22nd MDG pharmacy gets 'SICK'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 22nd Medical Group will offer a class about the "self initiated care kit" medication program 3 p.m., Jan. 17, in the lower level conference room.

The SICK program allows beneficiaries to receive typical over-the-counter medications directly from the pharmacy sans an appointment with a heath care provider.

"This program empowers patients to self-treat for common minor medical conditions such as allergies, viral upper respiratory infections, sore throats, coughs, aches and pains, muscle strains, fevers," said Lt. Col. Mary Beth Durbin, 22nd MDG medical staff chief.

The class offered Thursday is designed to inform participants of the program's guidelines, the medication form and review a few of the medications offered. Beneficiaries must go through a class to obtain a wallet-sized card, authorizing them to use the program at McConnell's pharmacy.

SICK cards expire three years from the date of issue.

All beneficiaries are eligible to use the program with the exception of pregnant women and Airmen on flying status.

"Pregnant patients are welcome to attend the class as they will be able to use their card after their pregnancy," said Capt. Nikki Tucker, 22nd MDG health care integrator and program point of contact.

During the class, beneficiaries will be taught how to properly fill out the medication request form. These forms are located next to the pharmacy ticket machine and must be presented with the authorization card at the pharmacy window.

The form must be signed by the patient, acknowledging that the medication is for minor illnesses or conditions only, the patient does not wish to see a physician or other health care provider for advice before receiving medication, and if symptoms worsen or do not improve, the person for whom medications are intended should be seen by a medical provider.

Patients may receive up to three medications per month. Sponsors are permitted to receive medications for dependents under the age of 18.

SICK medication forms will be kept in a patient's profile, therefore allowing "the Primary Care Manager [to] more easily reconcile a patient's prescription medications with their over-the-counter medications," said Durbin.

In addition to teaching about the SICK program, Tucker educates patients on website and publication resources to "live healthier."

These resources are one way for a patient to unnecessarily have to schedule an appointment, or unnecessarily go to the store and try to determine needed medications. These resources can help illustrate what medications are good for which symptoms.

If it's just a cough or runny nose, a doctor may prescribe allergy medications such as Benadryl or Claritin, cough suppressants and pain relievers. With the ability to receive these OTC medications without scheduling an appointment, reduces the time a patient would have spent in the clinic, said Tucker.

The current list of 21 available medications include pain relievers, cough suppressants, heartburn relievers, artificial tears, and skin creams. The addition of other medications will be determined based on program feedback and demand.

"We are hoping that this program will help the patient feel more in-control of their health care," said Capt. Nikki Tucker, 22nd MDG health care integrator and program point of contact.

The 22nd MDG began the SICK medication program October 2012. It is modeled off of programs at other installations.

For more information, call (316)759-6300.