Physicians gain easier access to Wal-Mart generics list

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores announced that its list of up to 350 prescriptions on its $4 generic drug program will now be accessible to physicians using an Epocrates clinical decision support product online or via a mobile device.

"Since launching our $4 prescription program in 2006, we've saved our customers and the health care system more than $1.5 billion dollars on their prescriptions," said Dr. John Agwunobi, SVP and president of Walmart's health and wellness division. "We realized that by giving Epocrates' large network of prescribers electronic access to the $4 generic prescription drug list, we can increase awareness of the program and help even more consumers gain access to affordable prescriptions."

Now, before writing a prescription, physicians can quickly check and compare the Walmart drug list using Epocrates to see if a less expensive alternative is available. If there are other options, patients taking chronic medications for diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, could receive significant monthly savings. And for convenience and accuracy, all Walmart pharmacies are equipped to accept electronic prescriptions, allowing the physician to submit a prescription right from a mobile device or desktop computer.

Beyond checking for health plan coverage of a drug, physicians can now see if their patients' new or existing prescription is available for $4 at Walmart, Neighborhood Market or Sam's Club pharmacies.