Question: Why doesn't the pharmacy carry all medications?

Answer: It is impossible to stock every medication available on the market. The Pharmacy Department works in concert with the medical staff to select medications that meet the needs of all beneficiaries. See below for other possible options.

Question: Where can I get my refills?

Answer: Refills must be called in to one of the refill sites such as Scott Center Annex, Boone Clinic, NAS Oceana, Sewells Point, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, Langley Air Force Base or Fort Eustis. If you did not originally receive the medication at that site you should call the site to verify that medication is stocked there. For more information Click Here

Question: Who is eligible for National Mail Order Pharmacy?

Answer:

NOTE: Eligible beneficiaries with other health insurance coverage must use that pharmacy benefit first

*Will be available to those over age 65 enrolled in medicare part B on 01 April 01.

Question: I don't understand the new numbering system. What do the letters on the tickets mean?

Answer: Each letter represents a different group of pharmacy patients. "A" tickets are for ACTIVE DUTY IN UNIFORM, Disabled and Discharge patients. "B" tickets are for all other patients.

Question: I don't like this new system. Can't you go back to the stand-in-line first-come first-served?

Answer: This new innovative patient oriented dispensing system was instituted to provide maximum patient services. The number system was installed to provide an easy well-organized method for patient entry to the Pharmacy Department. On average, over 76% of our patients have waited less than 18 minutes with this new system. The Pharmacy Department has received many more compliments than concerns on this new system.

Question: I came in on my lunch hour thinking I would be able to get my children's prescriptions but it's taking too long and I have to leave. The lunch period is always so busy, how can I avoid this in the future?

Answer:

Question: Why is it taking so long for me to get to a window if it only takes a few minutes to fill my prescriptions?

Answer: We are currently filling an average of 1900 prescriptions per day. We have already filled over 2300 prescriptions per day here at Charette. This is almost double what was being filled at the old facility. Services to patients have increased and so has the number of patients visiting the pharmacy. Once you reach the window it take an average of 5 minutes to process your prescriptions and send you on your way.

Question: I was just seen by my Primary Care provider who said my prescription is waiting and ready to be picked up. Why do I have to get a ticket and wait if it's already done?

Answer: All patients need to take a ticket in order to be served. This allows us to be fair to all our beneficiaries. When your provider tells you that your prescription is ready, he's telling you that it is in the computer. It has NOT been filled. The actual filling of your prescription begins when you are called to a dispensing window. This allows us to check allergies and possible drug interactions that your provider may or may not be aware of. This is part of the process of improving the standard of care you receive here at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP).

Question: My child was seen in the Emergency Department for a broken arm. He is in a lot of pain and the wait is more than twenty minutes. Can you do something to help me?

Answer: Yes. If you let the pharmacy representative know this when you receive your ticket, we will get you through the system as quickly as possible.

Question: My family is sick with the flu and needs some basic cold medicine. How much can I have and WHY do I have to stand in line and take a ticket just for these?

Answer: In order to be fair, everyone must take a ticket. In addition, the pharmacy will screen your profile for allergies, drug interactions, and proper dosing of the medication you are receiving. Over The Counter (OTC) medications are dispensed to ALL eligible beneficiaries. Each member is authorized up to four items per month. These medications are not for chronic symptoms. If it appears that might be the case, you will be referred to your primary care provider.

Question: I need to use the restroom. If I leave will I lose my place?

Answer: No, if you must leave the immediate area briefly, your number will be recycled. You should let the Pharmacy staff member at the ticket machine know that you must leave for a moment. That way they can assist you upon you return if needed.

Question: Can I have my refills done here instead of going to Scott Center?

Answer: This command dispenses over 1100 refills daily through Scott Center Pharmacy, which provides the convenience of drive through refill pick up. This allows the main pharmacy to focus on patients with new prescriptions. Refills must be called into Scott Center Pharmacy at 953-5021 or done over the internet. You can visit the Internet Refill Site Here You can pick up your refills at Scott Center Pharmacy, Mon-Fri from 0800-1700 and Saturday 0800-1600 without leaving your car.

Question: You are always so busy here. Is there another Pharmacy I can use?

Answer: Yes. Military Pharmacy services are available all over the Tidewater Area. Scott Center Annex is the closest to NMCP. Other areas include Oceana, Sewells Point and Boone Clinic to just name a few. For a full list of available pharmacies just ask your pharmacy representative. In addition, you can click here to view the locations and their hours of operation.

Question: The medication I just received doesn't look like what I've been getting. I don't want to get the technician into trouble, but I need to know if this is the right medication. What should I do?

Answer: As you receive your medication, check it. We dispense many generic medications, but if your prescription looks different from what you have received previously, ask the pharmacist why. If you have a question at home, call the dispensing pharmacy or use the ASK YOUR PHARMACIST link here or at our homepage. It can be identified by phone, or you may be asked to return it for accurate identification. Please do not hesitate to ask questions, the Pharmacy Department staff is here to help you use your medications correctly and to protect your health.