Surescripts Partners with DAW Systems to Launch E-Prescribing for Veterinary Medications

In a groundbreaking advancement for veterinary medicine, Surescripts®, the nation's leading health information network, has announced the expansion of its E-Prescribing service to include medications ordered by veterinarians. This initiative is made possible through a new partnership with DAW Systems, Inc. (ScriptSure), aiming to provide quicker time to therapy, improved medication adherence, and ultimately better care for pets.

“This means participants in the Surescripts Network Alliance who complete their E-Prescribing upgrade and add E-Prescribing for Veterinary Medications will gain access to trusted, advanced prescribing tools that emphasize better quality care and prioritize patient safety,” said Kat Thorp, Vice President of Product Commercialization for Surescripts.

By integrating electronic prescribing into veterinary practices, Surescripts and DAW Systems are set to transform how veterinarians manage prescriptions. The new service will allow veterinarians to securely transmit electronic prescriptions to retail pharmacies, streamlining the prescription process for pets and enhancing patient safety by reducing the potential for medication errors.

Frank Harvey, Chief Executive Officer for Surescripts, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Our work with DAW Systems to bring the benefits of electronic prescribing to veterinarians is yet another example of our commitment to partnership and innovation across the Surescripts Network Alliance. This technology, which has supported clinicians for more than two decades, will also support veterinarians by reducing administrative tasks—like handwritten prescriptions, phone calls, and faxes—so they can spend more meaningful time caring for our pet patients.”

Adam Forman, Chief Operating Officer at DAW Systems, Inc. (ScriptSure), shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to expand the benefits of Surescripts E-Prescribing beyond human patients to our animal patients and the veterinarians who care for them. Together with Surescripts, we will enable veterinarian prescribers to securely transmit electronic prescriptions to retail pharmacies, streamlining the prescription process for pets, enhancing patient safety, and reducing the potential for medication errors.”

Benefits of E-Prescribing for Veterinary Medications

Surescripts E-Prescribing for Veterinary Medications will be available on the NCPDP SCRIPT Standard Version 2023011, which was finalized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in June 2024. This service offers several benefits:

• Reduced Administrative Burden: By eliminating handwritten prescriptions, phone calls, and faxes, veterinarians can focus more on patient care.

• Enhanced Patient Safety: Electronic prescriptions reduce the risk of medication errors, ensuring pets receive the correct medications.

• Improved Efficiency: Quicker transmission of prescriptions to retail pharmacies means faster access to necessary treatments for pets.

• Streamlined Process: Veterinarians can easily manage and track prescriptions, leading to better adherence to prescribed therapies.

A Milestone in Veterinary Healthcare

In 2023, Surescripts processed 2.5 billion e-prescriptions from 1.29 million prescribers across the U.S., underscoring the extensive reach and reliability of their network. The expansion into veterinary medicine marks a significant milestone, broadening the impact of E-Prescribing to include animal healthcare.

This innovative partnership between Surescripts and DAW Systems is poised to revolutionize veterinary practices, offering advanced tools that ensure better quality care and prioritize patient safety. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners by leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes.

For more information about the upgrades and to learn how to integrate Surescripts E-Prescribing for Veterinary Medications into your practice, visit Surescripts NCPDP 2023 Upgrade.