Pharmacy

Filling New Prescriptions

We fill prescriptions from both military and civilian providers.

Both Pharmacy America and Pharmacy Arrowhead process new prescriptions for same day pick up. Note: Same-day refill requests are not available at Walter Reed.

Do you prefer retail or home delivery? Your provider must select your preferred non-MTF pharmacy location in your patient profile before entering prescription orders for them to be sent electronically to that location.

Providers from Our Facility or another MTF

Your provider may submit a prescription directly to the pharmacy during or after your appointment. Please note that all orders need to be activated by you before processing begins (see Activating New Prescriptions for instructions):

• You can activate the prescription(s) for pick up at Walter Reed, or
• You can activate the prescription(s) for pick up at another MTF, or
• You can choose home delivery or a civilian pharmacy location.

Activating New Prescriptions

There are multiple ways to activate your prescription. Once you are ready to have your prescriptions filled at Walter Reed, 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:

Scan the QR code below or 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 833-201-9306. 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 Pharmacy America in Building 19 or Pharmacy Arrowhead in Building 9.

• Check in at the kiosk.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to check in. (Please note: For multiple patients, you must generate a new ticket for each patient.)
• To get updates via text, you’ll need to enter your cell phone number.

Option 3: Call the Pharmacy

• Call 301-295-2123 Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to activate your electronic prescription(s) from your MTF or civilian prescriber.
• Processing times may vary based on pharmacy staffing and resources.

Requesting Prescription Refills

There are two ways to refill your prescriptions. We DO NOT provide same-day refill prescription processing. Refills require a 48- to 72-hour notice. Please plan accordingly.

Option 1: Online

• Log in to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal and select the Rx Refills tab.

• 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 1-800-377-1723. Then, follow the prompts to select where you want to pick up your refills.
  Note: You cannot request refills without the Rx number that is located on the prescription label. If you do not have the Rx number(s), contact the Pharmacy Call Center at 301-295-2123.

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 10 business 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 or digital picture).

ScriptCenters

There are two ScriptCenter locations at Walter Reed:

• Arrowhead ScriptCenter
• Navy Exchange ScriptCenter 

The benefits of choosing an onsite ScriptCenter is that you can pick up your non-urgent order(s) when and where it is most convenient for you without waiting at the pharmacy. Certain items may not be available from the ScriptCenter, such as refrigerated medications, oversized items, and/or certain controlled substance prescriptions.

Note: If the barcode on your DOD ID card doesn’t contain your DOD ID, you’ll need to provide a prescription number to validate your identity during your first ScriptCenter pick-up.

Arrowhead ScriptCenter

This is a self-service and unstaffed pick-up location. The ScriptCenter can be selected when you request new, renewal, and refill prescriptions. Orders must be placed 48-72 hours in advance. Please plan accordingly.

Location

• Arrowhead Zone, Building 9, Level 2

Hours of Operation

• 24/7 access

Navy Exchange ScriptCenter

This is a self-service and unstaffed pick-up location. The ScriptCenter can be selected when you request refill prescriptions only. Orders must be placed 48-72 hours in advance. Please plan accordingly.

Location

• Inside the Navy Exchange at the south side of Naval Support Activity Bethesda between Gates 2 and 3

Hours of Operation

•  Accessible during NEX's hours of operation

Main Pharmacies: Pharmacy America and Pharmacy Arrowhead

When choosing one of our main pharmacy locations for new or renewal prescriptions only, always consider activating your prescription request remotely by using Q-Anywhere from your mobile device or any computer prior to arrival. This will save you time because we will text you when your order is ready.

Q-Anywhere Activated Prescription Pick-up

• Once you are notified that your order is ready, bypass the ticket kiosk and go directly to the pick-up line upon arrival. No additional waiting time required!

Walk-in Requests

• Obtain a ticket at the kiosk. Your order will be processed, and you will be notified when your order is ready through the monitor and via announcement in the pharmacy lobby. Once notified, join the pick-up line.

Location

• Pharmacy America is located in America Zone, Building 19, Level 1 by the main entrance lobby.
• Pharmacy Arrowhead is located in Arrowhead Zone, Building 9, Level 2 by the escalators and pedestrian bridge that leads to the South Garage.

Hours of Operation

• Both outpatient pharmacy locations are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pharmacy Arrowhead in Building 9 is open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Pharmacy America is closed on Saturday.
• Both pharmacies are closed on Sunday, and all are closed on Federal Holidays.

Note: The main outpatient pharmacies fill only new and renewal prescriptions that are generated by a provider. They DO NOT process refill prescriptions (or existing prescriptions requested by patients) during regular business hours.

Drive-thru Pick-up Site

For Refill Prescription Orders Only

• The Drive-thru Pick-up Site can be selected when you call in your refill prescription orders. Orders must be placed 48–72 hours in advance. Please plan accordingly.

Location

• The Drive-thru Pick-up Site is located at the northwest corner of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda, near Gate One in the parking lot of Buildings 85T and 86T.

Hours of operation

• Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed: Sunday and all Federal Holidays.

Drug Take Back Program

Proper disposal of prescription drugs reduces the risk of unintentional poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental harm.

If you want to dispose of unwanted or unneeded drugs:

• Drop them in the secure blue MedSafe bin located in the Pharmacy America and Pharmacy Arrowhead lobbies.

Several exclusions apply. This includes:

• syringes
• needles
• liquids greater than 4 ounces

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, but some restrictions may apply. 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 3 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?

• Ask your provider if they can approve you to switch to an alternative medication.
• You can fill your prescription at a TRICARE network pharmacy or TRICARE Home Delivery. TRICARE copayments apply.
• Be sure to ask for the expected resupply date so you know whether to wait or seek another option.

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.