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The first of its kind in the region, the Nehalem Bay Pharmacy now offers patients the opportunity to pick up prescriptions from a secure Prescription Pick-up Locker at Nehalem Bay Health Center in Wheeler.
In use for about a month, the secure automated prescription pick-up locker offers an option for individuals to pick up certain prescriptions from the self-serve locker, located in the lobby of the Nehalem Bay Health Center.
NBHC pharmacists attend regular monthly statewide Board of Pharmacy meetings and about a year ago, Head Pharmacist Richard Silverman said, “As soon as I heard about this program, I knew that we could line up the partners needed to bring this to our area.” He continued, “With an emphasis on access as one of the social determinants of health when we can find a way to use access to improve outcomes, it’s a win-win for everyone.”
This new program was made possible through a collaboration with Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization (part of the CareOregon Family). “We received a $50,000 grant, which covers the box itself and monthly fees for 3 years, then the pharmacy will maintain the service at our own expense,” explained Jenny Burns, RPh, PharmD, Pharmacist in Charge, Nehalem Bay Pharmacy. An estimated 60-70% of scripts that are filled at Nehalem Bay Pharmacy will be eligible to be placed in the box. Refrigerated and controlled medications, those that require ID, cannot be dispensed through the locker system. Access to the locker system is only during the Clinic/Pharmacy’s hours – Monday through Friday – 8 am to 6 pm.
“Columbia Pacific CCO (CPCCO) values access to high quality health care in our communities. After the closure of Tillamook Pharmacy last year, CPCCO worked to provide support to existing pharmacies in Tillamook and to collaborate on ideas that could improve access to medication. CPCCO is excited to partner with Nehalem Bay Health Center to provide this innovative new pharmacy dispensing model,” Shane Clemans, CareOregon Senior Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator
For patients and customers who want to learn more about the new locker, the Pharmacy Team will give a detailed demonstration/tutorial of the system on Thursday, May 9 at Noon. Patients and customers who are curious about the new system are invited to attend and see how the new system works.
This video shows two transactions using the pickup locker, and it took less than two minutes (even using a flip-phone!)
For those patients and customers who are more comfortable visiting Nehalem Bay Pharmacy in person, the friendly staff team will still be available to fill prescriptions, help with over-the-counter purchases, and answer any questions.
Here’s more about how you can pick up certain medications directly without visiting the Pharmacy!
Nehalem Bay Pharmacy’s new Pick-up Locker is now operational. The locker provides a safe, contact-free way to pick up your prescription medicines.
Patients who want to use this new service can skip their pharmacy visit, which should save time and make it more convenient for patients to get the medicines they need. Plus, patients won’t need to pick up a pharmacy pager if they use the Pharmacy Pick-up Locker.
Nehalem Bay Pharmacy staff will still be available for those patients who want to visit the pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions in person.
The locker display will be available in a choice of English, Spanish, or French.
Getting Started: If you are interested in using this new service, you can start by completing an enrollment form: Nehalem Bay Pharmacy Pharmacy Pick-up Locker Enrollment Form. You can also pick up the form from the pharmacy, fill it out, and return it to the pharmacy staff.
How to order refills: You can order your refill prescriptions just like you do now. You can call in the refill request through our phone system, or you can call and talk to the pharmacy staff. If you use the RxLocal app, you can request a refill through that account as well.
How will I know when my prescription is ready? You will receive a text or email to let you know your prescription is ready to pick up. The message will include a link with a unique code that you will scan at the pick-up locker. The message will also provide details on how to pay for your prescription.
Can I pay at the pick-up locker? Yes! You can pay at the pick-up locker using a credit or debit card, or mobile pay. There are no added fees for this service; you will pay your usual co-pays, if applicable.
Here’s how the pick-up works:
- Scan the QR Code – Use the scanner on the display screen to scan the QR code included in the email of text message you received. (Or you can enter the number that comes with the QR code onto the touchscreen if that’s easier.
- Enter your DOB – Use the touchscreen keyboard to enter your date of birth. (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Sign for your Medication – You will be able to sign on the touchscreen.
- Pay for your Medication – Insert or tap your debit or credit card, or use mobile pay.
- Pick up your Prescription – Once your payment has processed, a compartment door on the locker will open and you may take your prescription(s). Please remember to close the door after you remove your order.
Please note: After you scan the QR code, the camera on the locker will take a photo of you. (This is required by the Board of Pharmacy for this prescription pick-up service.)
Need to meet with a Pharmacist? If your prescription requires a consultation with a pharmacist, that meeting will take place separately. New medications often require a meeting with a pharmacist, and if this is the case, the Pharmacist will reach out in advance to discuss the medication with you and answer any questions you have. You can also request a visit or call with a Pharmacist if you have any questions, or you can call the Pharmacy directly by picking up the phone on the locker itself.
For details on how the new Nehalem Bay Pharmacy Pick-up Locker works, visit: https://www.nehalembayhealth.org/pharmacy-pick-up-locker
Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy is located at 230 Rowe Street in Wheeler, Oregon, hours Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm – www.nehalembayhealth.org
