"This center is about efficiency," commented Maj. Monique Kennerly, Deputy Director of Madigan's Pharmacy Department. "We are on par with civilian networks in serving our patients, and we do 10 times the amount of work civilian pharmacies do."

A part of Madigan's Outpatient Pharmacy Services, the recently opened refill center is located just inside the Starbucks entrance at the Lewis Main Exchange. The other pharmacy services at Joint Base Lewis-McChord  are located at the Madigan Main Outpatient Pharmacy, and the Winder and Okubo Soldier Centered Clinics.

The Lewis Main Exchange and the Madigan Main Outpatient Pharmacy sites serve all Tricare beneficiaries. The Winder and Okubo Soldier Centered Clinics serve active duty service members only.

"We provide pharmacy services to over 284,000 beneficiaries in the Puget Sound Region," explained Kelly Nelson, Director, Madigan Outpatient Pharmacy Services. "On average, we serve 35,000 patients per month, and we fill an average of 45,000 prescriptions per month."

Kennerly added that the opening of the Lewis Main Exchange Refill Center has reduced the number of patients having to pick up their refills at the Madigan Main Outpatient Pharmacy. 

"This expansion has allowed us to serve three times the number of patients daily," said Nelson. "At the Madigan pharmacy we serve 80 to 100 cars through the drive thru versus the 300 patients we see here at the Main Exchange Refill Center."

Both Nelson and Kennerly emphasized that there has been a decrease in wait times to less than nine minutes on average at the Main Exchange Refill Center and the Madigan Main Outpatient Pharmacy.

Behind the counters where patients pick up their prescription refills, several robots quietly facilitate the focus on efficiency.

"These are SB200s, and they fill accurately prescriptions and speed up the process," said Kennerly. "The Army's medical centers have recognized that efficiency is vital."

Several individuals waiting in line to pick up refills readily agreed.

"This is very convenient; the staff is friendly and fast; I could not ask for anything more," commented Amanda Canales, a military spouse. 

Navy veteran Tom Rux added that, "I like this; it is convenient, and I like the fact that there is plenty of nearby parking."

Both commented that if they had to wait they could always walk through the PX.

Along with the Lewis Main Exchange Refill Center, patients can coordinate their refill pick-ups at the Madigan Main Outpatient Pharmacy location by calling (253) 968-2586.

Patients can also use the Script Center (available 24/7 - except for refrigerated items and controlled medications that must be picked up in the lobby) or the drive thru.

"We have been able to increase access to care with the addition of the Lewis Main Exchange Refill Center," concluded Nelson, "and while doing so have made the experience more efficient for our beneficiaries at all locations."

For more information, visit https://madigan.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Pharmacy.