Pharmacy changes promise more convenience to patients

F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. – The 90th Medical Group pharmacy has made a few changes which increase convenience for their patients.

In April of this year, the pharmacy purchased a new system for storing prescriptions called an “Intellicab,” or intelligent cabinet. This new system has been adopted by several military bases nation-wide, said Maj. Fran Bartz, 90th Medical Support Squadron.

“The system makes it easier to find prescriptions,” Bartz said. She explained the system’s process, and the ease in which pharmacy volunteers can take care of their customers.

The prescription to be filled is entered into the system. Once entered, it receives an individual tracking number that will print on a label. There are three different-sized boxes containing prescriptions. These boxes are labeled with the appropriate prescription number, then filed in a secure cabinet once filled.

“The cabinet can’t be opened without a badge,” Bartz said. “The system knows who has opened the cabinet, and if someone without authorization has tried to access it.” With the new system, none of the boxes have the patients’ information on them, increasing patient safety and privacy, she added.

The pharmacy is also helping patients by offering transfer service to Express Scripts home-delivery service. Patients would need to call the pharmacy, and the pharmacy can have existing prescriptions delivered to their home, Bartz explained.

“There are no co-pays for active-duty members,” she added. “Retirees and dependents will have co-pays for medications not available generically.”

Bruce Smith, Express Scripts TRICARE Pharmacy Division program development senior director, said the prescription refills will come to patients’ homes by a common carrier. He explained the refills can have up to 90 days of medication, depending on the way the prescription is written.

“Perishable prescriptions are sent in temperature-controlled shipments,” Smith added. “It really is a convenience to have your medications sent to your home, especially for people who don’t live near the base.”