Pharmacy Services

The California Medical Detachment offers conventional prescription filling pharmacy services, at the Presidio of Monterey. You can fill prescriptions at no cost from our pharmacy if it is on the TRICARE Formulary and available from our vendor. We can provide up to a 90-day supply for most medications. We serve active duty service members, TRICARE-enrolled retirees and dependents.

New Prescription Information

We take hardcopy and electronic prescriptions (preferred). WE DO NOT TAKE FAXES.
•    Providers should send electronic prescriptions to “DOD MONTEREY”
•    Providers must complete all required forms (Prior authorization/medical necessity) for all non-formulary medications and must be approved by TRICARE/Express scripts before they are filled.
•    Prescriptions are not filled automatically – patients must activate prescriptions to be filled.

Activating New or Renewal Prescriptions

Prescription Renewals are prescriptions that a patient has previously taken but a new/updated prescription has been sent by the provider. If a prescription no longer has refills or has expired a renewal must be sent to the pharmacy. Patients can request renewals through secure messaging their provider via the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, at provider appointments, or calling their provider.

1. Check in using Q-Anywhere

•    Text “Get in line” to 1-833-271-1144 or scan the QR Code:



•    You will need each patient’s DOD ID number when checking-in and the name of the medications to be activated.
•    Once you submit your request, the pharmacy will begin processing the prescription(s) and will contact you via SMS-text when the prescription is ready for pick-up or if we have any questions.
•    The pharmacy will only activate, and process prescriptions submitted to the pharmacy within the past 14 days. 
•    Q-Anywhere is not meant to process refills, hardcopy (paper) prescriptions, or prescriptions we have kept on file for you.

2. Visit the Lobby: Proceed to kiosk in the clinic and follow the instructions on the screen.

•    If you are picking up prescriptions for a dependent, select the red button on the screen without scanning your ID.
•    Wait for the pharmacy staff to call you to a window to activate your prescriptions.
•    Once your prescription is activated you may wait in the lobby for your prescription or you may return (up to 10 business days later) to pick up your prescription.

3. Call

•    Contact the pharmacy at 831-242-5382 
•    There may be a 24-hour turn-around time for prescriptions

Prescription Refills

Only use these options if you have unexpired prescriptions which have valid refills. 
1. Online Refill (easiest/fastest): On the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, use the RX REFILL option next to MEDICATIONS on the top menu. You can see which medications are available for refill, select multiple items, and send them to any MTF in the Department of Defense>
•    To request your prescription at the Presidio of Monterey, select California, the Presidio of Monterey
2.  Automated Refill Line: Call 707-423-7600 (on the prescription label)
•    We are connected to the Travis Air Force Base refill line – listen carefully to the prompts for the Presidio of Monterey
3. Call:
•    Contact the pharmacy at 866-957-2256, Option 6. Please listen to the prompts.
•    There may be a 24-hour turnaround time for prescriptions

Prescriptions not picked up within 10 days will be returned to stock. They will need to be refilled using the options above.

Transfer Prescriptions

1. If you have previously filled a prescription at another MTF pharmacy and you have a prescription number, you can refill your prescription in the three ways listed above.
2. If you have a prescription located at a local pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, etc.), call us for a prescription transfer (866-957-2256, Option #6) or come in to the lobby to fill out a Prescription Transfer Form. 

You'll need the following:

•    Medication Name, Strength, Prescription Number
•    Pharmacy number where the prescription is located
Transfers may take up to three to five business days to complete. Please plan accordingly.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmacy Formulary

The TRICARE Uniform Formulary (UF) is a list of brand and generic drugs that TRICARE covers. If a medication is on the Formulary and all required paperwork for specialty medications is submitted by the provider and approved by TRICARE/Express Scripts, it can typically be ordered within 1-2 business days.

Using the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool:

•    Look up costs, quantity limits, and therapeutics alternatives.
•    Download Prior Authorization and Medical Necessity forms for your provider to fill out. Providers must submit PA forms to Express Scripts for review and approval.
•    You can find more questions and answers at Health.mil (TRICARE formulary) 

Home Delivery Option

With TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, picking up your prescriptions is as easy as picking up your mail since maintenance medications are delivered right to your home. Det up to a 90-day supply of your long-term medications. Enjoy free standard shipping, however, copayments may apply for dependents and retirees. Create an account Express Scripts Home Delivery, You can also download the mobile app at this link. We advise having a 30-day supply of medication on hand while your first home delivery order is processed.