# Ordering Outpatient Medications (Simple Dose)

Outpatient medication orders can be written as simple doses or complex doses. Users must enter a medication name, dosage, route, and schedule. For outpatient medications, dosage, sched ule, and route can be free-text entries, but the medication must be chosen from the list of options. The route can be typed in, but to be accepted, it must be a valid route that is in the MEDICATION ROUTES file #51.2.

CPRS displays unit dose routes based o n the following rules:

1. If a default medication route is defined in the orderable item file, CPRS displays only the default medication route for the Unit Dose orderable item in the medication route selection list.

2. If there is no default medication route defined for the orderable item, CPRS displays all possible medication routes for the dosage form to the provider for selection.

3. If there is only one possible medication route, it will be used as the default.

4. If a medication route name or its abbreviation is not included in the selection list, a user may type it in.

Also, medications that are not in the formulary display in the list with the letters "NF" after the name or synonym, which is also displayed. CPRS checks for non-formulary dosages (e.g., the VA formulary may not have a 2.5 MG pill, but it may have a 5.0 MG pill) and for non-formulary orderable items (e.g., the VA may not carry a specific kind of allergy medication).

To write a new Outpatient Medications order, follow these steps:

1. Select the Meds tab and select Action | New Medication...

-or-

select the Orders tab and click the appropriate item under the Write Orders list. CPRS will display the Medication Order dialog.

Note: If encounter information has not been entered, the encounter information dialog will appear before the Medication Order dialog. You must complete the encounter information dialog before proceeding.

2. Locate the medication name or quick order name in the list box by typing characters in the Medication field.

Note: CPRS now only auto-selects (highlights in blue and places that entry in the field) a medication, dosage, route, or schedule if the user types enough characters to uniquely identify an item in the list. If the user does not enter enough characters to uniquely identify an item, CPRS waits until the user manually selects an item using the mouse or the keyboard.

3. Select the medication name or quick order name.

Once the name is selected, CPRS displays a second dialog to select the items for the rest of the order. In the top field of the second dialog, the generic medication name and the synonym (usually a brand name) are displayed.

Note: If the selected medication is a controlled substance that requires the signature of a provider with a DEA or VA number, the DEA# Required dialog will appear. Before an order for a controlled substance can be entered, the provider selected for the encounter must be able to sign the order. You may need to exit the Medication Order dialog, change the provider, and then reenter the Medication Order dialog.

4. Select the dosage.

The dosage may not begin with a decimal, for example .5; it must begin with a numerical value, 0.5 for example. Also, the character "^" may not be entered in the Dosage field. (The associated cost is displayed to the right of the dosage).

Note: CPRS now only auto-selects (highlights in blue and places that entry in the field) a medication, dosage, route, or schedule if the user types enough characters to uniquely identify an item in the list. If the user does not enter enough characters to uniquely identify an item, CPRS waits until the user manually selects an item using the mouse or the keyboard.

5. Select a route from the Route field.

Note: Outpatient orders for supply items do not require a route.

6. Choose a schedule from the Schedule field. (Select PRN, if desired.)

7. CPRS completes the default days supply field and calculates the quantity field based on the formula days supply x schedule = quantity. If necessary, highlight and change the numbers in these fields.

Note: If you change a number, CPRS will attempt to recalculate the other field. If you check PRN, be sure that the quantity field is correct before accepting the order.

8. Enter the number of refills.

9. Select the location where the patient should pick up the medication from the Pick Up field.

10. Choose a priority.

11. Add comments in the Comments field (if desired).

12. Under certain circumstances, a check box may appear under the Days Supply field. If the medication is service-connected, make sure the box is checked

13. Select Accept Order.

14. (Conditional) If the medication ordered may be contraindicated because of allergies, drug interactions, or duplicate orders, CPRS will display the Order Check window. Carefully review all order checks and decide if the medication should be ordered. Do one of the following:

o To proceed, select Accept Order.

o To stop the ordering process and return to the dialog, Cancel Order.

15. If you are finished ordering outpatient medications, select Quit.

Note: The order must be signed before it is sent to the Pharmacy package. You can either sign the order now or wait until later.

Related T opics

Ordering Outpatient Medications (Complex Dose)

Viewing Medications

Sorting the Medications View

Ordering Inpatient Medications (Simple Dose)

Ordering Inpatient Medications (Complex Dose)

Change Medication Order

Discontinue Medication Order

Hold Medication Order

Renew Medication Order

Other Medication Actions (popup menu)