By Pete Scherer

The military has its own way of doing things, and that includes how pharmacies are run. A key example: new prescriptions must be activated before a pharmacist will fill it. To improve this experience for veterans, the Defense Health Agency has developed a pair of tools: Q-Anywhere and ScriptCenters.

Q-Anywhere allows users to activate a new prescription anywhere. Instead of waiting at a military pharmacy you can text “get in line” to your local military pharmacy. Alternatively, you can use your smart phone to scan your pharmacy’s unique QR code. This service is only available during regular business hours. If you submit a request during off hours it will not be received.

When your prescription is ready, you’ll receive a text with instructions. Please note that you cannot use Q-Anwhere to refill prescriptions–use the pharmacy’s automated refill line instead.

A ScriptCenter is an automated kiosk that lets patients pick up prescriptions at participating military hospitals and clinics. You may also find them at certain base exchanges as well.

The primary benefit is they let you pick up refills outside of normal business hours. Additionally, their use can reduce congestion at pharmacies, reducing wait times for mandatory face-to-face business.

To participate you must enroll at a ScriptCenter Kiosk. You will need your military ID card. After scanning your ID you will enter your date of birth and create a password and four-digit pin. Additionally, for your first pick-up you’ll need a current prescription number. To pick up your order you can use a fingerprint, ID, or your password to unlock the kiosk.

You can also request refills with AudioCARE. To begin, choose your site’s “ScriptCenter” option and enroll. Finish by providing your current prescription number. AudioCARE will then provide the details for pickup.

Some prescriptions, such as refrigerated medications, can only be picked up at your pharmacy. For more information you can visit the TRICARE Formulary.