Surescripts said on Monday that its electronic prior authorization (ePA) network now includes NextGen Healthcare, a health care information system, services and connectivity solutions provider.
NextGen Healthcare is one of the nation´s biggest electronic health record vendors. The addition of NextGen will allow 250,000 prescribers nationwide to complete prior authorization (PA) requests more efficiently and rapidly by using Surescripts CompletEPA.
Prior authorization has been the weakest link in the e-prescribing process, Surescripts said. A Surescripts survey indicated that 91 percent of physicians say PAs are frustrating, and 90 percent of PAs require a phone call or fax.
CompletEPA removes the need for phone calls and faxes, thereby simplifying the PA process. Physicians are informed on whether a PA is necessary prior to sending prescriptions, then dynamic questions are used to reduce the information needed. Data is pre-populated whenever possible. After questions are answered, Surescripts' electronic system quickens the communication between health plans and providers, and delivers instant denials or approvals.
“The current manual process of prior authorization is time-consuming and frustrating for all parties involved, especially the patient,” Mike Pritts, executive vice president of product innovation at Surescripts, said. “Picking up a prescription at the pharmacy can be delayed by days, but by connecting NextGen’s users with CompletEPA, we can boost efficiency, as well as cost savings, and get needed medications into the hands of patients faster.”
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