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What are the signs of pharmacy fraud I should look out for?
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Signs of Pharmacy Fraud to Look Out For
Prescription fraud is a big problem these days. It happens when people get medications in shady or illegal ways. Some folks use fake prescriptions they made on the computer. Others get real docs to write them scrips when they don’t need the meds. This article will go over the main signs of pharmacy fraud so you can spot it if it happens to you.
First up, look at the types of medications folks are trying to get. If someone has scrips from a bunch of different doctors for painkillers, tranquilizers, opioids and stuff, that’s fishy. Real patients usually stick with one doctor who manages all their meds. People seeking drugs for non-medical reasons will doctor shop around for multiple scrips.
Next, look at the prescriptions themselves. Check for differences in handwriting or ink colors. Fraudsters will try to modify real scrips to get what they want. Also look for super clear writing with no abbreviations. Real doctors tend to have sloppy writing and shorthands. Clear writing suggests someone else wrote it trying to be readable.
When talking to “doctor’s offices” on the phone, ask medical questions only a real doc would know. Fraudsters won’t be able to answer and it’ll expose them. Get the doc’s DEA number too to verify they’re legit.
With e-scrips, look for odd quantities or directions that don’t fit the diagnosis. Also watch for excessive refills allowed. Fraudsters want the maximum drugs possible.
If multiple people show up at once with scrips from the same doc, especially for addictive meds, it’s probably a pill mill scheme. Real docs space out appointments and limit narcotics.
When people pick up scrips, look for signs of doctor shopping. Ask to see their other pill bottles. Unrelated meds from many docs is a giveaway. Also look for early refill requests – addicts run out of meds fast.
Out of state scrips can also be fraud. People go pharmacy shopping across state lines hoping to slip through cracks in prescription monitoring. Refuse these if you can’t confirm their validity.
Lastly, trust your gut. If a scrip seems shady or the patient seems like an addict, investigate more before dispensing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How Fraudsters Get Fake Prescriptions
Fraudsters use lots of tricks to get their hands on bogus scrips. Some steal real prescription pads and forge docs’ signatures. With today’s technology, they can mimic most handwriting.
Others use shady online pharmacies that write scrips with minimal medical screening. Some even sell authentic-looking script templates to edit and print out. It’s disturbingly easy to create convincing fakes.
There’s also still old-fashioned pill mill clinics that crank out opioid scrips for cash. These fly-by-night “pain clinics” are illegal but still operate in the shadows. Their scrips can look totally legit.
Lastly, some real doctors help enable fraud by overprescribing opioids and other abused drugs. Unethical docs write excessive scrips for profit or because they’re too quick to trust patients. This contributes to the whole epidemic.
How Pharmacies Fight Fraud
Pharmacies have to be vigilant to combat all the prescription fraud out there. Here are some of the main ways they screen for bogus scrips:
- Verify scrips with doctors’ offices to confirm they’re real
- Check state prescription monitoring databases for signs of doctor shopping
- Use software to detect forged scrips based on writing analysis
- Compare written quantities to typical dosing to catch excessive amounts
- Watch for shady prescribing patterns like too many narcotics
- Refuse to fill scrips that seem questionable
Some states like New York now require e-prescribing between doctors and pharmacies. This eliminates forged written scrips. But e-fraud still happens so pharmacists have to stay vigilant.
The DEA and local police also try to catch scrip forgers and pill mills. But there’s only so much they can do with limited resources. Pharmacists are the last line of defense to keep bogus medications off the streets.
The Dangers of Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud fuels dangerous drug abuse. When meds like opioids get in the wrong hands, it puts people’s lives at risk. Some sobering statistics:
- About 15,000 Americans die each year from prescription overdoses
- 1.2 million people visit the ER annually due to prescription misuse
- 70% of prescription drug abusers get medications from friends/relatives
Most of these drugs originate from fraudulent scrips that should’ve been caught. But some still slip through cracks in the system.
Beyond deadly overdoses, fraud also causes other issues:
- Drives up healthcare costs for legitimate patients
- Can corrupt doctors who get sucked into “pill mills”
- Produces huge street supply of abused medications
- Feeds organized drug rings and gang violence
Simply put: Prescription fraud destroys lives. That’s why pharmacists have an important duty to stop every bogus scrip possible. Being vigilant about fraud saves patients from harm down the road.
What to Do if You Suspect Fraud
If a prescription seems questionable, take these steps:
- Don’t dispense it until you investigate more
- Call the doctor’s office to confirm it’s legit
- Check the state prescription database
- Contact the patient to ask questions and assess if they’re doctor shopping
- If fraud seems likely, report it to the DEA and local police
- Document details in writing about the incident
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Refusing a scrip isn’t a judgement on the patient. You’re protecting their health and following your professional duty.
If a doctor is writing excessive scrips, report them to the medical board too. They can investigate if the doc is running a pill mill or overprescribing. But also protect patient privacy as much as you can.
The Takeaway
Prescription fraud is rampant today, but pharmacists are well equipped to catch it. Just stay alert for all the common signs of bogus scrips. When in doubt, take time to investigate and confirm a prescription’s validity. The health and safety of patients is worth the extra effort.