Epocrates has inked a deal with Pfizer to add a new feature to its iPhone application: Healthcare providers can now access the Pfizer Medical Information Group and obtain scientific answers to their product questions or to report an adverse event.

According to Pfizer, the new feature is an "effort to enhance the safe and effective use of its medicines, and help improve the quality of patient care."

"Contact Pfizer" is now a feature available in the Epocrates drug profiles of approximately 40 Pfizer products, according to Epocrates. Healthcare providers will soon have the option to email Pfizer Medical Information for select Pfizer products, the companies said in a press release.

"Epocrates is committed to providing healthcare providers with the resources they need to make the best clinical decisions for their patients at the point of care," Rose Crane, CEO of Epocrates stated. "It is at this 'moment of truth' physicians may have a question only the manufacturer can answer. We are the only company in a position to facilitate that direct link, and significantly advance communication between a manufacturer such as Pfizer and our strong network of HCPs."

The new feature is available to Epocrates' 150,000 iPhone and iPod Touch users. According to the company -- that's about 25 percent of all US physicians.

For more on the new feature, read the press release