How do you verify that a prescription is valid in this line of work?

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In today's world, fraudulent prescriptions are being passed along to pharmacies at an alarming rate. Your role as a Pharmacy Technician is often the first line of defense in spotting a fraudulent prescription. If possible, talk about any formal training you've had in this area and how you've worked closely with your Pharmacists to help prevent these from reaching the hands of people they shouldn't.

"During my schooling, we received training on the proper steps to verify a prescription. Red flags like a prescribing provider from far away and a new patient are things that should be brought to the pharmacist's attention to address with the customer."

"With my current employer, I receive training on the warning signs of a fraudulent prescription. My first step when receiving a new prescription is to look at the drug and the dosage to verify it is within the norm. Then, I verify the provider that prescribed it and where they are from. If any warning signs come out, it is the job of my on-staff pharmacist to work with the patient directly."

"Working in a retail setting for many years, I have been subjected to many customers who tried passing fake prescription drugs in our pharmacy. My first step when I receive a new prescription is to verify the patient and the type of drug that is prescribed. We receive yearly training on the top abused drugs, and prescriptions for those drugs are heavily scrutinized by the pharmacist I work with."

Anonymous Answer

"I check for different things in the prescription like the ink, watermark, Drs Dea, and NPI # Drs specialty, check what kind of drug is prescribed."

Rachelle's Feedback

Wonderful! It sounds as though you are very careful to ensure that each prescription you receive is valid.

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Anonymous Answer

"Gp signature"

Amanda's Feedback

Confirming the physician's signature is an important step. You can improve this response by relating the other aspects of a physician that you verify for accuracies such as a valid date, the correct address of the prescriber, and the correct name of the patient.