Really, Doc? Really?

It was a normal busy pharmacy day. Lots of sick people dropping off prescriptions, phone ringing, etc.

A quick glance at the computer at one point:

"You have 4 new e-Scripts waiting in queue."

So I process them. Two of them were for OTC Zyrtec and Claritin. That's not unusual. We get prescribers send over scripts for these two medications for people on Medicaid because depending on the plan, sometimes they pay for them. Usually we don't see two of them, but allergies have been really horrible this year so I process them and the techs fill the scripts. His insurance doesn't cover them but they're not expensive for cash.

Later in the day the allergy dude shows up for the scripts. I'm checking him out when he stops me. He doesn't want the generic Zyrtec or Claritin. I ask him why. He says that the doctor sent them electronically to REMIND HIM to pick up those medications in the store.

What?!?

Yes, you read that correctly. The doctor used the e-Script system to send over two prescriptions which we consequently processed and filled NOT so the patient would get them from the pharmacy, but rather just as a "reminder" for the patient to get those medications. We spent time and money for nothing so the doctor could use the system as a reminder service.

Unbelievable. Just jaw-dropping unbelievable.