Fine-tuning 1-Write Prescription Form

I would like to make a further comment on the 1-Write Prescription Form which I wrote about in last month's issue of Dermatology Times (p. 84).

As one uses the various forms, one has to be flexible and occasionally modify sentence structure or verbiage to appease the various pharmacologic institutions.

To date, I have found ways to circumvent various attempts to complicate the system.

He felt that under the present state laws that I would have to continue writing two scripts ( one for mail-away, and one for that initial one - month supply via the local pharmacist ). I responded by stating that pharmacists can always take prescription orders by phone (which he concurred). Thus, to satisfy his needs ( and my needs to make this a 1 - Write Form ), I now have rewritten the statement to read, " If asked, a pharmacist can Xerox a copy of this prescription and give up to a one - month supply ( or can call my office for such verification )."

If other physicians have difficulty with pharmacies not accepting the 1-Write Prescription format as presented in the article, feel free to E-mail me to see if I can assist with the various local problems as they arise. My email is CGBAKB@aol.com.

Also, one comment about the plethora of faxes for drug refills that some pharmacies are sending. In short, I no longer respond to them. Some of the pharmacies in Toledo automatically send the fax, never checking to see if the script is more than 1 year old, or if the drug might be one that requires routine close follow-up.

I do not see this as an issue of patient convenience, but one of pharmacists trying to pass work back onto the physician. Believe me, if there is a significant problem with drug refills, the pharmacist will call your office directly.

Craig G. Burkhart, M.P.H., M.D.

Clinical Professor,

Medical College of Ohio