Prescription for Success: Epocrates for BlackBerry

Popular Medical Software Now Available for BlackBerry Smartphones

    SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians across the
 country can now receive more than emails and calls on their BlackBerry(R)
 smartphone; they can access important clinical information that can help
 reduce medical errors and improve quality of care. Epocrates, Inc.
 announced today the availability of the Epocrates Rx(R) free drug and
 formulary reference guide for BlackBerry smartphones from Research In
 Motion (RIM) ( RIMM; TSX: RIM).
     "BlackBerry devices are issued to many physicians, managers and
 clinical pharmacists at MedStar Health. This provided a resource challenge
 since we also encourage Epocrates usage for all clinicians, causing several
 physicians to carry two devices, myself included," said Dr. Peter Basch,
 MedStar medical director of ambulatory clinical systems. "I am delighted I
 can now have the drug reference on my BlackBerry, which will definitely
 lighten my load and help productivity."
     In research studies, physicians have reported that Epocrates' medical
 software reduces medical errors and saves time by enabling clinicians to
 look- up important drug information. The Epocrates Rx guide enables
 clinicians to access drug information for checking drug dosing,
 interactions, pricing or insurance coverage. The free drug reference guide
 can be conveniently installed over-the-air on to a BlackBerry smartphone,
 giving medical professionals the ability to receive clinical updates in
 real-time and make even more informed clinical decisions for their
 patients.
     "Today's busy physicians want robust technology solutions that meet
 their mobile needs whether they are in the clinic, on-call or off-duty,"
 said Jeff McDowell, Vice President, Global Alliances at Research In Motion.
 "The industry-leading BlackBerry platform together with Epocrates' trusted
 clinical content can provide medical professionals with enhanced access to
 information and communications for their practice or institution."
     "Our engineers have been working hard over the past several months to
 develop a product that takes full advantage of the BlackBerry solution's
 unique features, while maintaining our user-friendly navigation and
 authoritative content," said Kirk Loevner, chairman and chief executive
 officer of Epocrates. "We foresee significant adoption of BlackBerry
 smartphones among medical professionals and have plans to continue to
 innovate for the platform."
     ABOUT EPOCRATES, INC.
     San Mateo, Calif.-based Epocrates is transforming the practice of
 medicine by developing innovative mobile software and web-based solutions
 that support clinical decisions at the point of care. More than 500,000
 healthcare professionals, including more than one in four U.S. physicians,
 actively use Epocrates' medical software to improve patient safety, avoid
 drug interactions and save time. The company's services also enable
 communication between its users and healthcare organizations such as
 pharmaceutical manufacturers, government agencies and market research
 firms. For more information about Epocrates, please visit
 http://www.epocrates.com/company.
           All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
 
     CONTACT
     Erica Sniad Morgenstern
     650-227-6907
     pr@epocrates.com
     The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols
 are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.
 RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee
 in relation to third party products or services.
 
 

SOURCE Epocrates, Inc.