Final answer:
Pharmacies using common electronic dispensing software still follow specific procedures to transfer prescriptions, with pharmacists ensuring legal compliance and accurate patient information, amidst the backdrop of Medicare's impact on prescription drug costs and administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
When pharmacies use a common electronic dispensing software or database, the process of transferring prescriptions is usually streamlined. However, even with a shared system, pharmacists still need to follow certain procedures to transfer prescriptions. This typically includes verifying the patient's information, the details of the prescription, and ensuring that the transfer complies with legal and regulatory requirements. The pharmacist also plays a key role in discussing medications with an elderly patient, helping to manage their medications effectively and safely. While the introduction of Medicare prescription benefits has benefited public health substantially, it has also brought to light issues such as high costs, administrative burdens, and potential inflationary effects on the cost of prescription drugs.