200324-F-RI777-1060

The 72nd Medical Group Pharmacy at the 72nd Medical Group is currently requiring patients to utilize their drive thru for all pharmacy services. This includes picking up previously activated prescriptions, previously called-in refills, activation of electronic prescriptions, drop off of written prescriptions or if a doctor has sent a prescription to the pharmacy. After checking in at the drive-thru, patients may be directed by pharmacy personnel to the overflow area in the parking lot located directly behind the drive-thru. For more information call the pharmacy at 405-582-6315, Option 2, Option 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Kelly White)

200327-F-RI777-2071

Pharmacy operations have gone to a drive-thru basis only. Since the demand to get prescriptions has gone up so people can stay in their homes, and also to take care of patients safely, the inside desks and waiting rooms are currently closed to pharmacy clientele. Pharmacy representatives are working with individuals in each vehicle for prescription medication requests and pick-ups. (U.S. Air Force photo/Kelly White)

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Senior Airman Jaiyda Hale, a lab technician with the 72nd Medical Support Squadron, helps deliver prescriptions to customers in their vehicles in the overflow parking of the 72nd Medical Group and also helps put away medications, stock supplies, and work in the drive-thru. (U.S. Air Force photo/Kelly White)

Drive-thru meds hope to combat COVID spread

Published April 2, 2020
By Megan Prather
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

Tinker Air Force Base’s 72nd Medical Group Pharmacy has implemented process changes due to COVID-19 in order to protect members of Team Tinker while continuing to accomplish the mission.

“Our staff is willing to do whatever it takes to take care of our patients,” said Maj. Karl Bituin, 72nd Medical Group Pharmacy flight commander

Bituin said that patients are responding positively to changes that have taken place so far, which include all pharmacy patients using the drive-thru on the north side of the Medical Group for prescription drop-off and pick-up and calling ahead to activate and process prescriptions with prescriptions being ready for pick up the next duty day after noon and acutely needed medications being processed the same day.

“When our patients go through the drive-thru during our peak time, they will be greeted by staff members that will be able to direct them and check them into our queuing system,” said Bituin. “Patients will be directed to a parking spot in the lot where we will hand-deliver their prescriptions to their car.”

Bituin also said the volume of off-base prescriptions and refills being processed early has increased, but volunteer support from throughout the Med Group has helped to meet the need.

“The Med Group has been tied together as the Tinker Pharmacy adjusts for COVID-19 and understands the need for medications during this pandemic,” Bituin said. “We have volunteers from across the Med Group supporting the pharmacy, including Dental, the Family Health Clinic and Bioenvironmental Clinic, so [groups] all across the Med Group [have] helped out to meet the need.”

As things keep changing day to day, Master Sgt. Adam Garrett said the pharmacy will remain flexible to the needs of the base and patients, and that they need the same flexibility from patients.

“Everything we’re doing is to slow this [virus] down and remain flexible as things change,” Garrett said. “As things change, we have to flex and we appreciate their patience and ability to flex.”

Patients with questions should call ahead to speak with pharmacy staff at 582-6315 Option 2, Option 2. There are also prescription mailing options that can be found at militaryrx.express.scripts.com.