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Milwaukee VA Pharmacy begins text messaging reminders to refill medications

Text messages for refill reminder from pharmacy
Example of the text that a Veteran might receive from Milwaukee VA Pharmacy for medication refill order.
By Kristen Stanley, Public Affairs Specialist

Beginning June 24, 2024, Zablocki VA Pharmacy will send a text message to Veterans for their prescription refills.

Only the first three letters of the medication name will be used in the text message to protect your privacy.

“We want to get this information out to Veterans so that they are familiar with the pharmacy text and be assured it is legitimate,” said Kim Bell, pharmacy division manager at Milwaukee VA.

The text message will go out a few weeks before the medication is due to be filled.  Veterans are encouraged to order medications as soon as they receive the text.

An example text might read, “This is your VA MAIL Pharmacy reminding you that your medication starting with AAA is due to be refilled. Reply ‘Y’ to Refill or call 888-856-9039 or visit www.myhealth.va.gov.”

Veterans who would like their medication refilled can simply respond “Y” and their refill will be processed.  

The system will also contact the Veteran’s doctor if a new prescription is needed.

“The text is also a time saver for Veterans,” said Bell. “They do not need to call in for the refill order after responding to the text.”

The use of this communication method will not replace any current processes. 

While most medications will be included in this service, narcotics and other controlled substances are not.  

If Veterans do not want to receive these text messages, they can opt out by contacting the pharmacy call center.  

“For safety reasons, we encourage Veterans to leave this text function turned on,” said Bell. “Our goal is to provide service options for timely, accurate delivery of your prescriptions.”

For more information on Zablocki VA Pharmacy, click here.