FAQ: Writing & Printing Prescriptions
Answers to common questions about creating, editing, and printing prescriptions.
FAQ: Writing & Printing Prescriptions
Can I edit a prescription after I save it?
Yes. Click on the saved prescription in the patient's medical case to open it, make the changes you need, and click Save again. The updated prescription will replace the previous version. Always verify that changes are correct before printing or dispensing.
What should I do if I prescribe the wrong medication by mistake?
- Open the prescription immediately.
- Correct the medication name, dosage, or other details.
- Click Save.
- Verify the correction was applied and print the corrected version if it has already been dispensed to the patient.
Alternatively, if the prescription has been given to a patient and you realize the error later, you may cancel the original prescription and create a new one with the correct medication. This keeps an audit trail of what was prescribed.
Can I prescribe medications that are not on my facility's medication list?
Yes. The prescription field typically allows you to type in any medication name. However, if your facility maintains a formal medication list (formulary), it is recommended to select medications from that list to ensure consistency, proper inventory tracking, and compliance with your facility's standards. Check with your pharmacy or medical director if you are unsure which medications are approved for use.
Why does the system require a frequency (e.g., "twice daily") instead of just a dose?
The frequency ensures the patient understands how often to take the medication and helps prevent errors such as taking the full daily dose at once. Including frequency also aids pharmacy staff and improves patient safety.
Can I set automatic reminders for the patient to take their medication?
Reminders are not automatically sent by Usystems. However, you can include instructions in the prescription notes (e.g., "Patient verbally advised to take at mealtimes") or document them in the medical case. Consider using your facility's patient communication system (if available) to send appointment or medication reminders separately.
What happens if I delete a prescription?
Deleting a prescription removes it from the patient's medical case. Depending on your system configuration, this action may or may not leave an audit trail. If you need to record that a prescription was written but then discontinued, it is better to cancel it (if available) rather than delete it, so the change is logged. Check your facility's documentation retention policy before deleting any prescriptions.
Can I print multiple prescriptions at once?
Yes. Print each prescription individually by opening it and clicking Print, or batch them by selecting multiple prescriptions and using a print-all option (if available in your product version). Batch printing saves time when you need to print several prescriptions for one patient.
Is there a patient signature field on the prescription template?
The standard A5 prescription template includes space for the clinician's signature or facility stamp, but typically does not include a patient signature field on the prescription itself. Patient consent is usually documented separately in the medical case notes. If your facility requires a patient signature on prescriptions, you may need to customize the print template. Contact your system administrator or Usystems support.
Can prescriptions be sent electronically to a pharmacy?
Usystems does not have built-in electronic prescription transmission (e-prescribing). Prescriptions must be printed or manually communicated to the pharmacy. If your facility uses a separate pharmacy management or e-prescribing system, you may need to re-enter the prescription details there or use a manual transfer process.
What if a medication has special storage or administration instructions?
Include these details in the Special Instructions or Notes field when writing the prescription (e.g., "Take on an empty stomach," "Refrigerate after opening," "Inject slowly over 2 minutes"). The pharmacy and patient will see these instructions when the prescription is printed, reducing the risk of incorrect administration.
Can I include dosage adjustments based on patient factors (e.g., renal impairment)?
Yes. Specify the base dosage and frequency, then add a note in the Special Instructions field (e.g., "Reduce dose by 50% if creatinine >2.0"). Alternatively, you may create multiple prescriptions (one for standard dosing, one for adjusted) if your facility protocol requires separate records. Always ensure the prescribed dosage is documented clearly.
What is the A5 template, and why is it used?
A5 is half the size of standard A4 paper and is a common format for prescription printing in medical facilities. It provides a compact, professional layout that fits in patient wallets or pharmacy files. A5 prescriptions are easier to handle, store, and file than larger formats.
Can I reuse a prescription for future visits?
Prescriptions are created per medical case and are not automatically carried over to future visits. If the patient has a chronic condition and continues the same medication, you must write a new prescription during each clinic visit or hospital admission. This ensures the prescription remains current and reflects any updates to dosage or clinical assessment.
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