“This is a very cost-effective alternative for anyone who doesn't have an EMR system,” said Dr. Stephanie Lucas, who uses $150 Dymo Twin Turbo label makers.
“I have all my prescriptions on the attached software, so all I have to do to print a label is go to the list on my computer, click on the prescription, and it comes out of the machine,” said Dr. Lucas, who puts one label into the patient's chart and gives a second copy to the patient to take to the pharmacy, or faxes it.
The endocrinologist takes an extra step to ensure that patients know what medications are for. For example, in addition to “Statin 20 mg #90,” the label also says “cholesterol med.”
“Patients love it, and pharmacists appreciate being able to read the prescriptions,” Dr. Lucas said. The desktop labeling system also integrates with many software programs such as Outlook and Quickbooks to produce individual labels.
“In addition, the data management software that comes with the machine contains our entire Rolodex file of physicians, so that patients referred to another facility get a legible copy of the name, address, and phone number on a printed label.”
Dr. Lucas uses the label maker to print customized instructions for each patient, and puts a second copy into each chart.