Amazon announced on Wednesday that it is introducing prescription vending machines at its One Medical clinics. These new in-office kiosks, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, allow patients to pick up their prescriptions immediately after their appointments.
Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks will first be available at One Medical locations in Los Angeles starting in December, with plans to expand to more locations soon after. After a healthcare provider writes a prescription, patients can choose to have it sent to Amazon Pharmacy for in-office kiosk pickup. Patients then use their phone to check out in the Amazon app, and medications are typically ready in minutes.
The kiosks stock a range of commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure medications. Amazon notes that each kiosk’s inventory is customized based on the prescribing patterns of its specific office location. Controlled substances and medications requiring refrigeration are not available through the kiosks.
Patients can use the Amazon app to see upfront costs, including available discounts and estimated insurance copays. They can also connect to a licensed pharmacist via video or phone consultation if needed.
Hannah McClellan, vice president of operations at Amazon Pharmacy, stated in a press release that when patients have to make an extra trip to the pharmacy after seeing their doctor, many prescriptions never get filled.
The launch occurs as U.S. pharmacy chains are struggling. Rite Aid last week closed all of its remaining stores, CVS has closed more than 1,000 stores since 2021, and Walgreens closed 500 stores over the past year. Amazon’s new kiosks could disrupt brick-and-mortar pharmacy businesses even more.
This launch marks Amazon’s latest move to expand its presence in the healthcare sector. In 2018, Amazon purchased online pharmacy PillPack for $750 million. It then launched Amazon Pharmacy in 2020. Two years later, it bought primary care provider One Medical.