Prescription Renewals

What Works: Effective Practices for Office-based CareMedication Management
Prescription Renewals

Recommendation: The practice has a defined process for prescription renewals.

 Exemplary Practice

  • Electronic Pocket Scripts program
  • A dedicated nurse reviews the renewal request and enters the information
  • The system flags drug interactions
  • The office receives a confirmation of all filled prescriptions

Benefits:
  • Enhances medication safety
  • Promotes correct dosage
  • Highlights potential drug interactions
  • Promotes quality of care
In practice at: Lynnfield Medical Associates (HVMA)


 Effective Practice
  • Physicians review all prescription renewal requests
  • Renewal authorizations faxed to the pharmacy through an EMR system to ensure legibility
Benefits:
  • Enhances medication safety
  • Promotes correct dosage
In practice at: Brookside Community Health Center (BWH), Harbor Medical Group Infectious Disease(NSMC), Office of Dr. Skowronski (NSMC), Office of Dr. Peckins (MAH)


 Effective Practice
Staff contacts pharmacy to confirm receipt of renewal request. The dates of patient's last and next appointment are noted on the renewal slip. The patient is contacted if an appointment is needed.
Benefit: Potential for decreasing errors in prescription renewal process.
In practice at: Prima Care (BWH)


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