A magnetic tracking apparatus, method, system and computer program product for magnetically encoding pills are provided. A pill feeder includes a first valve controlling an opening of the pill feeder. A chamber is arranged in communication with an outlet of the pill feeder, and a second valve when closed retains the pill within the chamber, and when open communicates with a passageway for the pill to exit the chamber. A microcontroller is configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve. A magnetic nano-particle applicator deposits bio-compatible nano-magnetic particles in a magnetic pattern onto a surface of the pill within the chamber. A system for detection of the pill includes a wearable patch or article including a magnetic reader to read the magnetic pattern on a coated pill when consumed by the patient.