1. UNIT 9
The Medication Order

2. Key Terms
Agent
Compounding
E-prescribing
Pharmacist

3. The Medication Order Given for a specific patient
Written by physician or authorized prescriber
Must be legible and complete

4. Medication Order Guidelines
Full name of patient
Name of medication (generic preferred)
Dose and route
Frequency of administration
(continues)

5. Medication Order Guidelines
Date and time written
Specific directions for administration
Signature of prescriber

6. Legibility
If illegible, unclear, or incomplete, will not be carried out
Order must be rewritten or clarified in writing
Prescriber, or covering provider, will be contacted

7. Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Abbreviations
mcg or microgram
units
“days” or “doses”
leading 0 before decimal
Unacceptable abbreviations
mg for microgram
u or U for unit
d or D
trailing 0 after decimal

8. Prescriptions Legal document Directions for: Compounding Dispensing
Administering

9. Two Main Types of Drugs Prescription Over-the-counter (OTC)
Dangerous, powerful, or habit-forming
Used under physician supervision
Over-the-counter (OTC)
Approved for use without medical supervision
(continues)

10. Two Main Types of Drugs Discussion Questions:
Is it acceptable for a medical assistant to write a prescription if it hasn’t been signed by the physician?
If so, in which cases would it NOT be acceptable?

11. Electronic (E-)Prescribing
Uses online, computerized software to create and sign prescriptions
Two parts
Two-way electronic communication between physician and pharmacy (not fax or paper)
Potential for information sharing with other health care partners

12. Prescription Refills
Write name, phone number, medication, and pharmacy
Give patient approximate time you will call back
Pull patient’s chart
Give request to physician
Notify patient

13. Safeguarding the Prescription
Physician should not sign prescription until ready to give to patient
Store prescription pads safely (lock up preprinted pads)
Write amount in words and numbers
Print pads in nonreproducible ink
(continues)

14. Safeguarding the Prescription
Only use one pad at a time
Never leave in exam rooms
Not for any other uses

15. Other Types of Orders Verbal order (VO) Telephone order (TO) PRN
Routine
Standing
Single
Stat
Fax or E-order

16. Verbal Orders (VO)
Become knowledgeable about current and new medications
Write exactly as heard
Repeat order back to physician
Make sure you understand order
Follow the “7 Rights”
Document

17. Telephone Orders (TO) Type of verbal order (VO)
Prescriptions called to pharmacy by physician or agent
Know your legal role in your state

18. Facsimile or Electronic Orders
Must include name and title of prescriber or agent
Must include fax number of sending machine
Pharmacists must verify order if in doubt about authenticity, accuracy, or appropriateness

19. EMR and EHR
Electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR)
Used by physicians and health care providers
Many have a prescription component for easy prescription writing

20. The Medication Order
Become knowledgeable about drugs your physician prescribes
Write each verbal order exactly as heard
Repeat order back to physician
Understand order completely before administration
If in doubt, seek assistance
Be familiar with new drugs on the market

21. The Medication Order Discussion Questions:
What three things should be checked in a patient’s chart prior to refilling a prescription?
Explain the difference between a single order and a stat order.
Give some examples of what you think would be standing orders.

22. Medication Labels Brand/generic name NDC numbers
Dosage strength and frequency
Administration route
Warnings
Expiration date
Lot or batch code

23. Warning Labels Special instructions Placed on medication containers
Patients advised to adhere to instructions

24. Warning Labels Discussion Questions:
Which warning label(s) might be placed on a bottle of liquid amoxicillin?
Which warning label(s) might be placed on a bottle of tetracycline?
Which warning label(s) might be placed on a bottle of Percocet?

25. Abbreviations Shorthand of the medical field International language
Clear and concise means for writing orders
Many abbreviations, symbols, and dose designations can be misinterpreted and are reported to ISMP: create a do-not-use list