DAW
DAW, which stands for "Dispense As Written," is a common instruction in pharmacy and healthcare settings. When doctors write prescriptions, they can indicate DAW to ensure patients receive exactly the medication specified, not a generic alternative. This is similar to when you ask for a specific brand of product instead of allowing a store-brand substitute. Pharmacists and healthcare professionals use this term regularly when processing prescriptions and in insurance documentation. You might also see it written as "Brand Necessary" or "No Substitution."
Examples in Resumes
Processed over 200 prescriptions daily, including DAW and generic medication orders
Managed insurance claims for DAW prescriptions ensuring proper reimbursement
Trained staff on proper handling of Brand Necessary and DAW prescription requirements
Typical job title: "Pharmacy Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Pharmacy Professionals
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle conflicts between insurance companies and DAW prescriptions?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss the process of working with insurance companies, understanding coverage policies, communicating with prescribers, and explaining options to patients while maintaining compliance with regulations.
Q: Describe your experience training staff on DAW prescription handling procedures.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in creating training programs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing quality control measures for prescription processing.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the different DAW codes and their meanings?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the common DAW codes (0-9), their implications for prescription filling, and how they affect insurance processing.
Q: How do you handle a situation where a patient insists on a brand name but their insurance won't cover it?
Expected Answer: Should discuss patient communication skills, understanding of insurance procedures, and knowledge of alternative solutions or payment options.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What does DAW mean and when is it used?
Expected Answer: Should explain that DAW means Dispense As Written and is used when a specific brand-name medication must be dispensed instead of a generic version.
Q: What information do you need to process a DAW prescription?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking for proper DAW notation, insurance requirements, patient information, and prescriber information.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of DAW codes
- Processing simple prescriptions
- Insurance claim basics
- Customer service skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced insurance processing
- Problem-solving insurance rejections
- Understanding state pharmacy laws
- Patient consultation skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Staff training and supervision
- Complex insurance problem resolution
- Regulatory compliance management
- Quality control implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with basic DAW codes
- Lack of insurance processing experience
- Poor understanding of pharmacy regulations
- Inadequate knowledge of prescription processing procedures
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