FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies have different procedures than civilian pharmacies. When a provider issues a new prescription to a military pharmacy, you need to activate the prescription before a pharmacist fills it.
Recently, the Defense Health Agency updated its Q-Anywhere feature to make this prescription pickup process easier and more convenient.
Q-Anywhere is a feature that lets you activate new prescriptions without physically being in the pharmacy. Download the Q-Anywhere app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, search for your military hospital or clinic on the location list, and follow the prompts to get a Q-Anywhere number. You can also text your local participating military pharmacy or scan its unique QR code to activate a prescription.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Q-Anywhere.
Q: Can I use Q-Anywhere to refill an existing prescription?
A: No. Q-Anywhere is for filling new prescriptions. To refill a prescription, use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal or call your military pharmacy’s refill number.
Q: Can I text Q-Anywhere in the evening or on the weekends to activate prescriptions?
A: At some military pharmacies, Q-Anywhere is available 24/7, so you may be able to activate your prescription outside of normal business hours. However, the pharmacy staff will process your prescription request during normal business hours.
Q: Will I lose my spot if I’m not present when called?
A: No. If you leave the pharmacy after arriving to pick up your prescription using Q-Anywhere, scan your ID card at the kiosk or use the “I'm in the Lobby for Pickup” prompt when you return. Your Q-Anywhere number is only valid on the day it was issued. If you were unable to pick up your prescription that day, you'll need to start a new Q-Anywhere request or pull a number when you arrive.
Q: Can I close out the web page messaging system once I get my Q-Anywhere number?
A:
- If using the web: Keep the web page open to receive real-time updates from pharmacy staff about your prescription status.
- If using the app: Yes, you can close it. You’ll continue to get prescription notifications through the app if you have enabled notifications in your settings. If you need to return to your ticket, reopen the app, choose the site where you requested your prescription, and acknowledge the consent notification. You'll be prompted to either return to your existing ticket or start a new one.
Q: Can I use Q-Anywhere to request prescriptions for multiple family members?
A: Yes. Enter the first patient’s DOD ID number and wait for confirmation they've been added. Then enter the second family member's DOD ID number. You can add up to four people.
If you don't know a family member's DOD ID number, enter the sponsor's DOD ID number and choose the “Search Dependents” option. You'll be prompted to give his or her birth date, and Q-Anywhere will search MHS GENESIS for a match.
Q: What if I move and have a new pharmacy?
A: With the Q-Anywhere app, there's no need to search for a new link or QR code. Simply open the app and search for your new military hospital or clinic by name. This makes moving easier, especially during permanent changes of station.
Getting started at a military pharmacy
Are you considering filling your next prescription at a military pharmacy? If you do, you won’t have copayments for prescriptions, as described in the TRICARE Costs and Fees Fact Sheet. You can even have your civilian provider send your prescriptions to a miliary pharmacy.
Each military pharmacy operates slightly differently, so call ahead and ask the pharmacy a few questions:
- My provider is going to e-prescribe my medication. What is this pharmacy’s name?
- If my civilian provider wants to e-prescribe and they’ve never worked with a military pharmacy before, what can I tell them to make it easier?
- Do you have my medication in stock?
- How far in advance should I request refills? (Military pharmacies can’t always process same-day refill requests. Some pharmacies ask for 48-72 hours’ notice.)
- Do you participate in Q-Anywhere? If so, tell me if anything is unique to this location.
To learn more about your
TRICARE Pharmacy Program benefit, check out the
TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook.
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