I hear you loud and clear!

Expanded refill service, voluntary safety recall

I am confident that you will approve of our newest initiative, the pharmacy refill pickup window renovation project in the Medical Home Port (MHP) lobby. It is now complete.

Since it’s opening July 10, there are now two windows instead of only one. The first window closest to the MHP entrance is for refill pickup only.

Next to it and near medical records, the newest window is for check-in, obtaining answers to preliminary questions, identification of out of stock medications that may affect you, and for transitioning active-duty and clinic patients with three prescriptions or less into the pharmacy process.

During the month-long revamp that began June 8, only pharmacy window 6 was available for refill pick up.

Now, both new windows are continuously staffed for faster and more efficient service.

Schedule ahead and save time by using our NHCCC pharmacy refill phone number: 1-877-520-6582. Refills are available two business days after the telephone request.

You may also request refills using TRICARE online: www.tricareonline.com, accessed by using your DoD self-service login, CAC, or DFAS myPay login and password.

Refills may be requested when 75 percent of the last fill has been used. For example, for a 90 day supply of medication a refill request may be called in 22 days or less ahead of time.

I also want to share some news about a drug recall.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a voluntary recall July 13, for the generic version of Diovan (Valsartan).

If you currently possess or are using any of these three combination medications received from Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi and Naval Branch Health Clinic Kingsville, please bring them to either pharmacy for a replacement: Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 320/12.5mg- Manufacturer-Solco; Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 160/25mg - Manufacturer- Solco; and/or Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide80/12.5mg-Manufacturer- Solco

We also recommend that you contact your health care professional (the pharmacist who dispensed the medication or doctor who prescribed the medication) if your medicine is included in this recall to discuss your treatment, which may include another valsartan product not affected by this recall or an alternative treatment option.

The voluntary recall is a safety provision and the FDA recommends continuing taking the medication until replacement can be obtained.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standard for safety, and we embrace opportunities to improve performance, mitigate risk and provide high, quality patient centered care.

You are invited to stay connected with Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi on social media: www.facebook.com/nhccc/. And, please take a moment to provide your valuable feedback about our services: http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=site&site_id=1122&dep=DoD

Many of the new changes we incorporate result from the input you provide via the Interactive Customer Evaluation system. I read each comment, and if you leave your contact information myself or a representative from pharmacy will contact you personally to either get more information or to provide you with feedback.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and you have my sincere appreciation for the input you provide.