Medication Dispense

Summary

The MedicationDispense resource in FHIR records the details of medications that have been dispensed to a patient. It serves as both a completion to the workflow initiated by a MedicationRequest and as a tool for inventory management within a healthcare setting.

In inpatient (IP) settings, items may be dispensed and maintained in the patient's room and refilled as needed. In outpatient (OP) settings, dispensing typically occurs after an encounter has been completed.

A ChargeItem can be associated with each dispense. By default, the ChargeItemDefinition is used to create this ChargeItem.

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Key Purpose

• Document the supply of medications to patients.
• Complete the medication workflow initiated by a MedicationRequest.
• Support inventory management within healthcare facilities.
• Facilitate billing through associated ChargeItems.

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Core Relationships

Field	Reference Resource	Description
product	Product	The product being dispensed.
patient	Patient	The individual receiving the medication.
encounter	Encounter	The encounter during which the dispense was made.
location	Location	The location where the dispense occurred.
authorizing_prescription	MedicationRequest	The prescription that authorized the dispense.
charge_item	ChargeItem	The associated charge for the dispensed item.

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Supported Fields

Field Name	Type	Description
medicine	Reference	Reference to the product being dispensed.
dosage_instructions	Dosage	Instructions on how the medication should be used.
select_lot	Lot	Lot number
expiry	string	Expiry Date
quantity	Quantity	Amount of medication dispensed.
days_supply	Quantity	Number of days the supply is intended to last.
price	Amount	Price of the item
discount	Percentage	Applicable discount
is_fully_dispensed	Checkbox	Full or partial dispensed

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Functional Workflow

1. Initiation: A MedicationRequest is created for a patient.
2. Dispensing: Based on the request, a MedicationDispense is recorded when the medication is prepared and handed over.
3. Status Tracking: The status of the dispense is updated throughout the process (e.g., from preparation to completed).
4. Inventory Management: The dispense record aids in managing inventory levels within the healthcare facility.
5. Billing: A ChargeItem is associated with the dispense for billing purposes.

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