Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC

Pharmacy

The Philadelphia VA Medical Center has its own pharmacy for greater convenience to our patients. Our Pharmacy service cannot issue medications or supplies prescribed by private providers. We fill only prescriptions written by Philadelphia VA Medical Center and Fee Basis providers. The Pharmacy processes over 4,500 prescriptions daily. Many of these prescriptions are filled by the Central Mailout Pharmacy (CMOP). Prescriptions may be refilled by phone, mail or the internet.

Services Offered

Refill Policy

Your provider must authorize the number of refills on your prescription. Refills must be requested and will be mailed to your home.

You may order your refills through the automated telephone refill system by calling (888) 338-5525 or by mailing your refill form to the pharmacy at least two weeks before your supply runs out to allow for processing time. You can also request refills via the internet through MyHealtheVet: www.myhealth.va.gov. We do not automatically refill prescriptions. A medication prescription is void after one year regardless of the number of refills remaining. (Controlled substances refills are void after six months from date of issue). Pharmacy cannot process refills at the Pharmacy Window.  All refills are mailed to patients.
 
If you have refills remaining on your prescription, you may reorder them by mail, phone or internet. The address and phone number are as follows:

Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Pharmacy Service (119)
3900 Woodland Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(888) 338-5525

www.myhealth.va.gov

In an effort to help reduce your pharmacy waiting time and to possibly eliminate the need for you to come into the Medical Center, we are providing the following options for you to consider using when refilling your prescriptions: 

Refill By Phone

There are a number of benefits to refilling your prescriptions by phone:
• You will receive your prescription faster;
• You can call the Prescription Refill Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and
• You will not have to pay postage on your refill requests.  

To use the automated telephone refill system, you will need the following: 
• A touchtone phone;
• Your full nine-digit Social Security number, and
• The prescription number from your refill slip or the prescription label on your medication bottle. (The prescription number can be found in the upper right or left corner of the prescription label following RX#.)  When entering your prescription number, leave off any letters that may be found at the end of the RX# so you are only entering numbers.  

To request a refill by phone, just follow these easy steps:

Step 1 - Call the Prescription Refill Line at 1-888-338-5525.  

Step 2 - After hearing the greeting, enter your full nine (9) digit Social Security number followed by the “#” (pound) sign.

Step 3 - Press option “2” for Pharmacy Information.

Step 4 - Press option “1” to order prescription refills (press option “2” if you want to check on the status of your prescription).

Step 5 - Enter your prescription number, followed by the “#” (pound) sign.

All refills ordered by phone are mailed directly to your address on file. 

If you are using the automated refill line, all refills should be ordered at least ten days prior to when the refill is due to insure prompt processing and delivery time.

Internet Refill

Prescriptions may also be filled online using VA's My HealtheVet program. You will need a user id and password to log in. If you do not have one, you can easily get one by creating your personal profile.

Prescription Filled on Day of Visit to Medical Center

If your provider orders new medication for you at your visit, you may be able to pick up this new medication that same day. You must see the pharmacist after your appointment with your provider. Please follow this procedure to reduce your waiting time: 

1.     Check with your provider to see if the medication will be mailed or available for “window pick-up.”

2.     Go to the Outpatient Pharmacy and take a number from the kiosk.

3.     When your number is called, speak to the pharmacist who will counsel you on the proper use of your medication and possible side effects.

4.     Wait for your name to appear on the monitor, informing you your medication is ready.

5.     Present your VA identification card at the Pharmacy Pick-up Window to receive your medication.

New Prescriptions 

A new prescription voids any previous prescription written for the same drug. If the pharmacy is out of the medication or supply ordered by your provider, the request will be put on hold and the medication or supply will be mailed to your address on file.

Prescription Co-Payment

Some patients may be responsible for a co-payment for discharge and outpatient medication. The determination for payment will be based upon your current established eligibility and service connection.

Drug Information

Please visit My HealtheVet for information about any prescription you may be taking.  You may also speak to a pharmacist by contacting Pharmacy Customer Service at 215-823-6361.

Hours and Contact Information:

The Outpatient Pharmacy is located in the lobby of the Clinical Addition Building.

The Pharmacy hours are:  Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
The Pharmacy telephone number is 215-823-6361.

Pharmacy Customer Service Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Customer Service telephone number is 215-823-6361.

All of the above services, except for the inpatient pharmacy, are closed on all federal holidays.

VA Formulary

The VA pharmacy does not stock all medications. The VA has a list of medications (also known as a formulary) that meets the needs of our veterans. This list is often updated and new drugs are added while some are removed.

Pharmacy Residency Program

Philadelphia VAMC is proud of is role in educating health care professionals.  Check out the Pharmacy Residency brochure posted here and the Pharmacy Preceptor Brochure posted here.