Clinic automates pharmacy refills

  • Published
  • By Major Julie Guill
  • 14th Medical Support Squadron
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  The Columbus AFB pharmacy unveiled its newest piece of technology, the Automated Prescription Machine last week. The APM is located in the clinic lobby outside the pharmacy waiting area and will serve as an alternate location for patients to pick up their telephone refilled medication. 

The APM will benefit patients in several ways. First, it will allow those patients who call in their refills the option of completely bypassing the pharmacy window. Secondly, fewer patients accessing the pharmacy window means shorter lines for those who are being seen in the clinic or bringing new prescriptions from their civilian providers. 

The APM is not suitable for all medications. Controlled substances, refrigerated items such as insulin, or large items will still need to be picked up at the pharmacy window.
Using the APM is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Request a PIN at the pharmacy window (allow 24 hours).
2. Call in refills to 1-800-982-4259 and select option two.
3. Medications will be ready for pick up the following duty day after noon.

If patients drive a long way or have a unique circumstance, they are asked to call the pharmacy, at 434-2168, before leaving their homes so they can identify any possible issues ahead of time. 

The 14th Medical Support Squadron hopes this makes patients' next visit to the pharmacy a little easier.