A boy with bad acne comes in with a script for Roaccutane written by his local doctor.
I circled the doctor's name and said his not a specialist, go back and get a referral.
The boy goes to see the doctor and comes back and says: "the doctor says the law has changed and that they can write it now."
Me: "The law has been the same and it hasn't changed."
The boy wanted me to call the doctor.
I thought about doing that, but why should I go explain to the doctor why I'm not dispensing the script. I took an extra step and decide to print out a copy of the Poisons Schedule from the Department of Pharmaceutical Services NSW site, highlighted the relevant section and then gave it to the boy.
Him: What's this? Did you call the doctor?
Me: No I didn't call the doctor because if he has a problem he should call me. Anyway, your doctor seems to be confused about the law, which I'm a bit concerned, so I've printed out the law for him to read so he will understand. Please don't come back with this script because for the final time I'm saying it, its invalid.
Rants from the professional pharmacist about the medical and pharmacy industry
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Ritalin lady swears at me over an invalid script
General practitioners need to learn their laws and stop writing medications such as Ritalin as they don't have authority to do so!
It happens all the time... and the other night, a lady comes in with a script for Ritalin from the local GP. I explained it to her why its invalid and that she should go back to her GP for a referral to see the specialist. She says her specialist is on holidays and that her specialist has gave the GP the authority to write it.
The thing is, its a private prescription and no CNS number was found, therefore there is no documentation that the GP has got the approval. Drs can't just write a script for Ritalin based on 'word of mouth'.
I refused to dispense it coz the doctor should know better.
The patient argues that I must dispense it because the GP wrote it.
Ummmm no sister. GPs can't just write any medication, and me as the pharmacist ain't going to dispense any prescription the GP writes if they are not authorised.
So that's my final answer.
She walks out swearing and complains to my assistants that she waited an hour for her script (which was actually 5min) and that I refused to dispense it.
Well if your doctor knew his laws properly in the first place, you wouldn't have to have wasted so much time. So if you want to swear, go swear at your doctor.
It happens all the time... and the other night, a lady comes in with a script for Ritalin from the local GP. I explained it to her why its invalid and that she should go back to her GP for a referral to see the specialist. She says her specialist is on holidays and that her specialist has gave the GP the authority to write it.
The thing is, its a private prescription and no CNS number was found, therefore there is no documentation that the GP has got the approval. Drs can't just write a script for Ritalin based on 'word of mouth'.
I refused to dispense it coz the doctor should know better.
The patient argues that I must dispense it because the GP wrote it.
Ummmm no sister. GPs can't just write any medication, and me as the pharmacist ain't going to dispense any prescription the GP writes if they are not authorised.
So that's my final answer.
She walks out swearing and complains to my assistants that she waited an hour for her script (which was actually 5min) and that I refused to dispense it.
Well if your doctor knew his laws properly in the first place, you wouldn't have to have wasted so much time. So if you want to swear, go swear at your doctor.
Everyone knows my boss - what's your point?
I understand as a consumer you would want to get the best price for things, but just don't like how some people approach it.
A customer I haven't seen before (mind you I work everyday and been there a long time) walks into the pharmacy asking for assistance with blood pressure machines. I spend a good 10min explaining to him the differences and my recommendations.
In the end this is what he says: "I know Michael (my boss)."
My response: "Great. A lot of people know Michael too."
He didn't say anything and he said he'll think about it and walked off.
Yeh what's your point bringing out my boss' name. You want a discount, you'll have to come in when my boss is here. Random customers thinking they're bum-chums with the boss (which in most cases my boss don't even know them) and expects a discount.
If I don't know you, then you are not a regular customer.