Pharmacy

We fill new prescriptions and refills at no cost for covered medications for the following:

• Active Duty Service Members
• Active Duty Family Members
• Retirees and their Family Members
• TRICARE Prime enrollees

Learn more about eligibility for TRICARE pharmacy benefits.

Activating and Filling New Prescriptions

Prescriptions from both military and civilian providers are processed and filled through our Q-Anywhere feature. Q-Anywhere is a remote pharmacy application that you can activate your prescription through a simple text message or by scanning a QR-code. Please use the steps below to start the process:

• Text “Get in line” to (833) 286-1979 or scan the QR-code (provide the QR-code).
• You will receive a link, open the link and select “Accept”.
• Select which Pharmacy location you would like to pick up from.
• Enter the Patient’s DOD ID number then click “Next”.
• Enter your phone number then click “Next”.
• Enter the medication(s) you are requesting to pick up.
• Verify your information and click “Confirm”. You will then be added to the queue and receive a patient specific ticket number. 
• Once your medication is ready, you will receive a final text message to proceed to the dispensing window for pick up.

Providers from Our Facility

Your provider may submit a prescription directly to the pharmacy during or after your appointment.

Civilian Providers

If you have prescriptions from a TRICARE-authorized civilian provider:

• The provider can submit an electronic prescription to our pharmacy, or
• You can hand-carry a written prescription to our pharmacy. 
  *Note: This is the least preferred option.

To submit an electronic prescription:
Ask your provider to select the:

• Pharmacy name: DOD BALBOA
• NCPDP/NPI number: 1750480794

If you hand-carry a written prescription:
Check in at the kiosk. Follow on-screen prompts to check in. 

Requesting Prescription Refills

We have two ways to refill your prescriptions.

Option 1: Online

• Log in to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal and select the Rx Refills tab.
• Select the medication(s) you want to refill.
• Follow the prompts to select where you want to pick it up. (NMCSD is NOT an option for a refill pick-up site.)
• You’ll be given a date and time when your refill(s) will be ready to pick up.

Note: If you’re not a registered user, you’ll need to sign up first.

Option 2: By Phone

• Call our pharmacy refill line at (619) 532-8400. Then, follow the prompts to select where you want to pick up your refills. (NMCSD is NOT an option for a refill pick-up site.)
• If enrolled in text message alerts, you’ll get a text notification when your refills are ready to pick up.

Picking Up Your Prescriptions

 You’ll need a valid uniformed services ID card to pick up a prescription. This includes children aged 10 years and older. Prescriptions not picked up will be returned to stock after 5 business days. If you can’t pick up your prescription within this timeframe, please contact the pharmacy. 

*Note: If you’re picking up a prescription for another person, please bring that person’s valid uniformed services ID (or photocopy, digital picture of the front and back of their ID).

Main Pharmacy

Medication prescriptions can be picked up once you receive a final text message that they are ready for pick up. Once you receive that message please proceed to the dispensing window, stand in line and wait to be called. Present your ID to the technician, provide your full name and date of birth; and the technician will retrieve your medication(s). 

Hours of operation for picking up your medications are as follows:

Monday-Friday: 0800-2000
Closed: Weekends and Federal Holidays

ScriptCenter

ScriptCenter are only available at 2 locations: 

• Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar Pharmacy (Hours of operation: 0730-1600) 
• Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Pharmacy (Hours of operation: 0730-1600)

Certain items may not be available from the ScriptCenter, such as refrigerated medications, oversized items, and/or certain controlled substance prescriptions.

Drug Take Back Program

Proper disposal of prescription drugs reduces the risk of unintentional poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental harm.

If you want to dispose of unwanted or unneeded drugs there are 3 options, we offer:

• Option 1: Drop them in the secured bin located in the main pharmacy’s lobby area next to the main entrance. 
• Option 2: Pick up an envelope from one of the outlining branch clinics, take it home, and mail them to the destruction agency.
• Option 3: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
  • Offered once every 6 months at the NMCSD Main Pharmacy and 32nd Street Navy Exchange Pharmacy.

Several exclusions apply. This includes:

• Sharps
• Needles
• Injector Pens
• Vapes
• Illicit Drugs

Also, if a medication appears on the FDA Flush List, it may be disposed by flushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my prescription is covered?

All military pharmacies follow the TRICARE Formulary – a list of TRICARE-covered  prescription drugs and supplies. The TRICARE Formulary lists:

• Which drugs are covered.
• Drug information and frequently asked questions.
• Cost details ($0 at a military pharmacy and out-of-pocket costs elsewhere).
• Medical necessity/prior-authorization requirements and link to forms. 
  • If a prior-authorization and/or medical necessity is required, your provider must submit the request to TRICARE before your prescription can be filled.

Can my network provider send controlled substances prescriptions electronically?

Yes! By regulations, all prescribers should send controlled substance prescriptions electronically. 

Can I refill a prescription if the last fill was not at a military pharmacy?  

Yes! Call our main pharmacy line and ask them to transfer the prescription FROM your current pharmacy. It’s helpful to have the prescription bottle available to give the us the pharmacy name, phone number, prescription number, and medication name and dates.