Here’s the latest news on e-prescriptions in Minnesota, according to Minneapolis St Paul Business Journal …

Medica has become the first major health insurer operating in Minnesota to follow a state requirement that insurers make e-prescribing available to all members.

The other two large health insurers providing coverage in the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and HealthPartners, are still working on meeting the state mandate, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

The big deal isn’t necessarily the idea of getting the prescription online – it’s being able to cross check the medications with the insurance coverage. But while they’re checking the insurance, doctors and pharmacists can also see what other medications a patient is taking.