Changes in the software   

Make sure that you read ALL update changes before you do your update.  Some changes may affect your pharmacy operation and may require the setup of certain of new features.

Changes in 3.8.2        June 2, 2005
This update contains many enhancement requests. 
It contains several features for the clinical module for COMPOUNDED drugs
* = may require a setup change at your pharmacy.

CLINICAL MODULE  CHANGES & UPDATES  (FOR COMPOUNDS, BRANDS & GENERICS)

1.  Clinical Module users:  There is a new set of brand/generic drug images.   You can install these from the latest CD.  From the Setup Launcher, choose Advanced and then select DRUG IMAGES to install them.  Follow the directions on screen.  You can view the drug images from the formula's clinical tab.

2.  Clinical Module users:   While editing/adding a FORMULA you can now press a button on the Clinical tab to copy another drug's clinical information.  This makes it very easy to set up a COMPOUNDED drug from a similar BRAND/GENERIC drug.

3.  Clinical Module users:  On the formula lookup windows we added the TXR number column.  This makes it easier to view drugs that are setup with TXR numbers to check for drug-drug interactions, etc.

4.  Clinical Module users:  On the formula's Clinical tab we added a new button to view the picture of the brand or generic item.  This gives you a jpeg picture of the item.  NOTE: You will need to have the drug images on your computer.  You may install them from the CD.

5.  Clinical Module users:  On the prescription history window, you can now press the CHECK INTERACTIONS button to check a drug/formula against all the drugs/formulas in the patients prescription history.  This loads all drugs in the patients profile and prompts for a drug.  After the drug is selected it will be checked for interactions against the patient's current medications.

6.  Clinical Module users:  There is a new section in the manual explaining how to set up a COMPOUNDED formula to use the Clinical Information to check for drug-allergies, drug-drug interactions, drug-patient disease states, etc. (all the features of the clinical module).  It gives specific examples on how to setup a Compounded formula (with a single or multiple ingredients).   See Clinical->Setting up a Compounded formula in the manual.  NOTE:  You must download the full version to get the new manual.

7.  Clinical Module users:  We updated the drug/clinical merge.  If you have the clinical module and you want it to update existing brand and generics drugs, you should run this utility.  This utility makes it very easy up update the drugs that you have already entered with clinical module based on the NDC number.  Make a backup first.  Contact support for more information.

8.  Clinical Module users:  On the allergy lookup we added the ability to search by TXR number. This makes it easier to select an allergy with a TXR number when using the clinical module.

9.  Clinical Module users:  When entering a patient's allergies, you can now lookup an allergy by a drug.  I.e.  If a patient says that they are allergy to SEPTRA DS.  You can now lookup SEPTRA DS and it will enter the appropriate sulfa allergy.

10.  Clinical Module users:   While editing a CHEMICAL you can now press a button on the Clinical tab to copy another DRUGS/FORMULAS clinical information. This makes setting up a chemical easy. Just select the BRAND/GENERIC drug that is similar to the chemical and the chemical will be ready for use in the clinical module.

11.  Clinical Module users:   We added a drop down button on the formula's clinical tab: "Clinical information".  This button allows you to view Drug diagnosis & dosing and drug contraindications for the formula.

12.  Clinical Module users:   We added a drop down button on the chemical's clinical tab: "Clinical information".  This button allows you to view Drug diagnosis & dosing and drug contraindications for the chemical.

13.  Clinical Module users:   We added the ability to check ALL ingredients within a formula for drug-drug interactions.  On the formula's ingredient tab there is a new button "Check ingredients for drug-drug interaction".  This will load all of the ingredients and check them against each other for interactions.

14.  Clinical Module users:  You can now select if you want the software to prompt you for a patient's disease state based on the drug selected when filling a new prescription.  When you select a drug the software will display a list of appropriate uses for that drug.   This can now be turned on/off.    File->Options->Rx setup tab:  CLINICAL:  Add disease when filling an Rx.  This takes affect for creating a new prescription and editing a prescription.   The feature helps with checking a drug for patient contraindications.  I.e.  patient is pregnant and you are going to dispense an ACE inhibitor.

15.  Clinical Module users:  You can now select if you want the software to show you all or just part of the information for a MINOR drug-drug interaction.   File->Options->Rx setup tab:  CLINICAL:   minimize minor interactions.  MODERATE and MAJOR interactions will always show all information.

16.  Clinical Module users:   The drug interaction window now shows MAJOR drug interactions in a red larger font.  It also shows MODERATE interactions in green with a larger font. 

17.  Clinical module users:  The drug allergy warning window has been redone to show a larger warning.  You must press the "Y" to continue.   This forces users to press Y instead of just pressing the Enter button and skipping the allergy warning.

18.  Clinical Module users:   There is a new field in formulas (B/G CODE)  (Brand/Generic code).  This field is used to link brand and generic products.  This is very useful if you have the clinical module and are filling traditional prescriptions.    This field is used on conjunction with the formula's Speed code field. 
    We will use an example to describe this.    In our example we will use AMOXIL 500mg CAPS.  We will give it a speed code of AMOX5.    In the B/G field will we enter the speed code for the generic.  GAMOX5.  
    We have a generic drug that is AMOXICILLIN 500mg CAPS.  We will give it a speed code of GAMOX5.   In the B/G Code field we will enter the BRAND's speed code.  I.e.  AMOX5.  The brand and generics are now linked together.   
      On the price quote, new prescription, refill prescription and edit prescription windows, you can press a button (Linked list) or press F5 to change the drug dispensed to the brand or generic drug.  The button is to the right of the WORKSHEET button.  The button acts as a toggle and will switch back and forth between the two.   If you have more than one generic setup, it will show you a window where you can select which generic you will you.  While this function is designed from brand and generics, you can use it for compounded drugs.  For example you can link the same formulas that have the exact formula but a different flavor.  You can use your imagination.

19.  Clinical Module users:   When filling a new Rx, refilling a Rx or editing and Rx you can now press a button to view the drug image.  See formulas->clinical->drug image for more information.

OTHER CHANGES:

20.  The compounded claim form now allows up to 60 characters for the pharmacy name.  The font for the pharmacy name and address was changed from size 12 to 9 to accommodate this change.

21.  Rx:  On the prescription history window, Rx's with the status of 'u' (used to create new) or 'e' (expired Rx) will show the field in Red.  Rx's with the status of' "N" (not filled) will be in Blue.   Status flags 'e' & 'u' have priority.

22.  The "To Do" Management system adds the following columns:   Formula therapeutic class, Dr practice type, Formula-Drug Type and Patient Class.  You can filter and group on these fields.

23.  Rx Triplicate Reminder:  On the formula add/edit window on the formula information tab towards the bottom of the screen there is a new check box "Rx requires triplicate".  If in Options "USE TRIPLICATE REMINDER" is checked and the formula is a schedule 2 and or the formula's RX REQUIRES TRIPLICATE is checked, the software will bring up the Rx triplicate reminder window.  This is required for the state of NY that requires a triplicate for some drugs other than schedule 2.

24.  The log lookup window now allow for lower case letters when searching by a lot number.  This is to allow the 't' in temporary logs.

25.  Rx transfer window.  You can now select a pharmacy from the contacts file to quickly load another pharmacy's information.   The pharmacy must be added in Contacts (File->Contacts).  
    a.  Set the COMPANY to the name of the pharmacy.   
    b.  The first name must be entered for contacts (you can enter a dash -).  
    c.  The TYPE OF PRACTICE must be PHARMACY.   Set the PROVIDER1/DEA to the pharmacy's DEA number.   Save the contact.   
    d.  You will need to add the PHARMACY to the TYPE OF PRACTICE list.     (Lists->Lookup lists #2->Dr. Type of practices)
    e.  On the Rx Transfer window you can use the Alt+Down arrow key in the TRANSFER STORE field or use the mouse.   If you select a pharmacy from the list, the software will automatically fill in the phone, DEA, address, etc.  It will also add the information to the Rx transfer note field.  It will also add information in the NAME OF PERSON field.

26.  Rx transfer window.  There is a new button by the date field.  You can press this button to set the transfer date to the current date.  It has a hot-key of Alt-T.

27.  Rx log of scripts:   Added a new filter FORMULA CODE.

28.  Logged formula worksheet adds the chemicals and devices stock on hand to the DETAILED worksheet.

29. The automatic log off feature in Options, will now minimize any windows before activating the log off.   This makes sure that no private information is left on the screen. In some cases you may want to disable this and use the Windows screen saver with a password as it provides better protection.

30.  We did a correction to the Automatic log off timer.    It was set to 5 minutes and ignored what was set in Options.

31.  The IB Affinity utility for HyperThreading computers or Multiprocessor computers now automatically closes after 5 seconds.  This makes it easier to work with.

32.  Using the duplicate chemical function while logging:  We've added a calculator button to this window.  This will allow a user to click on the calculator to set the amount used in the bottle by using the mouse and not the keyboard.   This is for use while making a log within a hood where there is a wireless mouse in the hood but not a keyboard.

*33.  Compounded Claim Forms:  There are several changes to the compounded claim form.   YOU WILL NEED TO SETUP EACH INSURANCE THAT USES THE COMPOUNDED CLAIM FORMS IN ORDER FOR THEM TO WORK.
    a.  The setup is no longer in Options.  The setup is now specific for each insurance.   This allows the pharmacy to setup how the claim is printed for each insurance.   Some insurance companies require different data on the form.
    b.  Edit EACH insurance that prints the claim form.   Go to the OFFLINE Claims tab.  Set the PRINTED PATIENT CLAIMS to "2. IACP claim form."
    c.  Under the printed claim box are the setup fields for the compounded claim form.
    d.  "Accept assignment for compounded claims".  If this is checked the compounded claim form will print the "Accept assignment" information on the claim form.  
    e.  "Print Ingredient NDC numbers".  If this is checked AND the ingredient (chemical) has an NDC number then it will print "NDC " and the NDC number.
    f.  "Print only active ingredients".  If this is checked AND the ingredient is checked as ACTIVE in the formula, then it will only include active ingredients.  If not checked, it will print ALL ingredients.  NOTE:  It will include a "*" for active ingredients.
    g.  "Print quantities for ingredients"  If this is checked it will include the metric quantity of each ingredient.
    h.  "Print only for COMPOUNDS. Not brand/generics".  If this is checked, it will only print claim forms for formulas that have the DRUG TYPE set to C.(Compounds).   It will not create a claim for brand or generic drugs.
    i.  "Print doctor DEA on form".  If this is checked it will include the doctor's DEA in the PRESCRIBER'S DEA place on the form.  Otherwise it will print "DEA not printed".
    j.  "Ask to print the back side of the claim."  If this is checked it will ask if you want to print the back side of the claim form.
    k.  On the claim form, sub formula ingredients are now placed in a bracket.  [    ].
    l.  If the  sub formula does not have any ingredients, the software will print the name of the sub formula.  Otherwise it will print the ingredients.  It uses follows the same rules to print the active or inactive ingredients.
    m.  Manual claims uses the CASH CUSTOMERS (ID=3) claim settings.

34.  On the main tab for a formula, there is a new check box "STERILE ITEM".   All formulas that need to be compounded as a sterile product should have this checked.  When making a log it will check the STERILE ITEM on the log.   This check in the log will force the sterility information to be printed on the logged formula worksheet.

35.  The doctor's type of practice has been expanded to 40 characters.    This was expanded to match the "Type of practice" lookup table.

36.  The doctor's phone #1 is added to the Rx history grid.  

37.  From the patient prescription history screen, you can now create a "physician contact' record as well as search for contact records.

38.  Accounts Receivables users:  When you use the A/R auto-charge feature  you can now have the software create a new invoice without searching for an existing invoice.  File->Options->AR Setup->"Search for existing invoice".  If this is checked the software will search for an existing invoice (same account & date).  Otherwise it will always create a new invoice.

39.  On NEW prescriptions the software will calculate the days supply (dynamically).  
    a.  The software will still use the default days supply from the drug/formula (Formula edit->Pricing->Default Days supply) as in previous versions.  This would be a static days supply.  I.e. it's always the same & it entered when you select the drug/formula.
    b.  In this release we also added the ability for the software to calculate a dynamic days supply.   This uses information from the QUANTITY dispensed and the SIG codes to calculate the days supply.   For example you enter a sig of 1C TID.   The software will use the codes to lookup the actual meaning from the SIG file.  TAKE ONE CAPSULE THREE TIMES A DAY.   You can edit the sig code TID and on the second tab you can enter 3 in the TIMES DAILY.  This means that the TID is given 3 times a day.   The software will use this to calculate the days supply.  I.e.  If you dispense #100 and use TID (or 3 times a day) the days supply will be 100/3 = 33 (rounded) days supply.   
    c.  To use this you must edit your SIGS and enter information into the TIMES DAILY field.
    d.  If the prescription sig has more than one SIG code with information in the times daily it will not calculate the days supply.  I.e.  1C BID TID.  (2 times a day and 3 times a day)
    e.  This is only for new prescriptions but not  while editing a prescription.

40.  Credit card module users:    GoSoftware was acquired by VeriFone. (http://www.verifone.com/index.cfm).   For support on the credit card module, you will need to contact Verifone.  See their website for their contact information.

41.  We added the patient's GENDER and SPECIES columns to the patient lookup window.

42.  The Gross profit warning message (Setup in Options) that is displayed when filling a prescription has been redone.  It now shows the amount you need to charge to get the target gross profit margin.

43.  There is a new prescription report for a single Rx.  From the patient's prescription history screen, highlight the prescription and press the Reports button->Prescription.  The fill date will be the last date this prescription was dispensed.

44.  In Options under Log setup there is a new option "MUST DO PRICING CALCULATIONS WHEN MAKING A LOG".   If this is checked the software will ALWAYS calculate the price of the log when saving a new log.  If this is not checked then it will not calculate the price of the log.  NOTE:  The ingredient prices will still be on the worksheet but not totaled at the top of the worksheets.  

45.   PCCA CPM users, you can now use the CPM module are use regular pricing and not use the CPM pricing.  File->Options->Rx Pricing tab  "PCCA CPM users: Use default pricing ".  If this is checked, the software will use the pricing code in the formula and not the pricing code from the CPM pricing segment.

46.  Worksheets:  You can now have the software default to either:  1. Always print your cost on the worksheets.  2. Never print your costs on the worksheets or 3.  Always ask if you want to print your costs on the worksheets.  File->Options->Worksheets.  "Print costs on formula worksheets."

47.  When opening the note editor for any type of note (patient, doctor, Rx, etc), and you press the date button, the software will now add the date and time (a time stamp).  In previous versions it only added the date.

48.  Logs:  On the sterility tab there is now a place to enter the pH of a final product.   This is printed on the worksheet.

49.  When refilling a BRAND or GENERIC drug, the software will automatically fill in the lot number, expiration date and manufacturer of the drug from the drug's inventory window.

50.  When making a log for a formula and the formula has a QS item the software will now store the actual QS amount.  This amount is then used for pricing and inventory control.  For example, if you have a formula for ACACIA SYRUP and one of the ingredients is a QS item.    When you make a log and save it, the software will ask for the amount QS'd for the ingredient.  If you entered 85 mL, the software will use the 85 ML for the pricing and the inventory control.  This makes making a log faster.

51.  The SELECT WORKSHEET TYPE window has changed to make it easier to read.  The information about the worksheets was moved to a dialog box.

52.  PCCA CPM users:   You can now set a default CPM PRICING SEGMENT CODE for a formula.  On the pricing tab of a formula you can select the default code.  When filling a new prescription the software will default to this code.   If the formula does not have a default CPM PRICING SEGMENT CODE, it will not default to any item when filling a new prescription.

53.  On the log lookup window there is a new button that will make the current log active on inactive.  It works as a toggle switch.

54.  When printing a formula worksheet the software and asks how much you want to make, it will now default to the formula's "this formula makes" value.   It's the same thing when you make a log.

55.  We did a correction to the printer settings.  In certain situations they were not retaining their set values.   We also did a few changes to make it easier to get up the page size (height and width, portrait and landscape)

56.  We did a correction to the Rx label. You can now print the patient's default shipping method.

57.  A new service we now offer is an ONLINE, OFFSITE  SECURE BACKUP.  This utility will check your data file, compress it, encrypt it and the send it to one of our secure web servers.   It's quick and efficient!  Contact PK Software at 435-753-3486 for detailed information.  In this release we created a separate application to accomplish the backup by pressing one button!  It will even send you an e-mail when the backup and upload is complete.  We've included a new utility that simply requires you to press one button to start the offsite backup!   The cost for this service is $30.00 per month.  For more information visit our website (Offsite backups).   This helps to make your pharmacy HIPAA security complaint!  

58.  Reports->Logs->List of Logs report.  This report has several more available filters.

59.  When updating the FORM STYLES  (i.e. CAPSULES, POWDER, etc.) if you changed the code (i.e. CAPSULES to CAP) the software will now update it for all formula and chemicals that use that code.

60.  There are several more filters for the "Items Checked into inventory" report for chemicals/devices.

61.  When saving a doctor and you did not have a TYPE OF PRACTICE, the software would give you a warning and ask if you wanted to go back & change it.   The default button was YES.  In this release it defaults to No.    If you select YES it will go to the field and show the TYPE OF PRACTICE list.

62.  When you make a log for a formula that is marked as a sub formula and you are using the PKS bar code system (Options->bar codes), the software will now prompt you to print a bar code for the product.  (This happens before you print a logged formula worksheet.)

63.  The PCCA price update will now add the AWP & NDC to chemicals that it matches by exact NAME (the chemical name must match the NAME in the PCCA catalog exactly).   It only adds the AWP if the AWP does not contain data.  It only adds the NDC if the NDC does not contain data.

64.  Temporary Lot number:  When in the process of filling a prescription and you make a temporary lot number.  The software will now automatically fill in the lot number, expiration date and quantity used from the temporary lot number.  This is for new and refill prescriptions.

65.  Temporary Lot number:  When you created a temporary lot number the software would default to the quantity for the prescription.  If you changed the "amount to make" the quantity would still show as the prescription quantity and not the "amount to make" quantity.  This is corrected.

66.  Accounts Receivables users:  Auto-Charge for prescriptions:  If you have the A/R module, when you make use the AR Auto-Charge feature to create an invoice the prescription will be marked as A/R charged.   You can create a log of scripts reports and filter off of A/R charged.  You can add the A/R CHARGED field to the prescription label  (use a DBCheck box and set the settings to T or F). 

67.  On the formula screen, the CODE field was moved higher.  This was to make room for the new B/G field.  It will be discussed later in this document.

68.  PCCA Staff:  The PCCA worksheet now prints in proper case.  See PCCA/PK support for more details.   Unit codes are convert to USP standards.  It uses a PROPER NAMES table to keep proper names capitalized.

*69.  DYMO/Thermal label printers:  We've separated the batch labels & bar codes from the address labels.  In prior versions all thermal labels were sent to the same thermal printer.  In this release we've separated the batch labels from the address labels.  In File->Printer setup there is another printer setup THERMAL ADDRESS labels.  If you are using the same printer for both label types, just set them both to the same printer.  YOU MAY NEED TO REDO PRINTER SETUP FOR THERMAL ADDRESS LABELS IN ORDER TO PRINT PROPERLY.

70.  The Compounder Rx users in RI:  The ASAP report now includes the ASAP 1.3 version.  RI requires the ASAP 1.3 formatting (200 chars) (Mass uses ASAP 1.1)   (RI uses ASAP 1.3)   (Most other states use 5/95) 

71.  The drug usage report can now filter by Doctor Type of Practice (non-matching).

72.  Price quote window:   You can now press F3 to select another drug/formula.  You can press F4 to recalculate the price.  You can press F5 to search for linked drugs/formulas (brand or generics).

73.  In the patient's add/edit window there are two fields BUSINESS and USE BUSINESS (check box), if the BUSINESS field is not blank and the the USE BUSINESS is checked, the software will print the business name INSTEAD of the patient name for the Rx labels.  The reports will still show the patient's name.   This only affects the prescription label.   The software will print an "*" at the end of the business name.   

74.  Continued from #72.  As an alternative to using patient OR the business, you can print both the business name AND the patient name.
Edit the Rx label and change the patient last, first name with the BUSINESS : PATIENT or the PATIENT : BUSINESS fields.  Both of these fields can hold up to 80 chars.

75.  You can now search for patients by using the name of the BUSINESS field.    You can also sort by BUSINESS name.

76.  Date selections:  The software now allows you to select a pre-selected date range.  I.e.  Last year, Last month, Last 12 months, Last quarter, etc.  This is in several places in the software.  Log of scripts, patient reports, ASAP report, etc.

77.  Log of scripts window no longer asks "Do you want to reset the defaults?".  To reset the defaults, use the button on the bottom of the window.

78.  ASAP report:  The ASAP report would not be correct if you had 8 digits in the Rx number.   The ASAP report only allows for up to 7 digits.  This is now corrected.    It caused one extra character to be added to the record length.  The software now truncates to 7 characters.

79.  Price Update:  We added the ability to do price updates from CARDINAL.   Contact your Cardinal Sales Person.  He or she can submit a request for the update.  Tell them it is for PK Software and they can tell you how to create the data file.  This does not add new drugs like the clinical module.  It only updates existing drugs.  It does it by an NDC match.

80.  There is a new button (to the right of the REPORTS button) on the prescription history screen that will print a quick report of the prescriptions that have been filled today.  This button only displays an icon with no caption.

81.  On the Patient edit window on the Preferences tab, there is a new check box "Print today's Rx after Rx label".  If this is checked you will be asked if you want to print the PATIENT PRESCRIPTIONS FOR TODAY (#79) REPORT after you print a prescription label. This includes reprinted Rx labels.   

82. On the prescription history window the patient's cellular phone number is now displayed.  Users using a 800 x 600 display may not be able to view it. This is a good reason to have your settings at least 1024 x 768.

83.  On the prescription history window the patient's Social security number/ Drivers license field is now displayed.  Users using a 800 x 600 display may not be able to view it. This is a good reason to have your settings at least 1024 x 768.

84.  When you fill a new prescription for a controlled substance (2,3,4,5) and the patient's SSN/DL# field is blank, you will receive a warning that the information is missing.   This is because many states require this information for controlled substances and ASAP reporting.

85.  The chemical lookup window has a button for a chemical merge.  After the merge you will need to refresh the chemical list.

86.  Some of the reports now total the prices and/or costs.

87.  The log of scripts report can now filter by patient business name.

88.  Rx refill authorizations:  When you change refills, the information is now stored and is displayed in the bottom of the window.

89.  While adding/editing a formula there is a new button that will allow you to copy the formula's active ingredients and put them in the GENERIC NAME field.  This feature was in the last release of version 2 and is now added to version 3.

90.  The steps to load the various backup methods has changed.  In this release you go to a common window first and then select the type of backup you want to do.
 
91.  The Rx log of scripts report added 2 more filters:  Rx Shipping Method and Rx Payment Method.

92.  When saving a formula, if the DAYS TO EXPIRATION is blank, you will get a warning message.  The software needs this information to properly calculate the beyond use date.

93.  When filling a prescription on hold and the patient has a default doctor, the software will now ask if you want to use the patient's default doctor.

94.  You can now edit a prescription on hold.   From the patient's history window press the "SHOW RXS ON HOLD" button.  On the bottom of the screen press the "EDIT RX HOLD" button. 

95.  A/R users:  There was a problem of posting the correct balance when you deleting a payment from the A/R.

96.  New Option:  Rx setup->"DO NOT DEFAULT RPH, TECH FOR RX".  If this is checked the software will not use any default pharmacist or technician for new or refill prescriptions. 

97.  When deleting a log, formula, chemical, doctor or patient the software will now track this in data tracking.  This only works if data tracking is turned on on Options.   In the case the item could not be deleted it will still be marked as "deleted attempted" in the data tracking records.

98.  HCFA reports now correctly subtotal each page.  This would occur for multiple pages for the same patient.

99.  The Rx status screen shows the credit card number, exp. date and a few other fields.  NOTE: Users using a 800 x 600 display may not be able to view it. This is a good reason to have your settings at least 1024 x 768.