Pharmacy Law Practice Exam 2026 - Free Pharmacy Law Practice Questions and Study Guide

Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is a process intended to ensure that medications are used appropriately, safely, and effectively. It is typically categorized into two main types: prospective and retrospective reviews.

Prospective review involves evaluating a patient's medication therapy before the medication is dispensed, checking for potential drug interactions, allergies, and duplications to ensure the appropriate use of medications. Retrospective review assesses medication use over time, analyzing prescription patterns, patient outcomes, and adherence to treatment protocols, identifying potential areas for improvement.

Education programs are also considered a vital component of DUR. They aim to inform healthcare providers and patients about best practices in medication management, enhance understanding of drug therapy, and promote adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

Insurance auditing, while it may involve reviewing prescriptions, is focused primarily on compliance with insurance protocols, billing practices, and ensuring that claims for medication reimbursement are appropriate. This process does not directly contribute to evaluating the clinical appropriateness or safety of drug therapy in the same way that DUR does. Therefore, it is not considered a component of Drug Utilization Review.