Which term refers to sending prescriptions to pharmacies electronically?

• A. HITECH Act
• B. 3D Printing in Health Care
• C. Electronic Prescriptions (E-prescribing)
• D. CPOE

Answer: (C)

Electronic prescribing is the process of sending prescriptions to pharmacies electronically. It specifically describes transmitting the prescription directly from the clinician’s system to the pharmacy, usually through an EHR or dedicated e-prescribing software. Because it designates the act of electronically delivering the prescription to a pharmacy, it’s the precise term for this workflow.

The other items refer to different concepts: a law that encouraged using health information technology, a manufacturing method not related to prescribing, and a broader system for entering orders that can include medications but isn’t focused on the act of sending the prescription to a pharmacy. Electronic prescribing captures the direct transmission to the pharmacy, along with safety and efficiency benefits like legibility, speed, and automated checks.