OCTOBER 4, 2022 – TRICARE beneficiaries will soon be able to activate their new prescriptions at the Brooke Army Medical Center Main Out-Patient Pharmacy and most of the outlying pharmacy locations with a few simple texts.
The Q-Anywhere text messaging service, which launches Oct. 3, allows beneficiaries to manage their prescriptions from their mobile device using Remote Pharmacy Mobile Activation, the latest TRICARE pharmacy tool offered to make filling prescriptions easier.
“Q-Anywhere will help reduce the number of people waiting in line at the pharmacy or over the phone,” said U.S. Army Col. Stacey Causey, BAMC Department of Pharmacy chief.
“This service will be available at the BAMC Main Out-Patient Pharmacy, and at the CPT Jennifer M. Moreno Clinic, Fort Sam Houston Exchange, and SPC Taylor J. Burk Clinic pharmacies,” Causey added. “Westover Medical Home and Schertz Medical Home pharmacies will not be using it at this time, but we hope to implement it soon.”
How does Remote Pharmacy Check-In work?
“When your provider writes you a prescription and sends it to a BAMC pharmacy, you need to activate it,” explained Causey. “The process is quick and easy. Just scan the QR code provided at the pharmacy or simply text ‘Get in line’ to 1-833-256-3632 and follow the steps you receive in the text message.”
Patients will be required to enter their Department of Defense Identification Number listed on the front of their military ID or Common Access Card. The system will then activate any new electronic prescriptions received in the past 14 days.
“The next step is just to watch your phone,” Causey said. “You’ll receive a text message with instructions once your medication is ready for pickup.”
Keep in mind, Remote Pharmacy Mobile Activation doesn’t refill prescriptions. It only activates new ones. Requests made before noon will be available after 2 p.m. the same day. Requests made after noon will be available after 10 a.m. the following day.
“You can only use this service to activate your prescriptions during pharmacy hours,” Causey said. “Your pharmacy must be open for your request to be processed. If you use Remote Pharmacy Check-In outside of duty hours, your information won’t be retained, and your prescription won’t be activated.”
Other Pharmacy Options
Home Delivery
For beneficiaries interested in receiving medications by home delivery, Express Scripts is a TRICARE service. Visit https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/home-delivery or call 1-877-363-1303, option 3 for more information. There are co-pays, but beneficiaries will reduce time spent at the pharmacy.
Co-pays (can differ depending on medication/day supply):
Generic formulary – $12
Brand-Name formulary – $34
Non-formulary – $68
Retail Network Pharmacies
Find retail network pharmacies at https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/find-pharmacy. There are co-pays, but beneficiaries will reduce time spent at the pharmacy.
Co-pays (can differ depending on medication/day supply):
Generic formulary – $14
Brand-Name formulary – $38
Non-formulary – $68
Prescription Pickup Lockers
Patients can also use ScriptCenter. Lockers are located in the Medical Mall at BAMC or at the Fort Sam Houston Exchange pharmacy. This contactless, automated locker allows beneficiaries to pick up prescription refills at their convenience.
“The BAMC pharmacy department is always looking for ways to provide more options for our patients,” Causey said. “We realize your time is valuable and we want you to know your options when it comes to getting prescription medications at BAMC and the outlying clinics.”
Story by Lori Newman
Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs