What is the purpose of DAW codes in the context of prescription dispensation?

DAW codes, which stand for "Dispense As Written," serve a specific purpose in the dispensing of prescriptions, particularly regarding the distinction between generic and brand-name medications. These codes are used by pharmacists to communicate to insurance companies or pharmacy benefit managers whether a brand-name medication was prescribed instead of its generic equivalent.

When a healthcare provider writes a prescription and includes a DAW code, it indicates that the pharmacist should dispense the medication exactly as prescribed without substitutions. This is crucial when the prescriber believes that a specific brand is necessary for therapeutic reasons, or when a patient may have adverse reactions to generic formulations due to inactive ingredients.

The correct answer reflects the significance of DAW codes in guiding pharmacists on how to interpret the prescriber's intentions regarding medication dispensation, specifically in choosing between generics and brand names.