Hurlburt pharmacy implements new check-in system Published March 30, 2007 Courtesy of 1st SOMDG HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- In the interest of the Air Force's initiative to promote Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, the Hurlburt pharmacy has made a few modifications to improve the safety and privacy of filling prescriptions. With the installation of a new kiosk system, patients must now check in upon arrival at the pharmacy. The self-service kiosk will issue an alpha-numeric ticket, and patients will be called to the window, one at a time, to start the filling process. Prescriptions will not be filled until the patient checks in with a pharmacy staff member. When prescriptions are ready, the patient will again be called to a pharmacy window for pick up. This system has many benefits. Rather than worrying about a line of people behind them, patients will be able to speak with pharmacy staff privately, with more opportunity to ask questions about their medications. This interaction will help ensure patients are receiving the correct medication and that they have a better understanding of their medications. Patients should also see a decrease in waiting times. While many patients do not need their prescriptions right away, the pharmacy was filling every prescription entered by the providers at the 1st Special Operations Medical Group. So patients who were actually waiting for their prescriptions often had long waits. By filling only those prescriptions requested by patients as they check-in, the pharmacy will be able to prioritize their workload and improve customer service.