WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – There will soon be a new way for patients to pick up their prescriptions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
The 88th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron will install an electronic medicine dispenser inside the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Mall, which is expected to be ready for use after Oct. 4.
It’s called ScriptCenter.
The ScriptCenter kiosk will be located in the main hallway between the commissary and Exchange on Area A. Exchange hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“In addition to our Kittyhawk satellite pharmacy, we are proud to add this convenient alternative for patients in an effort to expand our pharmacy services,” said Col. Stacey Van Orden, 88 DTS commander.
“Each patient will have a specific username that they create and once the information is entered, a locker will open with the prescriptions they requested.”
According to pharmacy staff, the new ScriptCenter will be utilized mainly for refills, but certain new prescriptions can also be picked up. Patients will still call in their refills as usual, but now, an additional option allows them to select where they want to pick up the medicine.
Each day, pharmacy personnel will be responsible for gathering prescriptions, taking them to the Exchange and loading them into ScriptCenter.
“All new medications from on-base providers will still be handled at the main pharmacy clinic in the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Atrium, and the process of filling new and refill requests will be the same,” Van Order added.
What are ScriptCenters?
ScriptCenters are automated locker or vending machine units. They use state-of-the art technology to provide convenient and secure access to most prescriptions.
Enrollment is easy and convenient. Once registered, you can pick up prescriptions at your convenience. Each kiosk or locker system can hold hundreds of prescriptions, with the exception of controlled substances and refrigerated items.
“Many ScriptCenter units are already in operation in various military treatment facilities,” said Col. Dale Harrell, the 88th Medical Group commander. “We’ve been working to get Wright-Patterson a ScriptCenter for several years and are excited to receive one. We expect it to make a real difference for our beneficiaries when it comes to picking up their refill prescriptions.”
What are the benefits?
The main benefit of ScriptCenter is it allows you to pick up your prescription at times when the regular pharmacies are closed. This provides the opportunity for patients to pick up prescriptions on weekends and evenings because ScriptCenter can be accessed anytime the Exchange is open.
How do you use a ScriptCenter?
First, you need to complete a one-time enrollment at a ScriptCenter kiosk. To do this, scan your military ID card (Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID Card), enter your date of birth and create a password/four-digit pin. Once you create an account, you can use your fingerprint, ID card, or password with four-digit pin to unlock and get your medications. This process usually takes less than two minutes.
You can request refills by calling AudioCARE and choosing “ScriptCenter Kiosk at the Exchange Mall” as your pickup location. AudioCARE will give you a pickup time and date. The pharmacy will then fill your prescriptions and load them into the kiosk.
In addition to using military pharmacies, you have other options for filling your prescriptions, as outlined in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview:
Keep in mind, some prescription drugs may only be available through one pharmacy option. You can search the TRICARE formulary to see where you can fill your prescription, how much you’ll pay out of pocket and more.