The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has established the final rule for e-prescribing standards for Medicare Part D. People who are eligible to enroll in Medicare's prescription drug program are expected to experience greater safety, increased use of lower-cost generic equivalents, and more efficient communication between their doctor and pharmacy because of the rule.
 
The final rule establishes Part D e-prescribing standards for four types of information: formulary and benefits, medication history, fill status notification and identification of individual healthcare providers.

This article originally appeared in the May 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.