Question

Which of the following situations requires both action and documentation by the physician?

A. The patient telephones asking that a schedule II prescription for pain medication be refilled and the request is granted.
B. A referral to a center for visual disturbances is scheduled for the patient
C. An appointment for pulmonary function testing is made for a patient at a local hospital.
D. The patient telephones to report to the medical assistant that the medication prescribed has been taken and he is feeling much better.

Answer 1

The situation requiring action and documentation by the physician is when A) a patient requests a refill for a Schedule II pain medication, due to regulatory requirements for controlled substances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation that requires both action and documentation by the physician is: A. The patient telephones asking that a schedule II prescription for pain medication be refilled and the request is granted.

In the medical field, prescribing and refilling controlled substances, particularly those classified as Schedule II drugs, mandates strict regulatory adherence owing to their high potential for abuse. Therefore, it is imperative that the physician documents this action meticulously to comply with legal, ethical, and medical protocols. This documentation becomes part of the patient's medical records, ensuring that all decisions and actions pertaining to medication are transparent and accounted for. Such cautious practices are aimed at preventing overprescription and ensuring patient safety.

The other options, referring a patient to a specialist, scheduling tests, or receiving updates on patient improvement, generally involve routine documentation processes but do not possess the same level of regulatory scrutiny that controlled substance prescriptions entail.