The services of Standard Register and Star Micronics America have been required in order to overcome a fundamental issue, prescription fraud, which costs the American healthcare system an estimated $5 billion annually. Something had to be done about this problem, so the healthcare industry adopted a new secure prescription solution, offered by Standard Register incorporating Star's TSP800Rx locking printer.

The printer is a very small direct thermal device containing a locking paper chamber. Usually, prescription forms are stolen from exam rooms in hospitals and medical practices. Considering that 25 prescription forms are sold for about $8,000, this seems to be quite a business for those who get their hands on them. The doctor's signatures can be forged and all kinds of drugs can be obtained, either for personal interests, or for their distribution on the black market.

Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) might be an effective way against prescription fraud, given the fact that it uses a secure, automated data entry system to generate a prescription, instead of the old-fashioned pen and paper that are so easily accessible. Thus, the process becomes less and less dangerous, especially if Standard Register's Scrip Plus® secure prescription stock and Star's RX locking printer are also used.

Security features are included into the Standard Register's proprietary Scrip Plus thermal paper rolls, which have an imprinted message warning pharmacists about these security precautions. They are provided with color-shifting ink, changing color with the touch of a finger, which confirms to the pharmacist that the prescription form is authentic. The duplication of the prescriptions is prevented by CopyBan Capture®. The word "void" is imprinted on the prescriptions in case they are scanned, copied, or exposed to acetone or chemical agents. In addition, each prescription has a number and bar code. Considering that such a security measure was absolutely necessary, Standard Register decided to work together with Star Micronics in order to make the Rx printer better. Jay Frerichs, senior product manager for Standard Register, stated: "We were introduced to Star Micronics during a prescription fraud meeting held by New York State. After that meeting, we evaluated the TSP800Rx and we thought it was great. It's fast, quick, and small. Plus, it's a direct thermal printer, which makes it durable and less expensive to print a prescription compared to a laser printer. It was remarkable how quickly Star Micronics turned the printer (with the locking feature) around".

Michael Hanson, Vice President of Star Micronics America, adds: "Star Micronics has always played an innovative role in the printer industry. Our relationship with Standard Register and our dedication to the prescription marketplace with our secured prescription printer is the most recent example of that role. It is a truly innovative platform that brings a number of advantages to the increasing deployment of e-prescribing systems."

Standard Register is a trusted by companies to manage the critical documents they need to thrive in today's competitive climate. Relying on nearly 100 years of industry expertise, Lean Six Sigma methodologies and leading technologies, the company helps organizations increase efficiency, reduce costs, mitigate risks, grow revenue and meet the challenges of a changing business landscape. It offers document and label solutions, technology solutions, consulting and print supply chain services to help clients manage documents across their enterprise. For more information, visit http://www.standardregister.com .