(Credit: Amazon)
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If you think of a vending machine, you likely think of buying soda, a snack, or perhaps even toys and gadgets. Now, Amazon is using them as a prescription drug pickup point.
Starting in December, Amazon Pharmacy kiosks will launch in Los Angeles at One Medical locations. Look for them in Beverly Hills, Downtown, Long Beach, West Hollywood, and West L.A., with expansions planned for other locations next year.
The idea is to help you avoid an extra trip to a pharmacy after an appointment. “Patients receive the same trusted clinical service they’d expect at the pharmacy counter, but without the extra trip or waiting in line—effectively bringing the pharmacy experience to where patients already are," Amazon says.
Amazon cites a 2012 study that found nearly one-third of all prescriptions in the US given out by medical professionals are never filed. Amazon believes the kiosks will reduce that percentage.
Once launched, if you’re prescribed medication by a provider at a participating One Medical location, you can choose to have it sent through to Amazon Pharmacy. You’ll need an account with the service, and you can buy the prescription directly within the Amazon app. Select kiosk pickup, pay with your preferred method, and you’ll be given a QR code to scan at the machine.
Amazon will then have a pharmacist review the medication before it's picked up at the kiosk, which sounds like it will all be handled remotely. It says the drugs will be “typically ready in minutes,” without any need for an additional visit.
Amazon says the kiosks will carry commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure medications. "The inventory is tailored to the prescribing patterns of each office location. Controlled substances and medications requiring refrigeration are not available through the kiosks," it says.
For those wondering about security, Amazon says "each tamper-resistant kiosk weighs approximately 1,700 pounds and is secured to the floor, with additional security features including vibration sensors, surveillance cameras with motion detection alerts, and dual authentication requirements for medication dispensing."
“Looking ahead, the technology has the potential to dramatically improve medication access across diverse health care settings and bring pharmacy services directly to patients when and where they need them most," Amazon says.
Amazon acquired One Medical in 2022 for $3.9 billion. A year later, it offered Prime members access to One Medical for an extra $9 per month or $99 per year. Amazon Pharmacy also offers same-day delivery in 20 cities, including Chicago, Phoenix, and Miami.