---
title: "Best Prescription Writing Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing"
description: "Find the best Prescription Writing Software for your organization. Compare top Prescription Writing Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos."
source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/"
page_type: "subcategory"
language: "en"
---

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Prescription Writing Software

Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee.

# Best Prescription Writing Software of 2026

Updated November 1, 2026

On this page

1.  Popular Comparisons
2.  Buyers Guide

Filter products

151 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 151 products

#### Company Size

-   Self-Employed
    
-   2-10
    
-   11-50
    
-   51-200
    
-   201-500
    
-   501-1000
    
-   1000+
    

#### Pricing Options

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### Compare Products

Sort by

**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

### [RXNT](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.3/5
- Reviews: 514
- Starting price: $32.00/month
- Best for: Small businesses
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

RXNT is an ambulatory healthcare technology company that empowers medical practices, multi-location groups, and enterprise multi-specialty organizations to scale with confidence

[Read more](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/)

##### What users love

- Simple setup and daily operation
- Streamlined electronic prescribing workflow
- Intuitive and user-friendly design

##### To take in mind

- Limited and unresponsive support experience
- Cumbersome patient data handling
- Prescription processing and pharmacy issues

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Online Forms: 5/5
- Therapy Notes: 5/5
- Search/Filter: 5/5
- SMS Reminders: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Scheduling

- Price: $32.00/month
- Manage patient appointments and office resources.

##### Electronic Health Records

- Price: $126.00/month
- Real-time access to custom charts and reports, lab test requests and review, and patient portal.

##### Practice Management

- Price: $213.00/month
- Streamline billing, reduce denials and rejections, and get reimbursed faster. Includes medical

[See full pricing details](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [AdvancedEHR](/product/1018-AdvancedEHR/)

- Overall rating: 3.6/5
- Reviews: 467
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

The AdvancedMD EHR Software offers a comprehensive Electronic Medical Record (EMR) service designed to streamline and optimize various aspects of medical practice management. It

[Read more](/product/1018-AdvancedEHR/)

##### What users love

- Simple learning and daily use
- Intuitive and user-friendly design

##### To take in mind

- Complex and inefficient billing processes
- Slow and unhelpful customer service
- Insufficient and confusing training

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Workflow Management: 5/5
- Initial Assessments: 5/5
- Vitals Tracking: 5/5
- Patient Intake: 5/5

[See all features](/product/1018-AdvancedEHR/#key-features)

---

### [athenaOne](/medical/athenacollector-athenaclinicals-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.8/5
- Reviews: 916
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

athenaOne is an integrated solution designed for healthcare practices, offering electronic health records, revenue cycle management and patient engagement tools. The platform’s EHR

[Read more](/medical/athenacollector-athenaclinicals-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive and user-friendly design
- Convenient access from anywhere
- Robust system-wide integrations

##### To take in mind

- Slow and inconsistent support response
- Impersonal and difficult portal experience
- Complex and error-prone billing

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Case Management: 5/5
- Patient Management: 5/5
- For Healthcare: 5/5
- Out-Patient Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- For Orthopedics: 1/5
- Clinical Notes: 1/5
- Quotes/Estimates: 1/5

[See all features](/medical/athenacollector-athenaclinicals-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request

[See full pricing details](/medical/athenacollector-athenaclinicals-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [TotalMD](/medical/totalmd-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.4/5
- Reviews: 66
- Starting price: $129.00/month
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Running a successful medical practice requires more than great patient care, it requires efficient operations, accurate billing, and complete financial visibility.

TotalMD is a

[Read more](/medical/totalmd-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Customizable Templates: 5/5
- Third-Party Integrations: 5/5
- Appointment Management: 5/5
- Reporting & Statistics: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Remittance Advice: 3/5
- Practice Management: 3.3/5

[See all features](/medical/totalmd-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: $129.00/month

[See full pricing details](/medical/totalmd-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [CharmHealth](/medical/charmehr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 153
- Starting price: $25.00/month
- Best for: Value for money
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

CharmHealth is a comprehensive suite of healthcare solutions designed to streamline practice management, revenue cycle management, patient engagement, and telehealth services. The

[Read more](/medical/charmehr-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Meaningful Use Certified: 5/5
- Multi-Provider Practice: 5/5
- Invoice History: 5/5
- Admissions Management: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/charmehr-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Elation](/medical/elation-emr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.8/5
- Reviews: 83
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Elation Health is the most trusted technology platform for high-value primary care. Since 2010, the company has delivered clinical-first solutions — built on a collaborative EHR

[Read more](/medical/elation-emr-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Imaging and X-rays: 5/5
- Virtual Waiting Room: 5/5
- File Sharing: 5/5
- Electronic Signature: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Claims Management: 1/5

[See all features](/medical/elation-emr-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Practice Fusion](/medical/practice-fusion-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.7/5
- Reviews: 441
- Starting price: $199.00/month
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Practice Fusion offers a cloud-based EHR that includes a suite of integrated features like charting, e-prescribing, patient scheduling, lab and imaging integration and more.

[Read more](/medical/practice-fusion-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive and accessible interface

##### To take in mind

- Unexpected fees and inflexible contracts
- Limited and unresponsive support
- Patient record management challenges

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Therapy Notes: 5/5
- Initial Assessments: 5/5
- Self Service Portal: 5/5
- Data Import/Export: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/practice-fusion-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Practice Fusion EHR

- Price: $199.00/month
- 241-320 students- $219

[See full pricing details](/medical/practice-fusion-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [ChiroTouch](/medical/chirotouch-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.1/5
- Reviews: 1,134
- Starting price: $139.00/month
- Best for: Calendar Management
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

ChiroTouch is the leading all-in-one chiropractic EHR and practice management software, trusted by over 12,500 practices across the United States. For more than 25 years,

[Read more](/medical/chirotouch-profile/)

##### What users love

- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Efficient and customizable note-taking
- Flexible access from anywhere

##### To take in mind

- Slow and unhelpful support experience
- Steep learning curve and weak training
- Expensive with extra fees

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Recurring/Subscription Billing: 5/5
- SMS Messaging: 5/5
- Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5
- Communication Management: 4.9/5

##### Worst rated features

- Insurance Eligibility Verification: 3/5
- Multi-Location: 3/5
- Outcome Assessment Tools: 3.2/5

[See all features](/medical/chirotouch-profile/#key-features)

---

### [AestheticsPro](/medical/aesthetics-pro-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 685
- Starting price: $160.00/month
- Best for: Ease of use
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

AestheticsPro is an all-in-one, cloud-based medical spa software platform built for medspas, wellness clinics, and aesthetic practices. With AI-powered tools, scheduling, EMR, CRM,

[Read more](/medical/aesthetics-pro-profile/)

##### What users love

- Responsive and helpful support team
- Supportive onboarding and training resources
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface

##### To take in mind

- Confusing discounts and rewards handling
- Limited payment integration and flexibility
- Cumbersome client management features

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Live Chat: 5/5
- Virtual Waiting Room: 5/5
- No-Show Tracking: 5/5
- Records Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Electronic Signature: 1/5
- Data Import/Export: 1/5
- Customizable Reports: 2.3/5

[See all features](/medical/aesthetics-pro-profile/#key-features)

---

### [NextGen Office](/medical/nextgen-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.0/5
- Reviews: 1,286
- Starting price: $300.00
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

NextGen® Office is an all-in-one, cloud-based support system designed to help independent practices improve clinical outcomes, increase operational efficiencies, and optimize

[Read more](/medical/nextgen-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive interface and navigation
- Flexible workflow personalization options
- Supports practice growth and learning

##### To take in mind

- Slow and unresponsive support experience
- Cumbersome patient data management
- Workflow and specialty limitations

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Patient Data Security - Healthcare Claims Management: 5/5
- Claims Data Automation - Healthcare Claims Management: 5/5
- Patient Portal: 4.5/5
- Patient Communications: 4/5

##### Worst rated features

- Surveys & Feedback: 2.5/5
- Workflow Management: 4/5
- Patient Communications: 4/5

[See all features](/medical/nextgen-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Nextech EHR & PM](/medical/nextech-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.1/5
- Reviews: 239
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Nextech is redefining what’s possible in specialty healthcare. As an award-winning technology partner for specialty practices and med spas, we deliver intelligent, connected

[Read more](/medical/nextech-profile/)

##### What users love

- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Flexible templates and workflows
- Comprehensive practice management tools

##### To take in mind

- Inconsistent and slow support response
- Expensive and complex fee structure

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- For Ophthalmologists: 5/5
- Workflow Management: 5/5
- Calendar Management: 5/5
- Dunning Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Multi-Physician: 3/5

[See all features](/medical/nextech-profile/#key-features)

---

### [PatientNow](/medical/patientnow-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.9/5
- Reviews: 302
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

PatientNow is an EMR practice management software designed for aesthetic and wellness providers. It supports various specialties, such as med spas, plastic surgery clinics, weight

[Read more](/medical/patientnow-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Supportive onboarding and training resources
- Streamlined appointment management tools

##### To take in mind

- Slow and unresponsive customer assistance
- Complex and glitchy patient workflows
- Inefficient and costly practice operations

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Immunization & Allergy Tracking: 5/5
- Social Media Integration: 5/5
- Telemedicine Integration: 5/5
- Booking Management: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/patientnow-profile/#key-features)

---

### [NextGen Enterprise](/medical/nextgen-enterprise-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 38
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

NextGen Healthcare provides ambulatory practices of all sizes award-winning solutions along with dedicated support and professional services. We align with your goals to achieve

[Read more](/medical/nextgen-enterprise-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- API: 5/5
- Confirmations/Reminders: 5/5
- Patient Portal: 5/5
- Practice Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Imaging and X-rays: 2/5
- Reporting/Analytics: 2.5/5

[See all features](/medical/nextgen-enterprise-profile/#key-features)

---

### [ModMed](/medical/electronic-medical-assistant-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 568
- Best for: Customer support
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

ModMed is a cloud-based, all-in-one platform designed for specialty medical practices of all sizes, from solo providers to multi-location groups. It serves specialties including

[Read more](/medical/electronic-medical-assistant-profile/)

##### What users love

- Accessible and organized interface
- Quick learning and onboarding process
- Streamlined and intuitive navigation

##### To take in mind

- Disruptive and frequent updates
- Billing accuracy and support issues

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Financial Management: 5/5
- File Sharing: 5/5
- One-to-One Messaging: 5/5
- Multi-Provider Practice: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Compliance Tracking: 1/5
- Invoice History: 1/5
- Code & Charge Entry: 1/5
- For Ophthalmologists: 1/5

[See all features](/medical/electronic-medical-assistant-profile/#key-features)

---

### [AllegianceMD](/medical/allegiancemd-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 26
- Starting price: $349.00
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

AllegianceMD is a cloud-based medical software system that is designed to serve the needs of small and midsize practices, as well as ambulatory surgery centers. The solution

[Read more](/medical/allegiancemd-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Appointment Scheduling: 5/5
- Medical Billing: 5/5
- Meaningful Use Certified: 5/5
- Multi-Location: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Practice Management: 3.5/5
- Claims Management: 3.8/5
- Insurance Eligibility Verification: 3.8/5
- Patient Portal: 4/5

[See all features](/medical/allegiancemd-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: $349.00

[See full pricing details](/medical/allegiancemd-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [ReLiMed](/medical/relimed-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 28
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

ReLi Med Solutions' suite gives small to midsize ambulatory care practices a completely integrated EHR and Practice Management solution. The solution can be installed on-premises

[Read more](/medical/relimed-profile/)

---

### [Advanced Data Systems](/medical/advanced-data-systems-medicspremier-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Reviews: 117
- Starting price: $350.00one time
- Best for: HIPAA Compliant
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Advanced Data Systems provides healthcare software designed to streamline clinical and administrative workflows for various medical organizations. The software suite supports

[Read more](/medical/advanced-data-systems-medicspremier-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Physician Management: 5/5
- Calendar Management: 5/5
- Charting: 5/5
- Reminders: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/advanced-data-systems-medicspremier-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Office Practicum](/medical/office-practicum-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 277
- Starting price: $350.00/month
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Office Practicum has long been committed to simplifying the complexity of running an independent pediatric practice. Our platform brings together everything pediatric practices

[Read more](/medical/office-practicum-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- ONC-ATCB Certified: 5/5
- Calendar Management: 5/5
- Patient Flow Management: 5/5
- Prescription Renewal: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Activity Tracking: 1/5
- Document Templates: 3/5
- Appointment Scheduling: 3.8/5
- Third-Party Integrations: 4/5

[See all features](/medical/office-practicum-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Intelligent Medical Software](/medical/intelligent-medical-software-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.3/5
- Reviews: 54
- Starting price: $199.00/month
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

IMS (Intelligent Medical Software) by Meditab Software is an Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Practice Management solution that includes applications for e-prescribing, practice

[Read more](/medical/intelligent-medical-software-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- HIPAA Compliant: 5/5
- Document Management: 5/5
- Billing & Invoicing: 5/5
- Meaningful Use Certified: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/intelligent-medical-software-profile/#key-features)

---

### [PrognoCIS](/medical/prognocis-bizmatics-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.1/5
- Reviews: 296
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

PrognoCIS EHR and PrognoCIS Telemedicine have earned a reputation for fast, flexible individual provider workflow. The software package offers a full suite of highly desirable

[Read more](/medical/prognocis-bizmatics-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive and user-friendly design
- Flexible customization for practices
- Smooth onboarding and workflow support

##### To take in mind

- Inconsistent and difficult support experience
- Slow and hard-to-reach technical help

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Family History Tracking: 5/5
- Intake Management: 5/5
- Mobile Access: 5/5
- Progress Notes: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Surveys & Feedback: 1/5
- Online Forms: 1/5

[See all features](/medical/prognocis-bizmatics-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Liquid EHR](/medical/liquidehr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 56
- Starting price: $199.00/month
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

LiquidEHR is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) solution suitable for small and midsize optometry practices. It offers medical records management, medical billing and

[Read more](/medical/liquidehr-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- For Optometrists: 5/5
- Patient Records Management: 5/5
- Activity Dashboard: 5/5
- Records Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Patient Scheduling: 1/5
- Drug Reference Database: 1/5
- Document Management: 3/5

[See all features](/medical/liquidehr-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### In-office

- Price: $199.00/month
- This plan offers a complete setup free of cost.

##### Cloud

- Price: $299.00/month
- This plan includes 5 concurrent users and a free setup.

[See full pricing details](/medical/liquidehr-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [RevolutionEHR](/medical/revolutionehr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 205
- Starting price: $319.00/month
- Best for: Features
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

RevolutionEHR is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) solution built specifically for optometry practices. RevolutionEHR includes a complete EHR, medical billing, patient

[Read more](/medical/revolutionehr-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Template Management: 5/5
- Meaningful Use Certified: 5/5
- Reminders: 5/5
- Inventory Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Insurance Management: 1/5
- Recall Tracking: 3.7/5
- Patient Portal: 4/5

[See all features](/medical/revolutionehr-profile/#key-features)

---

### [MedEZ](/medical/medez-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 20
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

MedEZ is a web-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) and revenue cycle management platform designed specifically for behavioral health and substance use treatment providers. The

[Read more](/medical/medez-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Electronic Payments: 5/5
- Calendar Management: 5/5
- Data Import/Export: 5/5
- Treatment Planning: 4/5

##### Worst rated features

- Medical Billing: 1/5
- Patient Portal: 2/5
- Charting: 2/5
- Therapy Notes: 2/5

[See all features](/medical/medez-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Qualifacts InSync EHR](/product/421013-InSync-EMR/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 393
- Starting price: $75.00/month
- Best for: Small businesses
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Qualifacts InSync streamlines essential healthcare functions like charting, billing, scheduling, medication management, and telehealth within a cohesive cloud-based platform.

[Read more](/product/421013-InSync-EMR/)

##### What users love

- Accessible learning and usability
- Intuitive and organized navigation
- Tailored workflows and flexibility

##### To take in mind

- Inconsistent support and onboarding
- Slow loading and lag issues

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Drag & Drop: 5/5
- Invoice History: 5/5
- Inventory Management: 5/5
- Medication Alerts/Warnings: 5/5

[See all features](/product/421013-InSync-EMR/#key-features)

---

### [Nexus EHR](/product/3725-Nexus-Clinical/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 32
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

Reclaiming the Patient-Provider Connection.
Nexus EHR was built on a single premise: doctors should be healers, not data entry clerks. In an era of record-high burnout, Nexus

[Read more](/product/3725-Nexus-Clinical/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Surveys & Feedback: 5/5
- Immunization & Allergy Tracking: 5/5
- Payment Processing: 5/5
- Clinic Interoperability: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Historical Reporting: 3/5

[See all features](/product/3725-Nexus-Clinical/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Physician

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request
- Nexus offers annual contract as well as  month to month subscription.
The Subscription is charged

[See full pricing details](/product/3725-Nexus-Clinical/#pricing-and-plans)

---

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[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/prescription-writing-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=7)

## Popular Comparisons

[

RXNT vs ChiroTouch

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/chirotouch-profile/vs/rxnt-emr/)[

Jane vs athenaOne

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1106-athenacollector-athenaclinicals/vs/86099-Jane-App/)[

PatientNow vs AestheticsPro

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/aesthetics-pro-profile/vs/patientnow/)[

AdvancedEHR vs ModMed

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1018-AdvancedEHR/vs/2446-electronic-medical-assistant/)[

DrChrono vs Qualifacts InSync EHR

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/131146-drchrono/vs/421013-InSync-EMR/)[

BestNotes vs CareLogic EHR by Qualifacts

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/bestnotes-profile/vs/qualifacts-systems-carelogic-enterprise/)

## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox

### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you.

Everyone knows the old jokes about doctors having bad handwriting. They're funny because they're so often true. At the same time, they're not at all funny because bad handwriting actually leads to serious mistakes.

_Illegible handwritten medication prescriptions are the subject of many funny-not-funny jokes_

According to a 2006 study, [covered](http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1578074,00.html) by Time magazine, "Doctors' sloppy handwriting kills more than 7,000 people \[...\] and injures more than 1.5 million Americans \[...\]. Many such errors result from unclear abbreviations and dosage indications and illegible writing on some of the 3.2 billion prescriptions written in the U.S. every year."

As the number of prescriptions written annually keeps rising—up to nearly 4.5 billion in the US in 2016—it's clear that a solution to the problem is needed. Thankfully, a simple solution already exists. Dedicated prescription writing software is one tool in the vast family of [medical software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4527-medical/) and is the subject of this Buyer's Guide. In it we cover:

[What Is Prescription Writing Software?](#WhatIsPrescriptionWritingSoftware)

[Common Features of Prescription Writing Software](#CommonFeaturesofPrescriptionWritingSoftware)

[Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand)

## What Is Prescription Writing Software?

Prescription writing software is a group of dedicated applications and software platform add-ons that help doctors create, print, record and transmit prescriptions. Doctors and practices seeking broader functionality should begin their search by reading our [medical software Buyer's Guide](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4527-medical/#buyers-guide).

_Pharmacy selection screen in_ [NextGen Healthcare's](https://origin-www.softwareadvice.com/medical/nextgen-profile/) _integrated medical software platform_

As the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine [writes](https://www.nap.edu/read/11623/chapter/5#80), "Medication administration is founded on what are termed the 'five rights'—the right drug, in the right dose, by the right route, at the right time, to the right patient."

That's a lot to get right! Prescription writing software helps get it all right every time, by helping health care providers avoid mistakes caused by oversights, transcription errors or just messy handwriting.

## Common Features of Prescription Writing Software

While features vary considerably depending on whether the prescription writing software is used on its own or as part of a larger [integrated suite of medical software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4527-medical/), some common features to know about include the following:

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Patient information | Helps fill out prescriptions with patient information (name, address, date of birth etc.) obtained through integration with patient electronic health records (EHRs) or other digital records. |
| Drug search | Lets prescribers search and select from a database of medication options, including those for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, drug nicknames and generic alternatives. |
| Medication history views | With EHR integration, medication history views provide information on a patient's current and past prescription history. |
| Adverse interaction checks | Helps prescribers stay on top of any potential drug interactions by checking for drug allergies and other contraindications. |
| E-prescribe | Electronically transmit new prescriptions directly to a pharmacy or receive refill requests from a pharmacy. |
| One-click prescribing and refills | More automated implementation of e-prescribe and one-click functions streamline the prescribing and refill processes. |
| EHR integrations | General back-end functionality that supports many more advanced prescription writing software features, such as integration with medication histories. |
| Certifications | Prescription writing software may be certified by a number of third-parties, including the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) |

---

**Certifications for Prescription Writing Software**

There are many laws and regulations that govern how a health care provider can store, use and transmit information related to a patient's health. Importantly, these laws apply to the _providers_ of health care, but not to the software they use. This means that if a practice uses software that runs afoul of these laws, then it's the practice that's on the hook and not the software vendor.

Thankfully, there are a number of groups and commissions that provide accreditations. One example, the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) [describes](https://www.ehnac.org/about/) itself as a "nonprofit accrediting body designed to improve transactional quality, operational efficiency and data security in health care."

  

[EHNAC accreditations](https://www.ehnac.org/e-prescribing/) _available to prescribers, prescription writing software platforms and pharmacies_

Regarding prescriptions specifically, EHNAC has accreditations for software, pharmacies and practices. Prescription writing software buyers can improve their chances at full compliance by looking for vendors that have these or similar accreditations.

## Market Trends to Understand

**Move toward mobile devices**

It's no secret that the world is rapidly moving toward digitalization. From online learning to online appointment scheduling and everything in between, new uses for digital communications are unfolding almost daily. In the health care sphere, the move to electronic health records (EHRs) is one of the most obvious manifestations of this larger trend.

In a previous survey, Software Advice learned that health care providers use a variety of devices to access and input information to EHRs:

**Device Used to Access EHRs**

Interestingly, though a majority reported using desktop computers, those using mobile devices (tablets, smartphones) actually reported a higher level of satisfaction:

**Satisfaction With EHR, by Device Type Used**

While many offices have implemented desktop/laptop computers into their workflows, the evidence suggests they'd be more satisfied if they made the switch to mobile devices. Buyers of prescription writing software should take this into consideration and look for software with good mobile device compatibility.

**Digitalization opens door to better health outcomes**

Much of the discussion about the benefits of prescription writing software focuses on efficiency and error prevention. While clearly important, there are other benefits worth noting. Namely, many of the medical world's up-and-coming advancements will be most readily available to practices that have embraced digital technologies in their workflows.

Look at genomics-based drug selection as one example. In the [report](https://www.gartner.com/document/3525644) "Predicts 2017: Healthcare Providers Take a Step Toward Digital Business" (available to Gartner clients), Richard Gibson notes that:

-   An increasing number of drugs can be predicted to be ineffective or toxic, based on a person's genomics.
    
-   Avoiding ineffective drugs leads to use of other, better medications and faster patient recovery.
    

But how will prescribers find the time to weigh all these additional factors? They won't need to. Instead, prescription writing software will work quietly behind the scenes and offer medication suggestions that the evidence has shown to work most effectively with particular markers in that patient's genome.

That's just one example, but it's a good one. It shows how transitioning now to a digital practice will open up opportunities down the road.