title: Formulary access using a PDA-based drug reference tool: does it affect prescribing behavior?
abstract: We assessed the association between formulary access via a handheld drug reference tool and utilization of generic (Tier 1) and non-generic, non-formulary (Tier 3) medications. In a retrospective before-after study of physician prescribing behavior for patients in a large, national health plan, physicians with formulary access using Epocrates(TM) showed smaller (0.5%) increases in Tier 3 prescribing over time compared to physicians without such access.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Jason A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lyman
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Conaway
authors.forename: Sheryl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lowenhar
mesh_terms: D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004346:Drug Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055695:Electronic Prescribing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005572:Formularies, Hospital as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014768:Virginia