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"Approximately one in three Americans carry a Blue Cross and/or BlueShield card. Partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans is one way inwhich we can combine our expertise and implement new programs to positivelyimpact the cost and quality of care that members receive," said Renwyck Elder,president of WellPoint NextRx. "WellPoint NextRx is consistently identifyingnew programs that offer health plan members access to affordable, qualitymedications. We're pleased to be working with BCBSRI to connect physicians,including those treating BCBSRI members, to critical decision supportinformation at the point of care to help manage the patients' use ofmedications and counsel patients on safe and affordable choices."
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The connection to SureScripts-RxHub allows NextRx to electronically linkwith physicians/providers who e-prescribe, providing valuable real-timepharmacy information before prescriptions are written, thereby helping toreduce errors and increase physician effectiveness. Before an authorizedphysician or provider prepares an e-prescription for a BCBSRI member, withpatient consent, immediate eligibility and formulary information will beprovided from NextRx. In addition, medication history can also be provided tophysicians during the prescribing process.
"We are making every effort to promote the adoption and use of electronichealth records by Rhode Island physicians," said Jim Purcell, president andCEO, BCBSRI. "We believe that making e-prescribing easier will furtherencourage its use, which will directly benefit our members."
In 2006, the state of Rhode Island finished first in the nation as part ofthe first ever nationwide ranking of electronic prescribing activity, earningthe state the SafeRx Award. Earlier this year, NextRx completed a pilotprogram launched by BCBSRI for increasing the use of specific generic over-the-counter medications. The OTC Options Program was designed by NextRx inresponse to BCBSRI's desire to help members save money on medications to treatcommon ailments such as allergies.
SureScripts-RxHub operates a low-cost utility that facilitates the secureexchange of e-prescriptions and prescription information nationwide. NextRxwas first connected to SureScripts-RxHub in late 2006.
WellPoint NextRx is a service mark of WellPoint, Inc. Services areprovided by a WellPoint PBM (either NextRx Services, Inc. or NextRx, LLC, asapplicable). WellPoint NextRx is a division of WellPoint, Inc.
About WellPoint NextRx
WellPoint NextRx is a progressive pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) helpinghealth plans, employer groups and third party administrators target thereduction of total health care costs and improve health outcomes. NextRxprovides extensive PBM services including claims processing, clinical anddisease management programs, retail network, mail and specialty pharmacy,customer service, and rebate management. With roots that date back to the1980's, NextRx has years of experience in providing all of these fundamentalservices. WellPoint NextRx is a division of WellPoint, Inc. Services areprovided by a WellPoint PBM (either NextRx Services, Inc. or NextRx, LLC, asapplicable). Visit www.wellpointnextrx.com.
About SureScripts-RxHub
SureScripts-RxHub gives healthcare provi
