How to Use a Pharmacy Policy Manual
A pharmacy policy manual is a formal document that outlines the general policy and guidelines to which all pharmacies in a state must adhere. A policy manual also stipulates the scope of pharmacy benefits, definitions and what drugs are covered by federal programs such as Medicaid. The general rule is that if you are in doubt, consult the pharmacy policy manual. The manual is very specific about procedures. Failure to adhere to the policy manual is not looked upon lightly. Breaching the policy could result in the pharmacy's losing its license to dispense drugs.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with the pharmacy policy manual. Get to know the table of contents thoroughly. Study the sections that should be learned by memory, such as what to do in the case of telephone or faxed orders for prescriptions.
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Use colored markers or tabs to mark the sections of the manual you often consult. If, for instance, you frequently refer to the policy on non-prescription drugs, mark it with a yellow tab, and with a blue tab mark the sections for therapeutic equivalents.
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Keep the pharmacy policy manual in a prominent, easy-to-reach place. Rather than having the manual tucked away in a drawer where people have to hunt for it, keep it in a designated place. Make sure everyone at the pharmacy knows the policy manual has to be returned to its "home" and not left on the counter.
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Review the policy manual from time to time. When things at the pharmacy are quiet, take some time to read through sections of the pharmacy policy manual that you think you should revisit, such as the items that Medicaid does not cover.
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Discuss the pharmacy policy manual with colleagues. When questions of policies and procedures come up -- such as who may prescribe or what the requirements are for out-of-state pharmacy providers -- check with the policy manual and make sure that everyone concerned is aware of the requirements.
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Conduct workshops about the pharmacy policy manual for all staff. Besides the pharmacists, support and clerical employees should be aware of the general rules and regulations that are outlined in the policy manual so that they can adhere to them.
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