Amazon Pharmacy Rolls out In-office Kiosks for Instant Prescription Pickup

The kiosks are designed to allow patients to order and collect medications directly after their appointments, reducing the time between prescription issuance and fulfillment.

Amazon Pharmacy has launched automated prescription kiosks dubbed Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks at select One Medical clinics in Los Angeles.

The kiosks are designed to allow patients to order and collect medications directly after their appointments, reducing the time between prescription issuance and fulfillment.

The kiosks will contain commonly prescribed meds like antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure medications.

Patients can access the service through the Amazon Pharmacy app, where they can review medication details, verify insurance coverage, and make payments. Once the order is processed, a QR code is generated, which can be scanned at the kiosk for pickup. The machines currently stock commonly prescribed, non-refrigerated medications and exclude controlled substances.

Each kiosk is connected to Amazon Pharmacy’s system, enabling patients to consult licensed pharmacists via phone or video call if needed. The system provides transparent pricing and real-time updates on medication availability.

To comply with regulations, Amazon pharmacists are given access to remotely review medications using cameras built into the kiosks. Patients can also consult the Amazon pharmacists live through the kiosks or the app, and each kiosk can print medication instructions.

Further, each kiosk can store hundreds of medications and is designed to be tamper-resistant, weighing nearly one ton and secured to the floor.

Additionally, its security features include vibration sensors, surveillance cameras with motion detection alerts, and dual authentication requirements for dispensing medications so that the patient's information is protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Commenting on this initiative, Hannah McClellan, VP of operations at Amazon Pharmacy, said, "We know that when patients have to make a separate stop after seeing their doctor, many prescriptions never get filled."

"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”, McClellan added.

As per reports, the kiosks will be available in December at select locations in the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Downtown LA, West LA, and Long Beach. The company said it expects to expand to other One Medical offices in the future.

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