Impact of an evidence-based computerized decision support system on primary care prescription costs.

Purpose: Although newer, heavily promoted medications are commonly prescribed, published evidence and consensus guidelines often support the use of less expensive alternatives. This study was designed to evaluate the impact on prescription costs of a computerized decision support system (CDSS) that provides evidence-based recommendations to clinicians during the electronic prescribing process.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using a pharmacy claims database.