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Stepful PharmTech
Need to know terms, medications, and facts
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What does OBRA stand for? | Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act |
OBRA | mandates pharmacist counseling for Medicaid recipients (1990) |
How do Pharmacy technicians directly contribute to patient care? | Gathering and documenting medication information Taking new prescriptions from physicians' offices Filling patient prescriptions with pharmacist verification |
Characteristics of chain pharmacies | company with four or more pharmacies corporate-owned, high volume compared to independents strenuous working environment, suitable for fast-paced technicians extended operating hours varied shifts prescription volume spikes at specific times and holi |
Categories of chain pharmacies | mass-merchandise, chain drug stores, grocery store pharmacies |
Characteristics of franchise pharmacies | operate like chain pharmacies owned by an individual who buys the right to use the name but operates independently pharmacy technician duties similar May offer opportunities for compounding specialized medications |
Characteristics of Independent Pharmacies | privately owned and smaller in size known for personalized services Pharmacy staff build strong relationships with patients May offer specialized services like compounded medications, home health care products, surgical supplies, delivery service, and |
Characteristics of Outpatient Pharmacies | Not associated with chains, franchises, or independent pharmacies Affiliated with healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care facilities) Customer base limited to discharged patients from the affiliated health care system Specialty servi |
What does CPhT stand for? | Certified Pharmacy Technician |
Certified Pharmacy Technician | Assists pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care Not authorized to dispense medication or counsel patients Requires passing a national certification examination |
Pharmacy Clerk/Cashier | Non Certified/non licensed individual Assists with non-pharmacy related tasks, like working the cash register |
Pharmacy Manager | Typically a pharmacist Oversees all aspects of daily pharmacy operations |
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | Holds a doctoral degree in pharmacy Licensed to practice pharmacy in a specific state |
Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) | Designated primary, onsite pharmacist by the State Board of Pharmacy Ensures pharmacy compliance with state laws and regulations |
Registered Pharmacist (RPh) | Holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy Licensed to practice pharmacy in a specific state |
Store Manager | Oversees daily store operations, including the pharmacy department. |
Pharmacy Drop-Off Counter | First contact point with the patient Accepts new prescriptions and refill requests Pharmacy technician verifies patient information, insurance, and prescription details. |
Computer Workstation | Used for billing, insurance, and prescription order entry Supports workflow efficiency Accessible for pharmacy staff. |
Prescription Filling Area | Supported primarily by pharmacists Organized and prioritized workflow Licenses, registrations, and certifications displayed prominently. |
Patient Consultation Area | Located away from workflow and traffic for privacy Reserved for licensed pharmacists to counsel patients on medications.\ |
Prescription Pickup Area | Separate and clearly marked area for pickup and drop-off. Enhances workflow and ensures a safer system of care for patients. |
Medication Storage | Includes shelves, cabinets, and a refrigerator/freezer. Organized storage for filled prescriptions, dispensing supplies, and prescription records. Medications should be stored alphabetically by generic name or in a refrigerated system. Keep the storage |
OTC/Front End | Offers medications, devices, and aids that do not require a prescription. Provides easy access to over-the-counter products for customers. |
APPLE | Approach customers with a personalized warm welcome. Probe politely to understand all the customer's needs. Present solutions for the customer to take home. Listen for and resolve any issues or concerns. End with a fond farewell and an invitation to r |
Department Codes | Used to track inventory and costs in the pharmacy. Varies from retailer to retailer. Pharmacy technicians must understand their pharmacy's codes for accurate transactions. |
Nontaxable | Prescription medications Medical devices like hearing aids and batteries. |
Taxable | Over-the-counter (OTC) products like aspirin, bandages, etc. |
Most frequently forged prescriptions | C-II and C-III |
Pharmacy Technician Job Responsibilities: Assist the pharmacist | Verifying drug deliveries, storing drugs, rotating stock, ordering drugs, and maintaining inventory records Verifying and accepting new prescription and refill orders Creating and maintaining patient profiles Filling, compounding, and filing of medicat |
Pharmacy Technicians DO NOT | Dispense advice or drug-related information Dispense legend drugs without pharmacist’s approval |
Pharm Tech tasks requiring quality assurance | Customer Service Computer entry of prescription Filling Prescription |
When should the pharmacy tech alert the pharmacist? | When a patient asks to speak to the pharmacist or requires a consultation or counseling Refilling Class II narcotics Forged and altered prescriptions Whenever the pharmacy technician has concerns or questions regarding a refill When a prescriber needs |
Types of questions a technician can answer | How many refills are left on a prescription? When was the prescription last refilled? Insurance and billing questions Questions about cost of medications Verify patient’s list of prescriptions ONLY to prescriber, and only to verify prescriber’s own in |
Characteristics of a typical medical information database | Patient profiles Medication information Patient insurance information Manage potential medication interactions Inventory control Information relevant to the pharmacy and its employees |
What is the purpose of medication use review? | Provide best care for patients in a safe and cost-effective manner Collect data to evaluate drug cost-effectiveness, safety, and prescribed use Identify prescription fraud and overuse from specific prescribers |
What is the structure of medication use review? | Pharmacists and physicians selected by each state Discuss patient therapies and offer recommendations based on safety, cost, effectiveness, and current prescribing/filling issues |
Pharmacy technician's role in medication use review | Unlawful for technicians to consult patients directly Assist pharmacists in mandatory patient counseling duties Must understand who requires consultation to support the pharmacist effectively |
Use of productivity data | Identify pricing adjustments Identify cost-cutting opportunities Identify processes for re-evaluation Unbiased data is crucial |
What does PHI stand for? | Protected health information |
What is PHI? | Past, present, and future records or information pertaining to treatment or care received for physical or mental health, the rendering of that care, and payment for such services |
What does HIPAA stand for? | Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act |
Penalties for misuse of PHI | Improper use may lead to fines up to $250,000 and 10 years in jail |