Amazon will start dispensing prescription drugs through vending machines
Amazon’s quest to become a genuine all-in-one healthcare solution has already seen it commit to same-day prescription deliveries, but visitors to its One Medical offices can now pick up their medication from a vending machine right after an appointment.
Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks will start rolling out in December, initially in One Medical practices in the greater Los Angeles area, with plans already in place for an expansion into other locations in the near future. Amazon says it intends to combat the high percentage of people who never file their prescriptions by making them immediately available at the point of care. The idea is that if people don’t need to make a separate trip to a dedicated pharmacy to pick up their prescription drugs, they’re more likely to get them, while clinicians won’t have to worry about their patients’ conditions going untreated.
One Medical customers can request pickup for a prescription at an on-site Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk in the Amazon app as soon as it’s handed to them, with the company promising that most medications will be available to collect within minutes. You’ll need to already have an Amazon Pharmacy account and attend an appointment at a participating One Medical location to make use of the service.
Upfront costs and any available deductions will be displayed in the Amazon app before you check out, and if needed you can also connect to an Amazon Pharmacy pharmacist via the app for a video or phone consultation. Medications that will be stored in the vending machines include antibiotics, inhalers and blood pressure medications, but not controlled substances or anything that requires refrigeration.
One Medical subscriptions usually cost $9 per month of $99 annually for Prime members, or $199 for everyone else, although Amazon is currently offering memberships to its Prime customers for $30 off. You can also schedule virtual appointments for a one-off fee without a membership, but to use an Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk during the launch period you’ll need to visit an in-person One Medical office. Amazon says there won’t be any added fees to use the machines, whether you’re a Prime member or not.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-will-start-dispensing-prescription-drugs-through-vending-machines-144555105.html?src=rss