Regarding writing narcotics...anything that is schedule II around here cannot be called in, it has to be a hard copy. Other than that...no special scripts. Here is where we had a problem.
I had a patient, who took my prescriptions that were printed out from AC and photocopied the prescriptions. He then took copies of those prescriptions to several pharmacies. This way, he was able to get his hands on, several hundred Vicodin per month, which unfortunately he was taking. This went on for about three months, before at astute pharmacist called me one Saturday morning. This is a patient I never would have suspected. He is now in treatment.
At the moment, I now write in purple on each prescription the pharmacy it is going to, as well the signing my name and purple. My next step will most likely be some sort of safety paper. I had not thought to purchase a network fax when we opened - so am looking at that as well.
Narcotic abuse is alive and well -- it doesn't matter if it's office staff, clinical staff or patients. Sadly, even providers are not immune. We all need to be ever vigilant to protect ourselves, and our communities.
Barbara
