Satellite Pharmacy continues curbside service, answers FAQs from beneficiaries

  • Published
  • 75th Medical Group

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In order to comply with social distancing recommendations and to increase efforts to mitigate further spread of the novel coronavirus, the 75th Medical Group Satellite Pharmacy began providing a new curbside service March 23 in front of the Base Exchange shopping center.

In order to address some frequently asked questions from beneficiaries, the Hill AFB Pharmacy compiled the following responses:

Q1. Why do I have to use the Satellite Pharmacy curbside service to pick up my prescriptions?
A1. The simple answer is we want to keep our patients safe. The Satellite Pharmacy does not have a true lobby, and social distancing is a challenge for our patients using the existing space. Additionally, many of our patients are in the “high-risk” category. Closing the Satellite Pharmacy windows in favor of curbside service was the most effective way to keep our patients safe, while still affording patients the ability to pick up their needed medications.

Q2. My prescriptions used to be ready for me without doing anything. What do I have to do now to activate my prescriptions?
A2. Most DoD Military Treatment Facilities do not automatically fill prescriptions until they are activated by the patient. Until recently, Hill AFB auto processed electronic prescriptions and they were often ready in less than 48 hours after receiving a prescription. However, due to manning constraints, Hill AFB has had to come in line with the rest of the DoD by requiring activation prior to filling a prescription. Patients can activate their electronically prescribed medications by either calling 801-777-0418 or by stopping by the Satellite Pharmacy’s curbside service and requesting activation. Prescriptions being activated will be ready for pickup in 24 hours.

Q3. Why does the wait time when I call the pharmacy seem longer?
A3. We apologize for the extended wait times. We are currently going through a systems upgrade and are working on adding additional capabilities to reduce the wait times.

Q4. Can I drop off my hard copy prescriptions without having to wait?
A4. Yes. You can drop off your prescriptions using either the Satellite Pharmacy curbside service, or you can come into the Base Exchange and use our drop box to the left of window #1 of the Satellite Pharmacy. Hard copies brought in using the curbside service will be ready in 24 hours. Hard copies dropped off in the drop box will be ready by 10 a.m. the following duty day.

Q5. If I want to pick up a refill the following day, when do I need to have my prescription called in by?
A5. Refills called in to our refill line by noon will be ready the following duty day after 9 a.m. Refills called in after noon will be ready in two duty days after 9 a.m.

Q6. Can I transfer my prescription to another pharmacy?
A6. Yes. There are two options for transferring: Home delivery or a network pharmacy. Home delivery is a less expensive option with the added convenience of having your prescriptions delivered. However, home delivery can take a few weeks to setup before receiving your first delivery.

     • To transfer to home delivery, call 877-363-1303 or visit www.militaryrx.express-scripts.com/home-delivery.

     • To transfer to a network pharmacy, call the pharmacy you would like to transfer to and let them know you wish to transfer your prescription from the Hill AFB Pharmacy.

Q7. How much will my prescriptions be if I get them from another pharmacy?
A7. Co-pays will vary based on the medications you take and where you get your prescriptions filled (i.e. network pharmacy vs. home delivery). The easiest way to find out what your co-pay may be is to visit the express-scripts formulary search tool at www.express-scripts.com/tform.

For any other questions or concerns, please call the Pharmacy at 801-777-0418.