Don't Do This While at the Doctor's Office

I distinctly remember when this happened. I was at the dermatologist's office. After waiting for almost an hour, I was ready to discuss my treatment. It was only later, when I attempted to have my prescription filled, that I realized what had occurred. And I'm sure that many others have done the same thing, not realizing the consequences.

My prescription was for Minocin 100mg, 1 capsule twice a day.

Tablet Pc

This is what the prescriber wrote for directions:

"Apply as directed twice a day"

How did this happen?

Typically, when you're ultimately situated in your own inexpressive waiting room and the doctor comes in (usually accompanied by an intern), a discussion begins. This is the former procedure; greetings followed by exchanges of information. Since you waited so long, you probably feel the urge to keep the conversation going so that you get your money's worth. That's sort of how I felt. Now here's the critical event that caused the mistake:

When your doctor (or the intern) picks up the prescription pad and begins to write out your prescription, you might have the desire to continue discussing something. You don't see it but at that point in time, the prescriber is focused on the content of the prescription. That minuscule conversation you had may have pulled the focus away from writing the prescription, just enough for parts of it to be omitted or to jumble the prescriber's train of thought. Since I was at a dermatologist's office, many medications are "applied".

So here is my recommendation to you:

Always remain silent when the prescriber is in the process of writing the prescription. If you must say something, "break cleanly", as they say in boxing. Make sure that the prescriber is seeing at you and not currently in the act of writing. At this time you may make requests pertaining to that prescription, like expanding the refills, manufacture sure that it's for the brand name or the generic, etc.

Once the prescriber has concluded writing the prescription, read it (if you can). If you can't, ask for clarification, then write it on the back of the prescription. This will not void your prescription and will be critical to the pharmacist who attempts to fill it. You may get resistance from the prescriber who could say, "Oh, the pharmacist will be able to read it." Don't force the pharmacist to guess; he or she will almost invariably make the call and then the delay begins.

If you want your prescription filled without delay, look for the following items (while in the doctor's office):

Your first and last name. Adding the date of birth will confirm who it's for.

Date written (especially if it's for a controlled substance)

The drug, drive And dosage form. Sometimes drugs come as liquids and tablets/capsules.

Directions of some sort, even if it's only "as directed".

Quantity, unless the default quantity is 1, as in a tube of cream, ointment or a bottle of eyedrops

Refills, if you are expecting to get them

The prescriber's handwritten signature (rubber stamped ones can sometimes be an issue)

If your prescription is for a controlled substance you'll want to have the prescriber's Dea amount written or stamped on it.

You might be thinking, "Well, I don't want to have to learn how to clarify a prescription. That's the job of the pharmacist." And that's understandable. But if you spot something missing, like the quantity, you can prevent the delay by bringing it to the concentration of the prescriber at that moment. Not only that, if you wait for your pharmacist to ask about something like refills or quantity, it is very likely that your prescriber will decrease them! This is so base that you'd think it was a rule.

Save yourself from medication delays caused by prescriber errors and omissions. gawk a moment of silence when your prescriber is actively writing your prescriptions. Briefly check to make sure that no major facts is missing or is clearly not what you requested. You can prevent or legitimately correct uncomplicated mistakes from being made to your prescriptions; you could even save your life one day.

Don't Do This While at the Doctor's Office