What should a pharmacy technician do if a customer presents a prescription with illegible handwriting?

When faced with a prescription that has illegible handwriting, the most appropriate action for a pharmacy technician is to contact the prescribing physician for clarification before dispensing. This ensures that the correct medication is provided to the patient, thereby minimizing the risk of errors that could lead to potential harm. Legibility is crucial in prescriptions, as even small misinterpretations can result in a patient receiving the wrong medication or dosage, which can have serious health implications.

Engaging the prescribing physician not only helps in confirming the intended medication but also upholds the standards of patient safety and care within the pharmacy practice. This action adheres to ethical and professional responsibilities ensuring that the technician does not make assumptions or guesses about what the physician meant.

Other options, such as dispensing the medication as is, refusing to fill the prescription outright, or guessing based on experience, could compromise safety, violate legal responsibilities, or disrupt patient care. Therefore, reaching out for clarification is the best and most responsible course of action.