Preparations

I've long said that there are two classes prescribers are not required to take: Writing 101 and Math.

Quote of the week: "I'm going to allow you to do that math."

When I was a teen, I was allowed to borrow the car.
When I turned 21, I was allowed to purchase alcohol.
When I passed the boards, I was allowed to practice pharmacy.

However, I've never been in a situation where it was necessary to receive permission to do math. So it was with the voicemail I received.

Mary-At-The-Hospital-Lets-Everyone-Solve-Summations: Prescriber wants 12.5 ml twice a day for 10 days and..."I'm going to allow you to do that math".

I really wanted to call back MATHLESS and thank her for permitting me to do calculations, especially those required to complete her prescription. To me it shows a lack of preparedness.
YOU are the one phoning in the prescription.
YOU are the one holding all the information.
YOU are the one that knew you were going to call me.
Be Prepared!

It's like going to the grocery without a list.
Or ordering a pizza for 10 people without asking their preferences before calling.

I don't know what I would have done had I not received her permission to do the math.
CP: I am sorry ma'am, but I am not allowed to calculate a quantity on your daughter's prescription and the prescriber was unavailable to verify it for me.
Mom: But it's really easy. It's 250ml.
CP: I believe you. But the prescriber did not expressly permit me to do the math.

Nah. #WeArePharmacy. We specialise in fixing prescribers' errors. Here you go!
#MathIsHard