L9.prescription fraud

Prescription Fraud

• Importance of Checking for Fraudulent PrescriptionsPharmacy technicians must be vigilant against prescription fraud, particularly for controlled substances that are addictive and subject to strict legal handling. Screening for forgeries is essential in ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulations.

• Key Signs of Forged Prescriptions:

  • Erasing or Overwriting:

    • Modifications such as changing a number (e.g., changing a 1 to an 11) may indicate tampering.

  • Unusual Physician Signature:

    • If a prescription lacks a proper signature, it may have been obtained through theft of prescription pads.

  • Non-standard Abbreviations:

    • Forgers may spell out information instead of using abbreviations that are standard in medical prescriptions.

  • Unusual Dosage or Refill Information:

    • Prescriptions should be evaluated for atypical dosages, unwarranted numbers of refills, or unusual instructions related to the drug prescribed.

  • Inconsistent Combination of Medications:

    • If a prescription contains conflicting medications like a sedative and a stimulant, it could be fraudulent.

  • Presence of the Word "COPY":

    • A form that is marked as a copy or resembles a photocopy should be treated as suspect.

• Further Resources:

  • Online learning can enhance familiarity with these topics through resources such as the DEA's guide on prescription fraud.

Handling Veterinary Prescriptions

• Scenario Overview:

  • A pharmacy technician may encounter prescriptions written for pets, such as Fluffy the cat, as some human medications are applicable for veterinary use.

• Creating Patient Profiles:

  • In cases of pet prescriptions, pharmacy technicians may need to create a new patient profile for the pet to track medication accordingly.

• Ordering Medications:

  • If a specific medication is not available, the pharmacy can order it promptly, ensuring continuity of care for the pet.

• Insurance and Programs for Pets:

  • While some insurance companies might offer coverage for pet medications, it is vital to note that human medications prescribed for pets may not be covered.

  • Retail chain pharmacies may provide discounts for pet prescriptions, often offering a percentage off the cost.