e-Prescribing: The Electronic Transformation of Medicine

As part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, electronic prescribing has been proposed as a solution to the growing problem of medical errors due to similar drug names. Fincham (pharmacy practice and administration, U. of Missouri-Kansas City) presents a balanced analysis of the benefits of e-prescribing and concerns over security and costs. The reference includes the latest system options; a summary of the 2003 law; timeline of related initiatives; federal privacy laws for protecting personal health information; proposed e-prescribing standards; and a glossary. Annotation 穢2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)