Filling New Prescriptions
We fill prescriptions from both military and civilian providers. To fill
Providers from Our Facility
Your provider may submit a prescription directly to the pharmacy during or after your appointment.
- You can activate the prescription(s) and wait, or
- You can come back later to pick them up.
- Text "get in line" to 833-268-5768
- Use the Navy Exchange Pharmacy Drop Box
- Call 301-757-2605, option 1
Civilian Providers
If you have prescriptions from a TRICARE-authorized civilian provider:
- The provider can submit an electronic prescription to our pharmacy, or
- You can hand carry a written prescription to our pharmacy. Note: This is the least preferred option.
If you hand-carry a written prescription:
There are two options available for prescription drop-off:
-
Drop box located near pharmacy Window #5. It is available whenever the Navy Exchange is open. When using this service, your scripts will be available within 1-2 business days, unless you have an urgent need.
-
You may take a ticket and wait to be called to drop off your prescription at the window.
Activating New Prescriptions
There are multiple ways to activate your prescription. Once you are ready to have your prescriptions filled at Annapolis, you need to let us know so we can get them ready for you. And now you can let us know remotely before coming to the pharmacy! Please note that for paper or hard copy prescriptions, the only option is to go to the pharmacy in person.
Option 1: Use Q-Anywhere-Fastest and Preferred
Online:
Go to
our secure link.
Follow the prompts on your mobile device.
Please note: You can add multiple patients to a single Q-Anywhere request.
Text:
Text “Get in line” to
1-833-268-5768. Click on the link and follow the prompts. Be sure to save this number on your phone for future use.
Option 2: In Person
Go to the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River Pharmacy (located inside the Navy Exchange). Then, you’ll check in at the kiosk.
- Follow on-screen prompts to check in.
- To get text updates, you’ll need to enter your cell phone number.
Option 3: Call the Pharmacy
- Call 301-757-2605, option 1 to activate your prescription.
- Processing times may vary based on pharmacy staffing and resources.
Option 4: Secure Messaging
Send a new prescription request to the pharmacy via secure messaging through the
MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.
Requesting Prescription Refills
We have
two ways to refill your prescriptions:
Option 1: Online
- Select the medication(s) you want to refill.
- Follow the prompts to select where you want to pick it up.
- You’ll be given a date and time when your refill(s) will be ready to pick up.
Note: If you’re not a registered user, you’ll need to sign up first.
Option 2: By Phone
- Call our pharmacy refill line at 800-377-1723. Then, follow the prompts to select where you want to pick up your refills.
- If enrolled in text message alerts, you’ll get a text notification when your refills are ready to pick up.
Picking Up Your Prescriptions
You’ll need a valid uniformed services ID card to pick up a prescription. This includes children aged 10 and older. Prescriptions not picked up will be returned to stock after
14 days. If you can’t pick up your prescription within this timeframe, please contact the pharmacy. If you’re picking up a prescription for another person, please bring that person’s valid uniformed services ID (or photocopy, digital picture).
Main Pharmacy
The pharmacy requires refills to be requested in advance. Your refills will be processed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and delivered to Patuxent River for dispensing, so this requires processing and delivery time after the request is made. Call the toll-free number, 800-377-1723; located at the top of your prescription label, Please adhere to the pick-up time provided when placing your request via phone. You will receive a call or text notification when your medication is ready for pickup.
WRNMMC does not count weekends or holidays as business days. We cannot offer same-day refills except in emergencies.
- Refills generally take 3-5 business days to allow for filling at WRNMMC and transport to our facility. Some refills can arrive sooner, or some can arrive later if it is a specialty drug that must be ordered. You will receive a text notification or call when your refill is ready for pickup.
- Refills are only kept on the shelf for 14 days. Please pick up your medication within that time frame or, in case of emergency, call us so that we can note on the bag when you will be picking up.
- You may be eligible for a 90-day supply of most non-controlled prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist for details.
Drug Take Back Program
Proper disposal of prescription drugs reduces the risk of unintentional poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental harm.
Several exclusions apply. This includes:
- Syringes
- Needles
- Liquids greater than 4 ounces
Note: For excluded items and other options, contact your local waste management program for proper disposal techniques.
Also, if a medication appears on the FDA Flush List, it may be disposed of by flushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my prescription is covered?
All military pharmacies follow the
TRICARE Formulary – a list of TRICARE-covered prescription drugs and supplies. The TRICARE Formulary lists:
- Which drugs are covered.
- Drug information and frequently asked questions.
- Cost details ($0 at a military pharmacy and out-of-pocket costs elsewhere).
- Medical necessity/prior-authorization requirements and link to forms.
- If a prior-authorization and/or medical necessity is required, your provider must submit the request to TRICARE before your prescription can be filled.
Can my network provider send controlled substances prescriptions electronically?
Yes! By regulations, all prescribers should send controlled substance prescriptions electronically.
Can I refill a prescription if the last fill was not at a military pharmacy?
Yes! Call our main pharmacy line and ask them to transfer the prescription FROM your current pharmacy. It’s helpful to have the prescription bottle available to give the us the pharmacy name, phone number, prescription number, and medication name and dates.
Can I pick up medications for another person?
Yes! Please bring a valid uniformed services ID (or photocopy, digital pictures) for all patients getting prescriptions. Please note: Children 10 years of age or older must have their own ID card.
What is the difference between a new, refill, and renewal prescription?
A
new prescription is one a provider writes for a specific quantity and subsequent refills. It may require extra verification or prior authorization.
A
refill is an additional supply of your medication that your doctor authorized as part of your original prescription. This pre-approval allows the pharmacy to dispense more of your medication without requiring a new prescription from your doctor. For example, take one tablet daily, quantity 90 with 4 refills. This means the patient can call the pharmacy every 90 days to have medication for a year without seeing their doctor for a new prescription every 90 days.
A
renewal is for a medication you’ve already been prescribed but it has expired or run out of authorized refills.
What if I need a non-formulary or non-stocked medication?
If you’re prescribed a non-formulary medication, there are extra steps for your provider to complete. Non-formulary drugs are non-stocked medications at MTF pharmacies. For these drugs, expect a longer turnaround time for preparation and ordering, or you may have to use an alternative pharmacy option, such as a TRICARE retail network pharmacy or the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.
What do I do if my medication is out of stock?
I’m deploying. How can I fill my prescriptions?
Before deploying, MTF pharmacies can provide your initial deployment prescription in a quantity to support your deployment within legal requirements. You can fill prescriptions and get refills through the
Deployment Prescription Program once in theatre if the location is not restricted by foreign postal law.