How to order Schedule IIs electronically

Specialty generic drug wholesalers Anda and VIP are now shipping orders for Schedule II controlled substances electronically using the Controlled Substance Ordering System software (CSOS). The software is a DEA-approved process that eliminates the paper Form 222 by allowing pharmacies to transmit Schedule II orders electronically. Pharmacies that want to use CSOS must have a DEA electronic signature certificate, meet system requirements, and install the free software. For more information, go to http://www.andacsos.com/ or http://www.vipcsos.com/. Pharmacists who have not registered with DEA for e-ordering can go to http://www.deaecom.gov/csosmain.html.

Pandemic pandemonium

Pharmacists who want to keep a step ahead of patients in a panic about a potential influenza pandemic can check out Uncle Sam's Web site. Posted at pandemicflu.gov/, the site offers information about pandemic flu and avian flu, including key facts, FAQs, and health and safety information for healthcare professionals as well as families and workers. There's also the lowdown on the national strategy to combat a flu pandemic.

Community pharmacy owners are being offered an in-store sign-making software program through NCPA's partnership with Gladson Interactive. Using a simple on-line program accessible through http://www.pharmacistelink.com/, pharmacists can design and print full-color point-of-sale signs for their stores. The program costs NCPA members $20 per month or $180 annually, while nonmembers pay $25 monthly or $225 a year. For more information, go to http://www.pharmacistelink.com/. Registration is necessary to access the sign maker page.

Pump it up

Patients using implantable Medtronic drug pumps for difficult-to-treat chronic pain can now add a handheld device for on-demand delivery of pain medication. About the size of a cell phone, the Personal Therapy Manager lets patients using SynchroMed II pumps deliver supplemental doses pre-prescribed by their physician on an as-needed basis. Previously, patients received a constant dose of medication that had been preset by a physician. For more information, go to http://www.PTM.medtronic.com/.

Plan B

The American Liver Foundation launched a Web site to support its THINK B campaign to raise awareness of hepatitis B in the Asian-American community. The Web site at http://www.thinkb.org/ includes information for patients and their families. The section for healthcare professionals includes diagnosis and treatment, prevention tips, and a community educator toolkit with materials in English and Chinese.

Kanguru court

Kanguru Solutions has released the Kanguru BioSTOR, a USSB2.0 portable hard drive with biometric security to thwart data snoops. A biometric sensor on the top of the small device allows access to the encrypted hard drive once an exact fingerprint is confirmed. Up to five fingerprints and the security software are stored on the drive so the device can travel to and from compatible PCs without installation. Storage capacities range from 40 to 500 gigabytes. Prices start at $279. There's more information at http://www.kanguru.com/.

Prime time

NDCHealth has introduced Intelligent Network Prime, offering real-time claims processing and editing and customer loyalty solutions. Network Prime features three levels-Gold, Platinum, and Elite. Pharmacies can process claims over the Internet without added phone-line costs for multiple workstations, since one server or workstation can handle all claims processing. For more information, phone 1-(800) 778-6711; or go to http://www.ndchealth.com/.