I never lie. I either tell patients, "I'm not able to fill this script" or "We don't fill for Dr. PillMill" and just leave it at that. I also don't argue. Have not had too many problems, but also don't work full time, so...
In chain pharmacy, I heard of horrible consequences when my friend said similar sentences like what you wrote: "We don't fill for Dr. PillMill."
What happened next?
Patient complained to Doctor, saying to doctor something like "I would never go back to your office, doctor, because pharmacies banned you. You will lose money."
Doctor then complained to headquarters that this pharmacist costs doctor money and reputations.
Now, headquarters has memo to never say that about any doctor.
Here's how I often try to do:
To build up sympathy for another human being and minimize the chance that this patient will fight back,
First, I imagine the patient just got hit by a drunk driver, patient is now in pain with broken bone and bleeding red blood inside
Second, I say with super soft voice...
I am very sorry that I can not help you today because this prescription does not meet the requirement for controlled substance that is controlled by the DEA and police.
Please try another pharmacy.
There are many pharmacies around here that have easier rule."
Again, sorry, if I could help you, I would.
Why?
Mentioning DEA and police remind abuser to cool down and not fight back.
I also roll my eyes to the left side and right side and look up to the camera or toward the ceiling.
Why? I am using non-verbal language to set up mysterious tone and sending the warning message so that they think this conversation is remotely watched by the police or loss prevention team. Yet, because of my soft voice, they will just not push me harder to the point that the police will drive to store and wait for them at the door. I have to combine verbal and non-verbal language to deal with abuser.
.............I also don't argue. .................
I agree. I don't argue because I already imagined this person just got hit by a drunk driver, patient is now in pain with broken bone and bleeding red blood inside......
I am sure all of us will never argue with any TRUE patient like that.
I AM SURE YOU HAVE SYMPATHY. You are pharmacist.
Agreed?
Now, Imagine.......
YOUR best friend or kid just got hit by a drunk driver, patient is now in pain with broken bone and bleeding red blood inside......and your loved one is in front of me....What do you expect
me to say?
I am very sorry that I can not help you today because this prescription does not meet the requirement for controlled substance that is controlled by the DEA and police.
Please try another pharmacy.
There are many pharmacies around here that have easier rule."
Again, sorry, if I could help you, I would.
Take that feeling....keep it...apply to my loved one.....
Imagine.......
MY best friend or kid just got hit by a drunk driver, patient is now in pain with broken bone and bleeding red blood inside......and my loved one is in front of you....What do you expect
YOU to say?
I am very sorry that I can not help you today because this prescription does not meet the requirement for controlled substance that is controlled by the DEA and police.
Please try another pharmacy.
There are many pharmacies around here that have easier rule."
Again, sorry, if I could help you, I would.
Take that feeling....keep it...apply to this human.....
Now, in front of you is a drug abuser. If you say the wrong way, this abuser will suffer withdrawal and will report you to headquarters.
What do you expect
YOU to say? Simple, picture...broken bone....blood..... open your lips .....lower your voice...
I am very sorry that I can not help you today because this prescription does not meet the requirement for controlled substance that is controlled by the DEA and police.
Please try another pharmacy.
There are many pharmacies around here that have easier rule."
Again, sorry, if I could help you, I would.
Do No Harm, fellow pharmers....
Now, let's get back to checking medication safely for another human
DNH