Florida Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

Which type of telephone call should NOT be handled by a Pharmacy Technician?

1. Patients calling in refills

2. Patients requesting to contact the prescriber

3. Prescribers calling in a new prescription

4. None of the above - Technicians can handle all of these calls

The correct answer is: None of the above - Technicians can handle all of these calls

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in supporting pharmacy operations, including handling patient calls. However, there are certain limitations regarding the types of calls they should handle. Option D suggests that technicians can manage all types of calls, but this is not accurate when involving new prescriptions from prescribers. Calls from prescribers regarding new prescriptions should be directed to a pharmacist. This is due to the need for immediate communication concerning medication safety, patient-specific details, and any clarifications that might be necessary about a prescription. Pharmacists are trained to assess this information with a higher level of clinical judgment, which is essential for ensuring patient safety. On the other hand, calls from patients requesting refills can generally be handled by pharmacy technicians, as this process typically involves verifying patient identity and prescription details without delving into complex clinical assessments. Similarly, requests for contacting the prescriber often involve administrative tasks rather than clinical decisions, which technicians are trained to manage. In summary, pharmacy technicians are equipped to handle specific patient interactions and logistical tasks, but they should defer to pharmacists for new prescriptions to maintain patient safety and adhere to regulatory standards.