Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS) mandates are helping to address the opioid epidemic and reduce the abuse of prescription drugs. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, signed into federal law in October 2018, requires that all controlled substance drugs under Medicare Part D be electronically prescribed and received by the filling pharmacy. The compliance deadline was extended to January 1, 2022.

EPCS can help reduce fraud and abuse of controlled substances, as it is a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)-certified solution mandated at the state level that requires identity proofing to ensure that only an authorized prescriber is issuing prescriptions. It has the potential to help reduce medication errors, prescription theft, and forgery, and helps ensure prescriptions are securely transmitted from provider to retail or mail-order pharmacies.

EPCS requires two-factor authentication (2fa), which means 2 types of identification components are needed for access to ePrescribing. Typically, the 2 factors include a user-created password and a one-time password (OTP) produced by a hard or soft token. The most common form of 2fa is used at automated teller machines (ATMs). An ATM requires the user to possess a physical card, as well as provide a personal identification number (PIN). For EPCS, a third-party provider typically supports the use of the token and a fee is charged directly to the provider for the hardware, OTP token, and identity-proofing subscription. One token is required for each prescribing provider in the practice.

EPCS offers many benefits for patients and providers, including:

1. Decreasing the number of individuals who go “doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions, and preventing patients from using forged prescriptions
2. Eliminating dual-prescribing workflows to improve provider efficiency and satisfaction
3. Increasing e-Prescribing rates to help meet Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services reporting requirements
4. Minimizing prescription errors
5. Improving patient satisfaction by eliminating repeated doctor visits and long pharmacy wait times

Quanum ePrescribing is an electronic prescription solution that will help you meet current or future EPCS mandates. Our service enables you to manage prescriptions quickly and conveniently through your Quanum EHR, or it can be purchased separately for a low monthly fee.

To learn more about implementing EPCS, call Sales Support at 1.888.835.3409 or contact us via email.