Pharmacy Technician Study Guide for Exam 3

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts for pharmacy technicians and related pharmaceutical responsibilities, to aid in exam preparation.

Pharmacy purchasing agent

Responsible for purchasing medications, negotiating prices, and planning for stock demand.

Nuclear pharmacy technician

Prepares radioactive products and requires specialized training and safety precautions.

Telepharmacy technician

Works remotely using audio/visual technology to communicate with pharmacists.

Medication reconciliation technician

Ensures accuracy of patient medication regimens and prevents medication errors.

Just-in-time ordering

Medications ordered and received only as they are needed.

Formulary

List of medications covered under an insurance plan.

Open formulary

Allows any drug to be ordered and stocked for patient use.

Closed formulary

Restricts the drugs that can be ordered to specific approved medications.

Brand drugs

First developed and patented medications, usually more expensive.

Generic drugs

FDA-approved alternatives to brand drugs, offering the same effect at a lower price.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

Requires patients to choose a primary care physician (PCP) for referrals.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

Allows patients to see specialists without referrals for a higher cost.

Medicare

Federal program for seniors, disabled, and patients on dialysis.

Medicare Part A

Covers hospital insurance and inpatient care.

Medicare Part B

Covers medical insurance, including outpatient services.

Medicare Part C (Advantage)

Additional insurance options through private HMOs.

Medicare Part D

Covers prescription drugs, including diabetes supplies.

Medicaid

Insurance for low-income residents, uninsured pregnant women, and disabled persons.

TRICARE

Health care program for military personnel and their families.

Workers’ Compensation

Insurance paid by employers to cover job-related injuries.

Third-party billing

Payment portion reimbursed by insurance companies.

Point-of-sale (POS) billing

System tracking inventory as it is used.

Prior authorization

Required approval for nonformulary or restricted medications before filling.

Claim rejection

Common reasons include expired coverage or mismatched information.

Adjudication

Process of claims through a computerized system.

Back-ordered medication

Temporarily out of stock drug from the supplier.

Stock rotation

Using older medications first before newer ones to avoid expiration.

Medication errors

Mistakes that can occur in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications.

LASA drugs

Lookalike soundalike drugs that may cause confusion.

Tall-man lettering

Using mixed case to differentiate similar drug names.

E-prescribing

Electronic sending of prescriptions directly to pharmacies.

FDA MedWatch

System for tracking medication errors and adverse events.

Quality assurance practices

Procedures to maintain accuracy in medication dispensing.

Compliance error

Occurs when a patient does not adhere to their medication regimen.

ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction)

Negative effects caused by medications.

Special consideration drugs

High-cost or specialized medications requiring careful use.

Medication reconciliation

Process to ensure accurate patient medication lists.

Medication safety

Five Rights: patient, medication, dose, route, time.

Drug utilization evaluation (DUE)

Review process to ensure appropriate medication use.

High alert medications

Medications that require special considerations due to their risks.

Patient medication list

Essential documentation for medication reconciliation.

Insurance verification

Process to confirm patient eligibility before treatment.

Expensive treatment review

Insurer evaluation of costs for necessary treatments.

Clinical decisions

Made based on comparison of current and prescribed medications.

Health care delivery system

Organized structure to improve healthcare quality and access.

NDC (National Drug Code)

Unique identifier for medications in the U.S.

RxBIN

Bank identification number for secondary insurance.

Contactless prescription refills

Automatic systems to handle medication refills effectively.

Controlled substances

Medications regulated due to the potential for abuse.

IV medication practices

Strict protocols for administering intravenous medications.