Prescribing errors are the second largest cause of malpractice claims against physicians. Physicians, therefore, should take steps to insure that their prescriptions are correct and not subject to misinterpretation. This not only protects the physician; it also insures that the patient is obtaining the proper medication for his/her condition. Here are some tips to help make sure that you protect yourself and your patient.

• Be specific. Explain medications and their side effects. Have patients repeat your instructions and tell them what side effects should elicit a call to your office. Use the metric system when possible and spell out "units" rather than writing "U," a common misinterpretation. Even include the patient's age and weight when appropriate. It also helps to include a brief notation of purpose, i.e., "For cough." The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention reported one instance in which an order for Haldol (an antipsychotic) was almost filled with Stadol (an analgesic) until the filling pharmacist noted the physician had added "for agitation." In some cases, however, patient confidentiality may preclude this from being done.
  
  

• Provide details. Don't include vague instructions such as "take as indicated" and "resume previous orders." Always rewrite existing orders. Use "mcg," "mg" or "g" for prescription strength instead of "Tylenol 2 tabs."
  
  

• Use brochures. "Prescription Medicines and You: A Consumer Guide" is available in six languages through the National Council on Patient Information and Education and the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (call 202-347-6711 for an order form). The USP also offers "Customized Patient Education Leaflets" on a variety of drugs. (Call 800-877-6733 to or