CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

What is the typical goal of using a DAW code?

1. To determine medication effectiveness

2. To manage patient appointments

3. To ensure correct insurance billing

4. To monitor pharmacy workflow

The correct answer is: To ensure correct insurance billing

The typical goal of using a DAW, or Dispense As Written, code is to ensure correct insurance billing. This code is utilized in pharmacy practice to indicate that a brand-name drug is specifically requested by the prescriber, and therefore, a generic alternative should not be substituted. By using the DAW code, pharmacies communicate this intent to insurance companies, which can affect the billing process and ultimately determine how the cost of the medication is covered. Accurate billing is crucial for pharmacies to receive the correct reimbursement for the medications dispensed and to avoid potential discrepancies that could arise if substitutions were made against the prescriber's wishes.