Commandant
2100 Second Street, S. W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
(202) 267-0748
COMDTINST 6570.4
08 JAN 1991
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 6570.4
Subj: Pharmacy Procurement and Dispensing Guidelines
Ref: (a) COMDTINST M6000.lB, Medical Manual
1.
PURPOSE. This instruction prescribes policy for all Coast Guard commands which operate a
pharmacy under the supervision of a medical officer.
2.
DISCUSSION. Pharmacy operations consume the major portion of clinic operating budgets.
Establishment of uniform policies regarding procurement, stock maintenance, and dispensing
of pharmaceuticals will foster the most efficient and cost-effective service to the maximum
number of eligible beneficiaries. While some clinics have enjoyed abundant funding to meet
pharmacy needs, others have been chronically underfunded. Regardless of the level of
funding, all clinic pharmacies and practitioners can realize savings through proper pharmacy
management and more disciplined practices of prescribing medications. The policy outlined
herein is designed to achieve this goal. As these guidelines are implemented, some clinics, in
spite of the savings, may not have the resources to meet the beneficiary demand for pharmacy
services. This instruction addresses a means for clinics to supplement their pharmacy budgets
to meet this shortfall.
3.
POLICY. Pharmacies shall operate under the following guidelines.
a.
Commandant (G-KOM) will maintain a High-Cost Medication List and prescribe
guidelines for the use of these drugs. Enclosure
(1) lists the first set of such drugs, which are drawn from the following classes: Non-
Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs,
(2) Cholesterol and Lipid Lowering Agents,
(3) Selected High-Cost Antibiotics, and
(4) Smoking Cessation Aids.
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