurers in the state. Providers will also be able to tell immediately if a drug requires step therapy, a pre-authorization or is not covered at all. The information will be updated on a monthly basis when changes are made to the PDL. The software helps to search for alternatives, along with any cautions and contraindications those medications pose, enabling clinicians to make both cost effective and safe prescribing decisions.

A case study by Epocrates on the impact of hand-held formulary information, integrated with clinical content, on the prescribing choices and workflow of physicians was presented at an Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy conference. It showed a 64% reduction in phone calls from the pharmacy, and an 88% increase in likelihood that a physician would refer to formulary information provided on a handheld device before prescribing, as compared to a paper reference.