Doctor First seeks approval for ePrescribing platform from Connecticut Pharmacy Board

The DCP Commission of Pharmacy convened on June 30, 2025, to discuss the approval of Doctor First, a company specializing in electronic prescribing and medication management. Nick Barger, a pharmacist and leader at Doctor First, presented the company’s extensive experience in the field, highlighting its role in processing 240 million prescriptions annually across 2,000 hospitals and its partnerships with over 270 electronic health records nationwide.

Barger emphasized Doctor First's commitment to patient safety and regulatory compliance, detailing the company's certifications in electronic prescribing for controlled substances and adherence to HIPAA regulations. He explained that their platform not only facilitates prescription transmission but also enhances support for prescribers, pharmacies, and patients.

During the meeting, commissioners raised questions regarding the company’s business model, data privacy, and the technology's ability to verify prescriber credentials. Barger clarified that Doctor First does not monetize patient data and operates on a subscription model, providing services directly to healthcare providers and pharmacy systems.

The discussion also touched on the potential challenges of pharmacies not connected to Doctor First's platform, which could hinder the electronic transmission of prescriptions. However, Barger assured the board that the majority of pharmacies with electronic systems could receive prescriptions through their existing routing partnerships.

The meeting concluded with a motion to accept Doctor First's application to operate in Connecticut, marking a significant step towards enhancing electronic prescribing capabilities in the state. The board expressed optimism about the potential improvements in prescription safety and efficiency that Doctor First could bring to Connecticut's healthcare landscape.