First tech job at Walgreens and overwhelmed- any help?

[mda20]

I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks!

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[SincerelyMe]

For Medicare d coverage type in the Plan ID: FINDMPD and the bin and PCN fills itself out. Type in the patients social security in member ID and run that as the insurance. You get a rejection an in the right corner if the screen under additional messages their medical d coverage will show up.
For a PA, click on the rx in the exception q and in the top right will be an option to fax. Pull the drop down box to say Prior Authorization request and send it.

Mercer University college of pharmacy and health sciences class of 2017! 🙂

 

[Guitarmacy]

I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks!

I'm not the best person to answer your questions (I could, but I imagine other people will explain it much better), but I know exactly what you're going through. I started a month and a half ago at a 700-1000 Rx/day store and was thrown to the wolves. Just hang in there, ask questions when you can, read up on all your questions outside of work (google), and hang in there. Your staff understands what you're going through (some might seem annoyed, but that's their problem not yours) and won't expect you to be ~80% self-sufficient until at least 2-4 months in.

Each week that goes by you'll feel loads better. If no one replies soon, ill definitely take a shot at your questions. 😀

 

[PharmGrl]

I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks!

Ointments and creams are kind of ambiguous. You have to do a decent amount of estimating on them because you never really know exactly how the person is going to be using it, or how much area they are going to be covering. I have found that if you go on the shorter side, then refills are less likely to be a problem (if they have any), or if the prescriber changes them to something else.

I do not know what "SDL" means, but depending on the coupon, they may end up with $0 out of pocket if you COB the coupon. Be careful though, because most of the coupons specifically exclude Medicare or Medicaid insured.

Refills come in all sorts of formats, the 3+1 for example might sometimes be called the "face plus 3" or "4 total fills remain". If the rx has been split up, like originally written as 90 with 3 refills, but dispensed as 30, the refill number won't change, but then you may want to include the total number of tablets remaining so the other pharmacy can enter it however their system tolerates it.

It will all come with time, and hopefully you will get some time to see more about the computer system. 😉

You could always try to make notes of some of the rx's that you sell out if you are cashiering and check on how they were put in when you have a minute or two 🙂

 

[foodishgood]

I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks!

I don't work at Walgreens but here's from my experience as a retail tech:

#4. If you can't read ask the pharmacist to verify with you
#5 If there are no 100 mL bottles and 150 mL are the only ones available then yes, make sure you put discard any remaining
#9. I don't know Walgreen's procedure, but I would put a note and delete the old prescription then re-type the fax as a new prescription

 

[photografreak]

I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks!

I know how you feel. I work at a 24 hour Walgreens store (~800-1000/day), and have been there for about 5 months now. I may not be the best source but I'll try to help a bit.

1)Plan ID is sort of the insurance code for the system (e.g. PERX, AARPMPD, PAID). When multiple plans appear, it usually gives you the name beside the Plan ID. Choose whichever you think is closest to the company name written on the insurance card. If this fails, ask someone.

2)Medicare: If they have their red-blue-white card/SSN, type the number as the ID # and put in FINDMPD as the plan ID. Run this as the insurance. You'll get a reject but the PartD info will be on the left lower corner. Medicaid is different per state, so that depends what state you're in.

3)For coupons, I usually do COB. However, sometimes you come across problems where the patient does not agree with the copay or have another coupon that's going to give them a lower copay. To rerun it, you'll have to delete the prescription and fill again, which entails having the pharmacist review it again.

4)If you can't read it, ask for help!

6)Keep in mind how often the patient needs to use the cream.

7)We get this all the time. Do a central search they may have prescriptions ready at another store. If not, ask for the phone number where the call was received, it might be registered to another person in the household. If there's still nothing, tell the patient, apologize and tell them the store doesn't have any control over the automated system.

9)I don't know if it's the same for each store but I usually print out the fax, change the wcb and add the appropriate refills, put "see fax" in the comments, and file the hardcopy.

10)Find the exception on the work queue, type enter, 5-Fax should be at the upper right hand corner. Click that. Below the space there should be an arrow you can click for a drop-down list. Choose Prior Authorization Required, then click send. It's the same way when you're faxing the MD for a second prescription refill request, drug change, or something else.

My advice to you is keep on asking questions. Your senior techs are there to guide you, just speak up. I know they throw the newbies at the drive thru, but if you can try to stay at a station near the pharmacist. That way, you can ask the pharmacist questions when you're unsure of something. If you need more help, feel free to PM me. Good luck! 🙂

 

[The Recoverer]

I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks!

I was just thrown into the battle and learned as a go. The quickest way. The more you try to write down your questions and ask, the harder it is to learn. Just ask other techs/pharmacists around you. I bugged the crap out of everyone there for the first week of working. Dont be afraid to ask questions.

and for the doctor's sig. if you can't read it, simple, just show it to someone who can. Chances are, the pharmacists there can probably recognize a doctors sig if they've prescribed before.

 

[mommy0217]

Hi, I do not work at wal-greens but my frist few months as a techn. I went home and cried everyday! but that was also because I had a full school schedule, Two kids and someone quit right after I got there so my boss kinda just scheduled me 40 hours a week.. 40 hours a week working, plus 14 hours of school and two small children are a lot to handle! But, from what I have heard, its always hard at first.. the lead techn has worked with my company for 24 years and she said she cried when she first started inputting. I have noticed that WG has that automatic dispense machine (jealous) so I am not sure how much time you have to fill, but that was the best for me. I would fill most of the day and watch other techn. & ask them questions. I have a little notebook I started writting in to help me remember how to check in the order, how to file log copies. If you don't know, just ask someone! Communication is so important! Where I work we can view old prescriptions (like a photo-copy) on their profile- if I cant read a script, I look at their profile see what they have had before, from which doctor, ect. If you take a prescription at drop off try to look for the doctor signature or DEA number, and look at the date (too make sure it isnt expired) A lot of hospital scripts are hard to read the signature (or sqiggle as I like to say) so If I notice that at drop off as them if they know the doctor- sometimes they will, other times you might have to ask where they were in the hospital (some hospitals have multiply locations) It is also good to ask for a phone number for every patient, just write it on the script so if you need to call you have a good number. When in doubt ask! It will get better believe me! When I first started I thought omg, how could I do this all my life! Now that I have got the hang of things, I love it. I honestly love my job, I love helping people- there are a lot of people who can't afford their medications and from experience I can tell them that they could try asking their doctor if they could take this other medication.. like one in the same class. Escitalopram cost about $85 a month, and there is another medication very similar called Citalopram (not ES on it) it is a little different, but it is very similar and it is one $4!! Many people have to take A LOT of metformin. the 1000 mg is very expensive. This one guy had a script to take 4 -1000 mgs daily and it was about $1,800! I remember that the 500 mg is much cheaper, so he would have to twice the amount of pills but it saved him hundreds! I called the doctor and got it changed for him and he got the same medication for about $30 a month. Another techn, called me to ask me to help her with that problem because his doctor told him it wouldnt be expensive and after I fixed it for him he started to cry. He had not been to a doctor in so long and really needed his medication, (no insurance) and he said he felt hopeless when they told him it was going to be $1,800! So I love doing that for people, just hang in there and you will be able to do the same thing.. for now I suggest, ask for help- explore the computer, If you have time, maybe go in to work about 20 minutes early (so they wont expect your help) and ask to shadow a techn who has been there for a while, and just ask them to tell you what they are doing as they do it, and maybe ask them why.. then write it down in your notebook. Relax and take mental breaks every now in then. If you havent figured out how to do a mental break in a super busy place that is a good idea too.. Just stand somewhere away from other (maybe in the corner of the pharmacy, because you probably cant leave all the time) block out all the noise and take a few deep breathes, maybe get a sip of water- it should only take about 1-3 minutes, but it really helps... I have noticed the pharmacist do this often because they dont take 15 minute breaks- like we are allowed.. but sometimes it gets overwhelming and you need a second to breathe. GOOD luck, keep us updated!

 

[FlavyFlav]

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

The only way you'll be good at insurance information is to keep practicing at it. Normally if you have the BIN# and the PCN code, you can put those two into the fields and get a narrow amount of information. Then, just compare the plan names with the plan name on the card, pick the closest, give it a try, wash rinse repeat. You also have to know if the card requires a 01, 001, 00, or no person code on the end. This also takes practice. Don't be afraid to ask other techs, and if no one knows the answer, call the number on the card.

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

Medicare can be searched from the insurance section, although lately I've seen this doesn't work much anymore. I know in Florida, we have a phone number for Medicaid to look up patient information. It's really the patient's responsibility to have their card, and you should not feel bad if you can't track down their information (something they should be doing).

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

The new system would prefer that you COB the coupon. This means entering the information and billing from the rx screen instead of opening an SDL window. This gives you what the actual copay is, and is much faster... ASSUMING everything works. If you mess something up, you have to delete the prescription and start over again thanks to Walgreen software limitations. Therefore, if you don't know, or have doubts, just use the SDL screen because you can try multiple times without much harm.

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

If you don't know who the doctor is, ask the patient, if they don't know, ask the pharmacist if they can decipher who it is, failing that, call the office. If they are closed and you can't even guess who it is, then the patient is SOL until you can get a hold of someone who knows. This is usually only a problem with discharge meds and ER prescriptions, and then only rarely.

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

If a product legitimately is only available in 150ml, then yes you would bill for 2 bottles and have the patient discard the remainder. You have to be careful with this, because insurance can deny a claim if they know you are able to order 100s. Ask a pharmacist if you're unsure of what to do here.

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

If it's not stated on the rx, I just estimate a time. 14 days, 10 days, it really doesn't matter, just make sure you put less time than it takes the patient to run through the medication.

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

Walgreen's system calls patients to remind them about their prescriptions. However, due to HIPAA, it is unable to tell patients any specifics. This would be fine if we had a note on the profile about these calls and what they're concerning. We don't have this though, and you are experiencing one of the headaches that techs everywhere experience needlessly. There is nothing to really be done about it except understand the system and do your best to make sure the patient's prescriptions are up to date and there are no problems.

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

Copies and transfers are different from doctor's prescriptions. You won't be doing transfers, so this sits more on the pharmacist to make sure everything is clarified. When I give a copy I make sure to say the number of refills as, "You have 3 fills coming to you for a total of 90 tablets (3 bottles, 3 boxes, etc.)" However, the 1+ 3 would count as 3 refills when you enter the prescription because the 1 is taken up by typing the prescription. If you're typing a transferred prescription and it says "Refills remaining: 1 + 3", the correct procedure is put 3 for the number of refills.

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

If you have the doctor fax, you can pull up the patient med, pull up exceptions and enter the refills in the WCB from the patient drop down menu. It's hard for me to tell you exactly what to do without having a work comp in front of me. This is something that you should not be afraid to ask another tech about.

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

You'll see some neat icons at the top on the right hand side of the screen. When you're in the exception screen for the specific medication, the fax md icon will be lit up. You simply press that, enter the information, and the computer automatically generates the fax. Once again, it does not hurt to ask the first time when doing this.

Hope this helps a bit, but DO NOT be afraid to ask questions. I know we all look busy, and you may get some snide looks, but remember we were all new once. If you have to, write all your questions down and ask when there's a lull, talk to your pharmacy manager about anything you're unsure about. The sooner you can figure these things out, the sooner you become an asset to your team.

Good luck.

 

[hodgepodge16]

hey guys, i know this is a little off topic but i am also new to the pharmacy tech thing. I am applying to a few positions. I got my license and cert by self studying and have forgotten everything since that was a few years ago. When you start, what do they expect you to know? thanks in advance.

 

[The Recoverer]

hey guys, i know this is a little off topic but i am also new to the pharmacy tech thing. I am applying to a few positions. I got my license and cert by self studying and have forgotten everything since that was a few years ago. When you start, what do they expect you to know? thanks in advance.

Really all you are expected to know is how to talk with people hahaha. You literally learn everything about the job ON the job. i got my tech job about 2 years after I got certified

Knew jack when I started. Learned everything in about a week. Not hard. Basically 3 things. Filling meds, using the computer system(Insurance, blah blah), and learned where the meds are on each shelf. Good luck.

 

[owlegrad]

Really all you are expected to know is how to talk with people hahaha. You literally learn everything about the job ON the job. i got my tech job about 2 years after I got certified

Knew jack when I started. Learned everything in about a week. Not hard. Basically 3 things. Filling meds, using the computer system(Insurance, blah blah), and learned where the meds are on each shelf. Good luck.

Then you sir are a pharmacy god. I am 3 years in and still learn new stuff constantly.

 

[SincerelyMe]

There is always stuff to learn. I've been working at Walgreens 7 months and am still constantly learning about insurance things or new protocols for ordering, sending back expired medications, overstocks, ect. The basics you pick up in time but if they decide to give you more responsibilities, you'll find yourself learning new things even years into the job. Don't get discouraged!


Mercer University college of pharmacy and health sciences class of 2017! 🙂

 

[hodgepodge16]

We don't need to know the drugs before getting the job do we? Thanks for all the helpful responses.

 

[SincerelyMe]

Drug inquiry will be your good friend for the first couple weeks till you become familiar with the drugs!


Mercer University college of pharmacy and health sciences class of 2017! 🙂

 

[littleowl]

I've been teching for ten years and loved the last nine and a half 🙂 The first six months were miserable because I was so overwhelmed. I'm really competitive and wanted to make a good impression on my pharmacy manager because I liked and respected her. Basically every single person (tech/pharmacist/cashier) who starts in the pharmacy department has felt exactly how you feel right now. Concentrate on building a solid working foundation by making an effort to learn as much as possible from your coworkers. Now I don't mean pestering the pharmacist constantly about D-DI's and DUR's that don't concern you but definitely utilize your fellow technicians and their collective knowledge as a source of information and don't be afraid to ask for help. I wish I had specifics for you regarding the WAGs system but I worked for CVS before I took a position in a hospital pharmacy. Best of luck!

 

[lovita]

Im new too best info is to take a notebook n add any information you are told
next for medical use plan id :camed bin & pcn will fill in atomatically, id: all numbers & letter, after le.tter enter in yymodd
Calviva: plan id: HNMCA bin & pcn will follow, id number plus letter, group #
Alot of it is trial n error, everytime you do an insurance write down the ones that go through so you know how to enter it in.
Discount cards: plan id: hola , id:# , group:hola
Hope this helps

QUOTE=mda20;13706225]I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks![/QUOTE]

 

[lovita]

Thanks this helps alot

 

[lovita]

Im new too best info is to take a notebook n add any information you are told
next for medical use plan id :camed bin & pcn will fill in atomatically, id: all numbers & letter, after le.tter enter in yymodd
Calviva: plan id: HNMCA bin & pcn will follow, id number plus letter, group #
Alot of it is trial n error, everytime you do an insurance write down the ones that go through so you know how to enter it in.
Discount cards: plan id: hola , id:# , group:hola
Hope this helps

QUOTE=mda20;13706225]I recently started my first technician job at Walgreens- but the pace of the store is crazy busy (~700/d)! I have lots of questions (mostly insurance and typing related), but the technicians and pharmacists are always so busy and seem annoyed when I ask for help.

If there are any Walgreens techs out here that could offer some advice, tips and tricks, or answer any of these questions I'd be so thankful!! 🙂

1. PCN, BIN, plan ID, and group: what do these really mean? How do I pick the right plan from the BIN# when multiple plans appear?

2.Medicare and Medicade: many times the patients don't have their card- is there a number I can call to get their information

3. Coupons: I've been told to "SDL" it or COB- which is better?

4. Doctor's signature: what if I can't read it?

5. Typing prescriptions: how do I know what size of antibiotic suspension to choose? If 200 mL of suspension is needed, but the product only comes in 150 mL, do I give 2 x 150 and tell them to discard the remainder?

6. Typing prescriptions: how do you determine the right days supply for ointments, creams, etc?

7. Auto-refills and patient reminder calls: patients call all the time saying Walgreens left them a message, but they don't have any prescriptions ready for pick-up. What's happening?

8. When talking about how many refills are remaining on a copy, I hear it called 3+1 for example. Does this mean there are 3 refills remaining + the current fill? If I were to transfer a prescription, would I just tell them the total number of refills remaining, the "3+1+ format, or the total quantity remaining (like number of pills?)

9. Adding refills: how do I do this when the doctor faxes back and adds refills?

10. Faxing for PA: where is this option?

There are other questions, but knowing these would really help me out. Thanks![/QUOTE]

 

[Incitatus]

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[PharmD2014Rx]

I just wanted to say that I'm new to Walgreens too and that place is a hot mess! I love these questions and answers, super helpful!👍

 

[intekmdma]

For medicare information, you can use the persons social security number,

For medical/cade you can pull up eligibility using the online .gov site. Use your pharmacy npi number and PW.

At least that's how I do it.

Not sure if it's the same across all pharmacy management software platforms

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Rivers99]

sounds fun!