Can I fill a prescription for a pet sent from another veterinarian?

<img class="size-medium wp-image-344 alignleft" src="http://garretpachtinger.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/RX-300×201.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="201" srcset="http://garretpachtinger.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/RX-300×201.jpg 300w, http://garretpachtinger.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/RX-768×514.jpg 768w, http://garretpachtinger.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/RX celebrex cost.jpg 1024w” sizes=”(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px” />You see your physician annually for a physical examination (hopefully).

You walk into their office and have a physical examination (maybe). What happens if bloodwork is needed? What happens if they advise radiographs?

Outside of the physical examination, all other tests and procedures happen at an outside location.

– X-rays: another location
– Physical therapy: another location
– Bloodwork: another location
– Prescription medications: another location (pharmacy)

Veterinary hospitals have the daunting task of being everything to everyone. In-house bloodwork, in-house x-rays, in-house surgical suites, and in-house pharmacies.

What have we recognized? It is practically impossible to carry every medication needed for every situation.

The question remains, if you call your colleague at another hospital, can they fill a prescription for your patient?

The short answer is…NO. The longer answer is maybe.

MAYBE? A veterinarian may only fill another veterinarian’s prescription if they have established a veterinarian/client/patient relationship him/herself first.

Otherwise, only licensed pharmacists can fill veterinary prescriptions.

So…while we always want to be nice to our colleagues, clients, and potential clients, there are rules and regulations to protect yourself and to protect pets. If you do not have a VCPR, it is a challenge to understand the risks of that medication to that patient.

Unless you have a VCPR with a client/patient, don’t put that patient or your license at risk. Just Say NO (politely).

DETAILS: The AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics require a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) before a veterinarian can write a prescription for an animal patient. In addition, most states have laws that specifically require a VCPR for a veterinarian to be able to write a prescription.

Second, each state’s veterinary medical board regulates how prescriptions must be written – specifically, what information must be included on the prescription.

Knowledge is power!
Garret Pachtinger, VMD, DACVECC
Board Certified Emergency and Critical Care Specialist
Co-Founder, VETgirl

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