Stream: Medication
Topic: dispensing vs filling a prescription
Lin Zhang (Mar 27 2021 at 10:56):
Is there any difference between difference dispensing and filling a prescription ? HL7 EHR-S Functional Model seems to distinguish them. But I don't know why. Thanks.
Lloyd McKenzie (Mar 27 2021 at 14:44):
The dispense action often consists of two parts - preparing the dispense and actually supplying the med. In the community setting, the first doesn't always imply the latter. The first step involves processing the insurance, counting the pills, sticking them in a bottle, printing the label, reviewing the order to ensure it's right & complete, and putting the meds in a bag. The second involves receiving payment and handing the pills to the patient. If a patient doesn't show up, then you need to reverse some of the first set of steps.
Lloyd McKenzie (Mar 27 2021 at 14:45):
In an inpatient setting, I don't think there's usually much differentiation
Lin Zhang (Mar 27 2021 at 15:29):
Well, I see. @Lloyd McKenzie Thanks a lot for your detailed explanation. Which one is the first part, dispensing or filling? I'm still confusing because they are often used exchangeably in almost all the scenarios I could imagine, as you said.
Lin Zhang (Mar 27 2021 at 15:31):
Filling, I guess... Am I right?
Lin Zhang (Mar 27 2021 at 15:35):
Dispensing more likely involves actually supplying/providing the med(s) for the patient.
Lloyd McKenzie (Mar 27 2021 at 18:38):
I don't know that the terminology is 'standard', but if they're being differentiated, then yes 'filling' would be the first stage and 'dispensing' would typically be the second.
Lin Zhang (Mar 28 2021 at 01:03):
Okay, much appreciated:blush:
Melva Peters (Mar 29 2021 at 14:53):
From a pharmacists perspective, there really isn't a difference.
Lin Zhang (Mar 30 2021 at 13:45):
Source: ISO/HL7 10781 - Electronic Health Record System Functional Model, Release 2
Function CP.1.3 - Manage Medication List:
...
-
The system SHOULD provide the ability to capture and render information regarding the filling of
prescriptions - prior to the prescription being dispensed. -
The system SHOULD provide the ability to capture and render a notification that a prescription cannot be filled.
-
The system SHOULD provide the ability to capture and render a notification that a prescription cannot be dispensed.
...
Lin Zhang (Mar 30 2021 at 13:47):
@Melva Peters Agree, thanks.
Last updated: Apr 12 2022 at 19:14 UTC
