What is a prescription?

• A. A piece of paper written by a doctor that lets you get medicine at the pharmacy
• B. A form you fill to request a refill
• C. A prescription discount card
• D. A list of hospital services

Answer: (C)

A prescription is a doctor’s order that tells a pharmacist exactly what medicine to give you, including the drug name, strength, dosage, and how often to take it. It may be written on paper or sent electronically, and it authorizes the pharmacy to dispense the medicine to you safely and in the right amount. This ensures you receive the correct treatment as prescribed by the clinician.

The description that fits this best is a piece of paper written by a doctor that lets you get medicine at the pharmacy. The other options describe something different: a form to request a refill isn’t the original order for the medication; a prescription discount card is for lowering costs, not for obtaining the medicine; and a list of hospital services isn’t related to obtaining medication.