Pharmacy Operations Flashcards
6 cards from real ExCPT Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacy Operations flashcards as text
What does the term 'days supply' mean in pharmacy dispensing?
Answer: The number of days a dispensed quantity will last at the prescribed dosing regimen
Days supply is calculated by dividing the total quantity dispensed by the daily quantity used as directed by the prescriber.
A pharmacy technician is filling a prescription and notices the patient has a known drug allergy to penicillin. The prescription is for amoxicillin. What should the technician do?
Answer: Alert the pharmacist immediately about the allergy before dispensing
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic. A documented penicillin allergy is a potential contraindication that the pharmacist must evaluate before dispensing.
In pharmacy, what is a 'formulary'?
Answer: A list of drugs covered and preferred by a specific insurance plan
A formulary is a list of prescription drugs covered by a health insurance plan, often tiered by co-pay amount to encourage use of preferred (lower-cost) options.
What is the purpose of a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)?
Answer: To administer prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurance plans
PBMs act as intermediaries between insurance plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers, managing prescription drug benefits including formularies, claim processing, and rebate negotiations.
What is a 'prior authorization' (PA) in pharmacy practice?
Answer: Approval from an insurance plan required before certain drugs will be covered
Prior authorization is an insurance/PBM requirement that a prescriber must obtain approval before a specific drug will be covered for a particular patient.
When a prescription is labeled 'DAW 1,' what does this mean?
Answer: Dispense as written — prescriber mandates brand name, no generic substitution
DAW (Dispense As Written) code 1 indicates that the prescriber has specified brand name only — the pharmacist cannot substitute a generic equivalent.