They are planning to send prescriptions to pharmacies over the Internet because their information technology consultant has convinced them that it could save time and reduce prescription errors.

It outlines the ability to send error-free, accurate, and understandable prescriptions electronically from the healthcare provider to the pharmacy.

England's system allowing prescribers, primarily GPs, to send prescriptions electronically to pharmacists, rather than either printing a paper form or scrawling something in illegible handwriting.

They can also send electronic prescriptions directly to pharmacies [source: dBusiness News].

Later this year, the doctors will be able to send prescriptions electronically to participating local drugstores or online pharmacies.

The company also has software called @Rx, which allows doctors to send prescriptions over the Internet.

An Internet-based system being introduced today will allow doctors to send prescriptions directly to a pharmacy's computer from a hand-held or desk-top computer, wireless telephone or text pager.

It enables Dr. Zallen to send prescriptions to the center's pharmacy and order diagnostic tests.

About three-quarters of physician practices reported problems sending new prescriptions and renewals electronically to mail-order pharmacies.

Many of the health plans promoting Internet consultations are also introducing electronic systems that keep track of a patient's medical records and send prescriptions to the pharmacy.