I had an opportunity recently to work with the UTMB Access Center to develop an online mechanism for requesting refills on existing prescriptions. I like the folks at the Access Center; we used to be neighbors in Rebecca Sealy, so I know how hard they work and the “can do” attitude with which they tackle most challenges (like reestablishing services at a critical time in UTMB’s recovery, even though their entire operation—every phone, practice manual, computer, printer—was under 40 inches of water). Most of them are nurses, and my experience has been that nurses get stuff done. But I was really sold on the Access Center years ago, when my kids were still little and we lived way out on the West End. There are no words to describe a parent’s relief at being able to get qualified information from a medical professional at two in the morning, as a kid lays blazing in your arms with a 103.5 fever.
The Access Center saw a huge spike in demand for their services this past January, doubling to 40,000 calls per month for a handful of staff. They got some help, put some new practices and tools in place, and kept looking for ways to enhance service. This prescription form is one of those ways. We are “beta-testing” it with our internal UTMB audience this week. About half-a-dozen people used it today; the feedback so far has been generally good. Need a prescription refill? Give it a try and let us know what you think.