Premvet :: FAQ: Generating Prescriptions

How Do I Generate a Prescription

There may be the need to generate a prescription for a client to take to a pharmacy.

As an alternative to the method outlined here you can use a basic definition file as per the related FAQ Generating a Prescription.

The 'Generate a Label' metacharacter (*) has been expanded to make it easier to generate prescriptions. Work entry is basically the same as entering the drug without a script. Full history is avalable on the clinical screen.

The format is *S

When the *S option is in force the following happens:

A Definition file will be printed e.g. the script
The stock item will NOT be destocked
The price of the stock item will be dropped to zero
The item and any dose details will be added as normal
Any Dispensing codes (~x) will be added
Classification discounts will be ignored
Batch numbers will be ignored
If the History option is switched on - update it.

The *S can be entered on a sub-unit line, in a macro or on the command line. Before we look at how this is used there are three possible options:

*S	Generate script don't print a label (default) (Can also be entered as *S0)
*S2	Generate a script but use 'letter' file
*S3	Generate a script AND a label

You will need a definition file setup giving the basic prescription layout (see sample later in the document). By default the system will use text/script.def, if however, this clashes with your exisiting naming system if you set the params.txt entry AP_Script_File to the name of the prescription definition file you want, this will be used.

There will be some drugs where you do not want the 'standard' form to be issued. In this case, if you add the required .def file as a 'Letter' file (on the Warning screen) - the *S2 option will force the system to use it.

Using it

There are a few methods, all basically the same, pick the one that fits in with your current usage of the system.

On the Sub-Unit line

Set up one of the sub-unit descriptions: e.g.

/1	~d	1	10.00	20.00	50	30.00
/2	*S2	1	10.00	20.00	20	30.00
/2	~s *s	1	10.00	20.00	20	30.00

In this case /1 is the default and will just dispense the item at normal practice prices and normal behaviour.

/2 This will use the 'Letter' file attached to the warnings screen of this item. It will not add any dispensing fees.
/3 This will add the dispensing fee '~s' and use the default definition file on the system.

You do NOT need to alter any prices as this is handled by the system

As a macro
Setup a macro:

Keyword: script

Description: Generate a Prescription

Line: *S ~s

You would enter the word 'script' before or after the stock item e.g.
script 20 syn250
On the command line
Items ... 20 syn250 *s

Keyword:	script
Description:	Generate a Prescription
Line:	*S ~s

Charging for it

Some of the options are:

Setup a separate Automatic Pricing Code e.g. Prescription Supplied and treat it as a separate work entry. This could be combined with your 'script' macro so it is added automatically.

Use one of the dispencing codes as in /2 above. Add this either to the macro, the sub-unit or command line.

Set AP_Script_Fee = xx.xx in params.txt, this will be added (as a fee) to all scripts issued that do NOT have a dispencing fee.

Definition File

When setting up your definition file, treat it as any other definition file on the system. Keep in mind you can:

Use all the labelling reserved words
Use &pass to get the quantity
Use &SNAME1 to get the Stock item without quanties
Use @n2t( xxx ) to get a text representaion of numbers e.g.
@n2t(&pass) will take the quantity e.g. 12 and return twelve
Use the .attach option to make a copy of the script on the clients record e.g.
.attach Prescription (&date - &sname)
Use the logging option to create a csv file with the details e.g.
.sa pres.csv &date,&client,&animal,&user etc. etc.
Ask additional questions e.g.
.QU Any additional notes .qu !Which Chemist <B>oots <A>lldays <F>ergusons
Print multiple copies e.g. .CP 3



The following definition file is a guide, you should customise it to
suit your needs.



Sample Definition File



.qu !Which Chemist? <B>oots <F>ergusons
# Attach it to the client card
.attach Prescription &date for &sname1
#
# Log this to the file pres.csv in the text sub-directory
# Note all lines staring with a # are ignored. 
# Add some comma's so it is in CSV format, add " to protect spaces
.sa pres.csv &date, &time, &ref, &surname, &user,\
 "&sname","&sdes","&var1"

&bs&es&pname&ef&bf
&bs&es&pad1&ef&bf
&bs&es&pad2&ef&bf
&bs&es&pad3&ef&bf


                       PRESCRIPTION FOR  &animal 


    &client.                                   &breed
    &address1.                                 &age
    &address2.                                 &sex
    &address3.
    &postcode.


    TO: &var0  pharmacy

    PLEASE SUPPLY: &sname1

    QUANTITY : &pass

    DOSAGE: &sdes

    WARNING:     FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY
    WARNING:    KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN




                                                    [Practice Stamp here]



    Signed .....................................
          &username                                    &date


    THIS PRESCRIPTION IS ISSUED IN RESPECT OF ANIMALS UNDER MY CARE
.pa

/2	This will use the 'Letter' file attached to the warnings screen of this item. It will not add any dispensing fees.
/3	This will add the dispensing fee '~s' and use the default definition file on the system.

Support Guide

How Do I Generate a Prescription

Using it

Charging for it

Definition File

Sample Definition File