Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is electronic prescribing (eRx)?

1. A method of recording patient demographics

2. A system for electronically transmitting prescriptions

3. A legislative requirement for medication tracking

4. A type of health information exchange

The correct answer is: A system for electronically transmitting prescriptions

Electronic prescribing, often referred to as eRx, specifically pertains to the system that enables healthcare providers to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies via electronic means. This method streamlines the prescription process, reducing errors associated with handwritten prescriptions and improving the efficiency of the medication dispensing process. When using eRx, the prescriber inputs the patient's prescription into an electronic health record (EHR) system or dedicated e-prescribing software. The prescription is then transmitted securely to the pharmacy of the patient's choice, which can expedite medication availability and enhance patient safety. eRx can also include features such as automatic alerts for potential drug interactions and medication-related problems, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes. The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of electronic prescribing. While recording patient demographics is an essential aspect of patient management, it is not related to the prescription process. Legislative requirements for medication tracking may encompass broader regulations related to controlled substances but do not specifically describe electronic prescribing. Lastly, health information exchanges facilitate the sharing of health information among healthcare organizations and are more general in scope, rather than focusing solely on the transmission of prescriptions. Thus, the definition of eRx is best captured by the second choice, emphasizing its role in electronically transmitting prescriptions.