TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Starting May 1, Tinker’s Pharmacy will implement a change in its processing. As the pharmacy reaches a wide range of beneficiaries, it’s important to be aware of the changes.
The biggest change to note is the integration of a first-come, first-serve policy, eliminating the “pull a ticket” procedure which currently stands. This change is being implemented in response to the valuable feedback the pharmacy receives from its customers regarding wait times.
Master Sgt. Sean Sowash, Pharmacy NCOIC, discussed the upcoming changes. “Currently, the patient flow includes taking a ticket when dropping off or activating new prescriptions,” he explained. “During busy times, that can create an hour of wait time before a patient even reaches the window for assistance.” On top of that wait time, patients should expect an additional one to two hours for the script to be processed.
“In implementing this new procedural change, we want to eliminate the front-end wait,” the sergeant said. So, beginning May 1 patients will simply form a single line and drop their prescriptions off, with a wait time closer to five or 10 minutes, rather than an hour. Processing time of the prescription won’t change, Sergeant Sowash noted, but should substantially reduce the time patients spend waiting to start the process. After the drop-off, patients have the choice of waiting in the lobby or returning later.
The pharmacy lobby will also be going through some changes. Standing height tables will be available for patients to write any necessary information (patient date of birth and good contact number are essential). Also, for electronic prescriptions, patients will need to complete a request form, available in the pharmacy lobby.
Though pharmacy procedures are changing, much will remain the same. Prescriptions may be filled and picked up in the same day, if dropped off by 3:30 p.m. The dropbox and drive-thru option for next-day pick-ups will also stay intact. Patients will still be able to activate electronic prescriptions by phone as well.
Another change affecting the pharmacy and its customers is the Department of Defense’s decision to provide formulary alternatives to the popular anti-acid reflux drug, Nexium. A significant price hike has forced the drug out of DOD clinics, and Tinker has immediately begun switching those prescriptions to 30-day supplies and adjusting refills. Beginning June 1, no new prescriptions for Nexium will be filled and June 23 will be the last day for its refills.
Want to know more about the new process? Have questions about other pharmacy processes? A town hall meeting is scheduled for April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the base auditorium. A cadre of Tinker Pharmacy staff will be there to answer your pharmacy questions.