In the Queue with PTU

In this series finale, Matt and Don cover transferring prescriptions and drug stock, proper disposal via reverse distributors or authorized destruction, and spotting and reporting diversion. Plus, they wrap up the full six-part series with some key takeaways and reflections on what they’ve learned. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Explain requirements for transferrin...

Matt and Don dig into controlled substance inventory counts (biennial vs annual), perpetual inventory for C‑IIs, how to resolve discrepancies, and how to organize records so audits go smoothly. Part five of our six-part series on controlled substances. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Describe the inventory requirements for controlled substances. Summarize the record...

From double counting to DEA Form 222, this episode covers day‑to‑day dispensing, partial fills, labeling, ordering, and storing controlled substances in retail and hospital settings. Part four of our six-part series on controlled substances. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Explain the following requirements for handling and dispensing controlled substance prescripti...

What makes a controlled-substance prescription valid—and how do refills and expirations differ by schedule? Matt and Don break down required elements, transmission rules (written, e‑prescribed, faxed, verbal), refill limits, and common state variations. Part three of our six-part series on controlled substances. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Explain the requiremen...

This episode demystifies DEA numbers: who needs them, how they’re structured, and simple ways to verify them. Matt and Don walk through practitioner types, state-by-state prescribing nuances, the 2-letter/7-digit format, and the manual checksum formula—plus when to escalate concerns even if the number “checks out.” Part two of our six-part series on controlled substances. Hosts: Matt Uhrich &...

This episode kicks off a six-part series on controlled substances by laying the groundwork: what they are, why they’re regulated, and how the DEA classifies them. Matt and Don walk through the five drug schedules, explain how they’re determined, and share examples of medications in each category. Whether you're new to pharmacy or brushing up on the basics, this episode sets the stage for unde...

Matt and Don spotlight the pharmacy technician’s behind‑the‑scenes role in surgical care—ensuring anesthetics and perioperative meds are labeled, stored, and delivered correctly and on time. The episode focuses on communication, precision, and safeguards that prevent OR errors. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Identify common types of medications used during surgical...

This episode introduces quality measures—standardized ways to evaluate care quality, safety, adherence, and efficiency—and why they matter to technicians. Matt and Don explain common measure types, how pharmacies are scored, and practical ways techs influence results at the bench. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Define quality measures and explain their importance i...

This kickoff episode explains reconstitution—what it is, why it matters, and how technicians safely convert powders into liquid suspensions. Matt and Don cover diluents, measuring and mixing steps, labeling, counseling tips, and common pitfalls across retail and hospital settings. Hosts: Matt Uhrich & Don Weinberger 🎯 Learning Objectives: Identify common medications that require reconstitutio...