Getting a prescription filled is something many of us have had to do. You hand over a slip of paper, and in return, get a vial of tablets or tube of cream. It seems simple enough, but prescription filling is a detailed process designed for your safety. This process can be separated into five phases: prescription drop-off, patient profile review, order entry, final check, and pick-up.
Dropping Off the Prescription
Upon receiving your prescription, a pharmacy staff member ensures it is complete and correct. Pharmacy laws vary by state regarding the legalities of a prescription order. The order must, at a minimum, specify a patient's full name, medication name and dosage, directions for taking, physician's signature, and refill information. If any discrepancies are noted, the pharmacist may need to contact your physician.
Patient Profile Review
Assuming the prescription is legal and complete, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician may ask questions about your personal and medical background.
Some of the more common questions are:
- What is your date-of-birth?
- What is your address?
- Do you have prescription insurance?
- Do you have any drug allergies?
- Are you taking other medications that we are not aware of?
Even if you are an established customer, you may be asked some of these at each visit. Date-of-birth is often used to confirm patient identity in the case of similar names. Address is required by state and federal law, and can also be used as an identifier. Insurance information changes, so the staff may ask for an update. New allergies can develop at any time, and the pharmacist should maintain current records of all medications you take or have taken. All of this information is crucial to your safety. The pharmacist uses it to determine if the new drug is compatible with your other medications, safe for you, and appropriate to your condition. This process is termed "drug utilization review, " and is one of the pharmacist's most important tasks.
Answering repetitive questions may be frustrating, but remember, they are in place to ensure your safety, privacy, and cost savings.
Order Entry
After gathering the necessary information, the pharmacist or technician enters the prescription into a computerized system. Retail chains may employ digital image scanners for this process. Other systems rely on manual entry via keyboard. Product selection and pricing are also determined during this phase.
To save time, doctors may use pharmaceutical abbreviations or symbols when writing prescriptions. To the untrained eye, these markings may not make sense, but pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are well trained in the use of this medical shorthand.
Pharmacies may also employ a satellite link or internet connection to send information to your insurance company. The insurance provider then decides what portion of the prescription is covered and what part you are expected to pay (your "co-payment"). If you do not have prescription insurance, a computer program assigns pricing based on the medication's average wholesale price (AWP) and other market factors. The cost of a prescription typically includes the medication, supplies, and the pharmacist's expertise.
As specified by the M.D.'s order, the pharmacist or technician selects a product from available inventory. Depending on state regulations, the pharmacist may be allowed to substitute a generic equivalent unless the doctor has specified otherwise. The US Food and Drug Administration insures that generic products undergo the same testing and research as brand-name products. Generic drugs can often provide the same benefit at substantial savings.
The Final Check
Once order entry is complete, the pharmacist or technician will place your medication in an appropriate container and label it according to state and federal regulations.
The pharmacist then reviews the order during a process called the "final check," verifying the drug name, strength, dosing directions, and appearance of the medication are all correct. He or she will also ensure the prescription has been filled for the correct patient. In the entire filling process, this is, perhaps, the most important action of the pharmacist. During this check, any existing discrepancies between the M.D.'s order and the final product should be noted and corrected.
Prescription Pick-Up
Finally, the pharmacist presents the filled prescription to you and offers counseling. During pick-up, be sure to ask any questions or address any concerns regarding your medication.
Most retail pharmacies may return a single prescription in 10 to 20 minutes if there are no insurance, inventory, or other issues that require correction. However, it is not uncommon for the process to take half an hour or more during peak times.
Each step in the prescription filling process helps ensure that your prescription is complete, appropriate, safe, and correct. It is designed to provide thoughtful, safe delivery of medication to the patient and is time well spent.
