BFM started prescribing electronically in 2008.  As of now we remain one of the few offices in Whatcom County that uses ERx as recommended by several national health policies.  Since starting we have overcome most of the glitches that may occur with this technology.  For the most part the process is much faster and safer than the old way.  However, you should know that there are significant variation in how you get and refill your prescriptions depending on where you go.  In the world of medicine (and other businesses), a process is only improved if it replaces the older flawed process rather than adds to it.  Unfortunately, because not all pharmacies are on board, we have at least 3 different ways of refilling medications.  ERx is fast and efficient, the others are slower are quite primitive.

Walgreens and Rite Aid tend to do the best job with ERx.  Fred Meyer made a major upgrade recently and is starting to improve.  WalMart is hit or miss, but tends to be slow to fill prescriptions regardless of when the Rx arrives (to encourage shopping).  Unfortunately, most other pharmacies have not upgraded their systems to support ERx (including Haggens, Costco, and most others).  Ironically, most of the large mail order pharmacies which together invented ERx do not support their creation.  As such, if you must you one of these pharmacies, your refills may take longer.

Additionally, any controlled medication (such as narcotics and sedatives) can not be filled or refilled by ERx due to federal law.  Therefore, these may need to be handwritten or faxed.

As a BFM patient, the process for refilling your prescriptions is the same regardless.  Simply call the pharmacy.  The speed with which the refill is handled may be fast or slow depending on the process used, and whether or not you need an office visit.  As local ERx pioneers, we will continue to encourage the adaptation of ERx to improve this process.  If your preferred pharmacy doesn't use it, be sure to encourage them as well.