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Amazon is set to introduce prescription drug vending machines, known as Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks, in One Medical offices across the greater Los Angeles area starting in December. These kiosks aim to streamline the prescription process by allowing patients to receive medications immediately after their appointments. The initiative seeks to reduce the number of unfilled prescriptions by eliminating the need for a separate pharmacy visit.
The kiosks, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, will dispense medications such as antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure treatments within minutes of a doctor visit. Each machine is tailored to the specific needs of its location, stocking hundreds of commonly prescribed medications. Hannah McClellan, Amazon Pharmacy's vice president of operations, emphasized the importance of this new service, stating, "By bringing the pharmacy directly to the point of care, we're removing a critical barrier and helping patients start their treatment when it matters most — right away."
Before using the kiosks, patients must have their prescriptions sent to Amazon Pharmacy, where they are verified by a pharmacist. Patients can then complete their order via the Amazon app and use a QR code to retrieve their medications from the kiosk. A remote pharmacist conducts a final check and can consult with patients via video or phone call if needed.
Amazon's move comes as traditional pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens face challenges with falling drug margins and increased competition from online retailers. Rite Aid recently closed all its remaining stores after filing for bankruptcy.
The kiosks will initially be available to patients receiving in-person care at One Medical locations, with plans for expansion to other locations soon after. Amazon hopes this convenience will improve health outcomes by reducing the nearly one-third of prescriptions in the U.S. that go unfilled each year, potentially saving billions in healthcare costs.