How much does e-prescribing cost?
Surescripts does not charge physicians for access to our network
for core e-prescribing services (prescription routing, prescription
benefit, and medication history). Costs a physician typically incur
will vary depending on which kind of hardware and software
(electronic medical record (EMR) systems vs. a stand-alone
e-prescribing system) a practice chooses to purchase and implement
via a software vendor or other technology provider.
EMR systems offer more comprehensive functionalities, but are more
costly, complex and time consuming to implement. According to the
Congressional Budget Office, office-based EMR systems cost about
$25,000 to $45,000 per prescriber. Estimated annual costs to
operate and maintain an EMR system (e.g., software licensing fees,
technical support, and updating and replacing used equipment),
range from $3,000 to $9,000 per physician per year.
Be sure to ask vendors specific questions about any incremental
fees related to e-prescribing functionality as well as training.
The figures above do not include the initial costs of the hardware
required to support either an e-prescribing or an EMR system, or
the costs of temporary decreases in productivity resulting from
training or workflow redesign, practice management interfaces,
customization, maintenance, upgrades, or data conversion.
Whether you choose a stand-alone e-prescribing application or an
EMR system with integrated e-prescribing, cost is only one part of
the equation. You should compare the costs - both direct and
indirect, start-up and ongoing - with expected benefits such as
improved efficiency and productivity, decreased administrative
expenses and staff utilization to fully understand the value of
e-prescribing to your practice.
