Amazon will begin distributing prescription medications through vending machines

Amazon’s quest to become a true integrated healthcare company I’ve already seen it To deliver prescriptions on the same day, but their visitors Offices can now pick up their medications from the vending machine right after their scheduled appointment.

Amazon pharmacy It will begin rolling out in December, initially at One Medical Practices in the greater Los Angeles area, with plans already in place to expand to other locations in the near future. Amazon says it intends to combat the high percentage of people who never fill their prescriptions by making them immediately available at the point of care. The idea is that if people didn’t need to make a separate trip to a dedicated pharmacy to get their prescribed medications, they would be more likely to get them, while doctors wouldn’t have to worry about their patients’ conditions going untreated.

One Medical customers can order a prescription from the on-site Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk in the Amazon app once it is delivered to them, with the company promising that most medications will be available for collection within minutes. You’ll need to already have an Amazon Pharmacy account and attend an appointment at a participating One Medical location to take advantage of the service.

Initial costs and any available discounts will be displayed in the Amazon app before you check out, and if necessary, you can also contact an Amazon 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 typically cost $9 per month, $99 per year for Prime members, or $199 for everyone else, although Amazon currently Memberships for its prime customers are $30 off. You can also schedule virtual appointments for a one-time fee without a membership, but to use the Amazon Pharmacy Kiosk during the launch period, you’ll need to visit a One Medical office in person. Amazon says there won’t be any additional fees to use the machines, whether you’re a Prime member or not.