The 377th MDSS operates two pharmacies, one at the Base Exchange and one at the Medical Treatment Facility. While both offer the same prescriptions, the MTF location is for patients being seen at the medical clinic, while the BX location is for all refills, as well as patients being treated at other locations.
With over 215,000 prescriptions filled in 2018, the Airmen, civilians, contractors and volunteers of the Pharmacy Flight are no strangers to customer service. In fact, it is one of the main focuses of their day-to-day job.
“How do we get to a ‘yes’ with the customer, and how do we ensure they leave here with us providing them a service, or them having the option to get service elsewhere,” said Maj. Travis Schmitt, 377th MDSS Pharmacy Flight commander. “We never really want to say ‘no, we aren’t going to do this for you.’”
“You really have to put yourself in their shoes. How would you want to be treated?” he continued.
Part of this is trying to keep wait times to a minimum. Thankfully, there are some simple ways for patients to ensure they have a speedy process at the pharmacy.
“Call ahead,” said Schmitt. “Every customer service location has peak hours. Ours are from 10 [a.m.] to about 3 [p.m.]. If you plan on coming during those times, it’s always good to call ahead and make sure your items are ready, and that way you know exactly what you have to do when you get here.”
Calling ahead allows patients to know whether they need to use the kiosk simply pick up their ready medication. This streamlines the process, and helps the patients get in and out quickly.
“If you have a question on something, call,” said Staff Sgt. Elaina James, 377th MDSS Base Exchange Pharmacy NCO in charge. “It’s better to be safe beforehand than not.”
To contact the pharmacies, call 505-246-3335.