You can now get prescription medicines from Amazon's vending machines
What's the story
Amazon is expanding its healthcare services by introducing prescription vending machines at its One Medical clinics. The new in-office kiosks, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, will allow patients to collect their prescriptions immediately after an appointment. The first batch of these "Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks" will be rolled out in December at select One Medical locations in Los Angeles, with plans for further expansion soon after.
Goal
Addressing the issue of unfilled prescriptions
The main aim of these kiosks is to tackle the problem of unfilled prescriptions. Hannah McClellan, VP of Operations at Amazon Pharmacy, said in a press release that many prescriptions go unfilled when patients have to make an extra trip to the pharmacy after seeing their doctor. The kiosks will offer a range of commonly prescribed medications like antibiotics and inhalers but won't include controlled substances or those needing refrigeration.
Customization
Kiosks tailored to specific office locations
Each Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk's inventory will be tailored according to the prescribing patterns of its specific office location. This means that patients can expect their prescribed medications to be readily available at these kiosks. Once a provider writes a prescription, patients can choose to have it sent for in-office kiosk pickup, after which they use the Amazon app on their phone for checkout.
Features
Transparent pricing and pharmacist access
The Amazon app will show upfront costs, including any applicable discounts and estimated insurance copays. If needed, patients can also connect with a licensed pharmacist through video or phone consultation via the app. This service is aimed at making healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients visiting One Medical clinics.
Expansion
Amazon's ongoing journey into healthcare
The introduction of these kiosks is part of Amazon's larger strategy to strengthen its foothold in the healthcare industry. The company had acquired online pharmacy PillPack for $750 million in 2018 and launched Amazon Pharmacy in 2020. Two years later, it bought primary care provider One Medical. With this latest move, Amazon continues to innovate and disrupt traditional healthcare delivery models for better patient experiences.