Kadena pharmacy moves to automated system

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Kenya Shiloh
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Kadena pharmacy will transition into the automated refill system starting Feb. 16 to provide patients with quality care in less time.

According to Capt. Katie Austin, the Kadena pharmacist, the new policy, which requires patients to use this system to refill prescriptions, will enable the pharmacy's staff to fill new prescriptions in a more timely fashion.

"We will be able to process [patient's] prescriptions more quickly because we will be able to manage our refills during slower periods," she said. "The call-in refill system will help reduce wait times for all patients at the Kadena clinic."

Although walk-in prescription refills will no longer be available to patients, the process for refilling prescriptions via telephone is simple. Patients can call 643-1111 and follow the prompts for the Air Force or Navy pharmacy. Patients should have their prescription number(s) starting with "RX" located on the medication label readily available when they call. If the prescription(s) is called in before 4 p.m., it should be ready by 10 a.m. the next duty day.

However, patients should keep in mind that the clinic is closed for training the second Tuesday of every month, federal holidays and wing family days. Patients can also register their prescriptions through Tricare online as soon as that system becomes available.

"We are trying to help decrease our patients' wait times while continuing to provide the safest medication care possible," Captain Austin said. "Our next-day pick up will hopefully increase patient satisfaction and reduce patient wait times, especially for our sicker patients."

The pharmacy staff encourages people to ask questions if they need further guidance on this process. For more information call 630-4368.