UAB Synopsis, Vol. 24, No. 27, July 18, 2005
Who would you call if you had a question about this prescription?
The pharmacist responsible for dispensing the medication to the patient couldn't read the physician's name, either! Unfortunately, when the physician's name is not legible, it is virtually impossible to determine whom to contact for clarification.
If Dr. UAB or Dr. Staff is typed on the prescription label as the prescribing physician, legal requirements are not being met because the physician's name is not included on the label. And more important, the patient's well-being is compromised because the patient (or family members) may not know whom to call if problems arise.
Be sure that all prescriptions for controlled substances contain the required information (eg, patient address and physician DEA number). Prescriptions should be written legibly. The physician's name should be printed below the signature so that, when clarification is required, the appropriate physician can be located in a timely fashion.