E-prescribing hits the medical world: what physicians need to know to get the right technology.

Electronic prescribing is an emerging technology that allows physicians to write appropriate, legible, and safe prescriptions quickly and easily, using a handheld computer unit linked to their office computer. The early physician adapters using this innovation had little objective information upon which to base their choice, so cost was their main criterion. Now, a variety of vendors and options are available, so the discriminating physician is able to select the electronic prescribing system most complementary to his or her practice's needs and unique style.