News

Dover AFB Pharmacy reopens lobby, adjust operations

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cody Morcom
  • 436th Medical Group

With the COVID-19 situation trending in a positive direction, the 436th Medical Group Pharmacy will transition back to in-person services starting June 14, 2021.

Patients will be able to come to the Pharmacy windows to activate, drop off and pick up their prescriptions.

Due to the change in operations, the Park ‘N Pickup service will cease on June 14. The dental parking lot will revert back to its original use and all text communications for the Park ‘N Pickup text number will not be available.

The Pharmacy will now be open inside from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding training days, wing down days and federal holidays. On the second Wednesday of each month, the Pharmacy will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with limited staff and longer-than-expected wait times due to the 436th MDG monthly training day.

When dropping off or activating prescriptions, windows 1 and 2 may be utilized. If picking up prescriptions, customers may use windows 4 and 5. Window 3 is available for patients with mobility issues.

After activating their prescriptions, patients are asked to leave and return to the Pharmacy within one to two hours in order to maintain proper social distancing within the 436th MDG building. Patients with mobility issues, or urgently in need of medications, may wait in the Pharmacy lobby, if feasible.

Same-day pickups must be dropped off or activated by 3 p.m.

All new prescriptions must be activated once sent from the provider’s office. By activating a prescription, the pharmacy is alerted that the patient expects to pick up their prescription, preventing unnecessary prescription fills from occurring.

The Pharmacy offers a variety of options to activate prescriptions:

Patients can use TRICARE Online’s Secure Messaging feature to directly message the Pharmacy staff with their information and the prescriptions they wish to activate. An account must be set up before a patient is able to send messages. This method allows a patient to manage their appointments, refills, activations and more, all from one screen. It also helps patients avoid having to wait on the phone. Patients using this method can expect their medications to be ready in one duty day. Patients can find more information about secure messaging by visiting tricareonline.com.

Patients can also call the activation line at (302) 677-2019, to speak with a Pharmacy team member who will activate their prescriptions. Because the Dover AFB Pharmacy can receive over 300 phone calls a day, this can lead to extended wait times. With the new phone system, callers will be told their exact spot in line once they call. Patients using this method can expect their medications to be ready in one to two hours, depending on pharmacy workload.

Patients may choose to activate their prescriptions by texting (302) 505-0616 with the patient’s full name, date of birth, the last 4 of the sponsor’s social security number and the number of prescriptions the patient is activating. Once responded to, patients can expect their prescriptions to be ready in one to two hours. Response times can vary depending on pharmacy workload.

Finally, patients can activate their prescriptions by coming to windows 1 and 2 at the Pharmacy and speaking with a staff member.

There are no changes to the prescription refill process. Patients may call the refill line at (302) 677-2533, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to enter prescription refills through the automated system. The refill line number can also be found on all prescription labels. Prescription refills are completed in two duty days.

Any questions regarding Pharmacy operations can be answered by calling (302) 677-2019.