Open Forum

I am looking to see what processes other ambulatory organizations follow related to Epic medication orders for serial medications such as Depo-Provera, Testosterone, B-12. When a provider initiates one of these medications for a patient, how do they order it in Epic? As a standing order? Do they use therapy plans? We were told that standing orders cannot be used as it creates an issue with billing on the back end. Our current process is to have the provider order the medication as a home medication, select "print only" (so it doesn't get transmitted to the pharmacy) and then when the patient comes in for a nurse visit, the nurse confirms the provider's order and then re-orders the medication as a clinic administered medication (CAM). This isn't an ideal process and we are looking to utilize Epic functionality to create an improved, more efficient process.

I would greatly appreciate any insight on what your processes are.

Thanks,
Jess

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Jessica Stevens, BSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Educator
Ambulatory Services
South Shore Medical Center
Part of South Shore Health
143 Longwater Drive Norwell, MA 02061
Phone: (781) 261-7849
Internal x37849
Email: jstevens@southshorehealth.org
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Hello,

My organization follows the same Epic workflow as the one JJ described.

Thanks,

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Dedria Sowder, MSN-Ed, RN, AMB-BC, NPD-BC, CPN
Leadership SIG Past Chair
Clinical Educator, Carilion Clinic
Roanoke Virginia
540-314-3028
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2026 12:28
From: Sharon Peacock
Subject: Epic medication order process

Hello Jessica,

Our organization has 2 separate orders for medications such as B-12 and Depo-Provera. One is the prescription that goes to the pharmacy, and the other is the clinic-administered medication (CAM) order. The CAM order flows to the MAR for documentation. When the providers enter the CAM order, it can be entered as a "recurring order"; this is what Epic calls it. The recurring order is for the necessary frequency of the medication. If the patient comes off-schedule for that next due date, our staff will still use the available order and document in the comments why it's off-schedule. We do not use therapy plans for these meds.

 

I'd be more than happy to meet to discuss further if you'd like.

 

Thank you,

 

Sharon J.J. Peacock, MSN-Ed., RN, NPD-BC, AMB-BC

Nursing Professional Development, Sentara Ambulatory Services Division

Immediate Past-Chair, AAACN Staff and Patient Education SIG

 

Office: 434-654-4529    Email: SJPEACOC@sentara.com

590 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 323, Charlottesville, VA 22911

 

 

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