Prescriptions refill machine set to open in KMCC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  With the amount of responsibility today's Airmen face, the 86th Medical Group will introduce a way to relieve some of the everyday hassles and inconveniences.

The 86th MDG is scheduled to open up the first ScriptCenter, prescription refill pick-up machine, here at the Kaiserslautern Military Community March 9.

Open to all active-duty, dependents, retirees and all eligible DoD ID cardholders, the machine is a safe, secure and easy way to get prescriptions faster.

"The member has the option to log on using a fingerprint or PIN number," said Maj. Chrystal Price 86th MDG chief of pharmacy services. "But you can also use your ID as an alternative."

Although this is a new process for Ramstein, a lot of the procedures are the same.

"The customer will still have to call the audiocare line," said Major Price. "You will have the option to select ScriptCenter, KMCC or the clinic."

About the size of two vending machines, the ScriptCenter does not carry any liquids, controlled or refrigerated substances, Major Price said.

Not only will the refill machine cut back on wait time, but is also in a prime spot for our customers, and they must also have their refill prescription number to get their medication, Major Price said.

"The machine is above the billeting in the KMCC, so that allows for it to be open 24/7," she added. "We are giving patients an alternate way to pick up their medications. A lot of the time, customers can only come to the pharmacy during their lunch hours or after work, and that can be a hassle. Now, they have the option to come over whenever is good for them to pick up their refills."

Along with cutting back the wait time, the ScriptCenter also keeps healthy and sick patients away from each other.

"If you only have to come in to get a refill, you have to be around those patients who are sick waiting to pick up their medicine," the major said. "Now, the customer can avoid that completely by picking up their refills at the KMCC."

And, while the refill machine can hold 490 prescriptions at once, customers only have seven duty-days to pick up their prescriptions once they call in their refill.

The ScriptCenter will be the fourth in the United States Air Forces in Europe to be used, and many are excited for this new convenience.

"I am anxious for the refill machine to open in the KMCC," said Senior Airman Jeffrey Golson, 86th Civil Engineering Squadron geobase technician. "Sometimes with the hours I work, it is hard to get over to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription. Now, I can save time and just fill my order while I grab something to eat at the KMCC."

The ribbon cutting ceremony is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. March 9.