ePocrates Rx Formulary, the newest application from ePocrates, combines formulary information from CalOptima and other health plans, hospitals, provider organizations and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies with the clinical data in ePocrates Rx. The company said Physicians using ePocrates Rx Formulary will have instant access to formulary drugs covered at lower patient co-pays, prior authorization requirements and quantity limits. Both the clinical and formulary information in ePocrates Rx Formulary is updated every time the physician performs an AutoUpdate.

"Patients always ask me if a medication is covered by their Medicaid card," says Dr. Jane Dye, an ePocrates Rx user. "Since the list of covered medications may change every two to three months, the only way to find out is to phone a pharmacist and ask them. I am usually too busy for such niceties and checking my handheld device is so much easier."

According to the companies involved, nearly 30% of California physicians -- and over 20% of the top prescribing CalOptima doctors -- have already downloaded ePocrates software.