Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

If a physician has ordered Coumadin DAW, which dispensing code should be entered?

1. 0

2. 1

3. 2

4. 3

The correct answer is: 1

When a physician orders Coumadin with a Dispense As Written (DAW) designation, it indicates that the physician wants the patient to receive the specific brand name product rather than a generic alternative. In the context of pharmacy dispensing codes, selecting the correct code communicates to the pharmacy and insurance providers the physician's intent regarding medication substitution. The code corresponding to "Dispense As Written" is specifically designated for scenarios where the prescriber has prohibited the substitution of the prescribed medication with a generic version. This is important for maintaining therapeutic consistency, particularly with medications like Coumadin, where the brand and generic formulations may have different bioavailability or patient response. In this case, the use of the code related to DAW signifies that the pharmacy should dispense the brand name Coumadin and not a generic form, which is crucial given the safety and efficacy considerations associated with anticoagulants. This attention to detail ensures that patients receive the exact medication intended by their healthcare provider, thereby facilitating proper management of their condition.