Using Web for discount prescriptions information

Michgan, U.S.A based website, Medtipster.com ( http://www.medtipster.com ) allows users to enter their ZIP code and a prescription, and within seconds lists pharmacies nearby selling the medication at a discount -- and the price.

Medtipster launched a beta version of the site in February and hopes to go live with the final version within the next month and reach consumers nationwide.

The concept, however, isn't a new one.

Michigan's Department of Community Health offers a similar site called Rx Price Finder ( http://www.michigandrugprices.com/9A0689B2-3B75-4F2B-8F6F-075AFEE38B21/S... ), which allows users to type in a drug name and ZIP code, and pull up pricing information for nearby pharmacies.

Larry Wagenknecht, CEO of the Lansing-based Michigan Pharmacists Association,worries the site focuses too heavily on drug pricing and not enough on promoting the role of the pharmacist. The association advocates that patients stick with one pharmacy or pharmacists to ensure that their medical information is kept in one spot.