Topic primers

A quick on-ramp for each area: the handful of facts that anchor it. Read one, then go practice. These are a launchpad, not a lecture.

PRIMER · Order Entry & Processing

Order entry and calculations

Days supply = total quantity / amount used per day.
Convert pounds to kilograms (lb / 2.2) before weight-based dosing.
Percent w/v means grams per 100 mL (5% = 5 g per 100 mL).
IV rate (mL/hr) = total volume / time; gtt/min = (volume x drop factor) / minutes.
An NDC has three parts: labeler, product, package.

PRIMER · Order Entry & Processing

Days supply = total quantity / amount used per day; round down to whole days.
Ratio strength 1:1000 = 1 g in 1000 mL = 1 mg/mL.
Dilution: C1 x V1 = C2 x V2; solve for the unknown volume, then qs with diluent.
Alligation parts: high-strength parts = desired - low; low-strength parts = high - desired.
gtt/min = (volume in mL x drop factor) / total minutes; round to whole drops.

PRIMER · Order Entry & Processing

A 'refill too soon' rejection means too much of the prior fill remains; wait for the plan's allowed date.
DAW 0 = substitution allowed; DAW 1 = prescriber requires brand; DAW 2 = patient requests brand.
A copay is a fixed amount per fill; a deductible is what the patient pays before coverage begins.
Prior authorization requires the prescriber to justify a drug before the plan will cover it.
AWP (Average Wholesale Price) is a common reimbursement benchmark (e.g., AWP minus a percent, plus a fee).

PRIMER · Order Entry & Processing

Common sig codes: PO (by mouth), BID/TID/QID (2/3/4 times daily), PRN (as needed), HS (at bedtime), q6h (every 6 hours).
Required elements: patient name, date, drug and strength, directions (sig), quantity, refills, and prescriber signature.
Days supply = total quantity / amount used per day; round down to whole days.
AC = before meals, PC = after meals, stat = immediately.
Verify the quantity matches the sig (1 capsule three times daily for 10 days = 30 capsules).

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