During the fill process, which document should always be referred to first?

The prescription is the primary document used in the fill process as it contains essential information about what medication is being requested, the dosage, the quantity, and the patient for whom it is intended. This document represents a direct communication from a licensed prescriber regarding the patient's therapy, making it central to ensuring that the correct medication is dispensed.

When pharmacists receive a prescription, they must refer to it first to verify the details before proceeding. This ensures that the pharmacy adheres to legal and professional standards, and that they meet the patient’s therapeutic needs accurately. The prescription also has the necessary legal information regarding the medication, including refills, which is crucial for the pharmacy to maintain compliance with regulations.

Other documents, such as the medication guide, patient profile, and order form, serve important roles in the process but are secondary to the prescription. The medication guide provides information on the safe use of specific drugs. The patient profile offers comprehensive information about the patient's medication history, allergies, and other pertinent health information, helping pharmacists understand the context of the patient's care. The order form is typically used for inventory management and might not relate directly to the patient's specific medication needs. Thus, while these documents are valuable, the prescription is the foundational document that dictates the fill process