Will Patients Want Prescriptions from Amazon Kiosks?

Offering a way to save a trip to the pharmacy, Amazon is introducing kiosks that enable patients to get their prescriptions in doctor’s offices “within minutes of their appointment.”

Starting in December, Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks will be available to patients at One Medical locations across the greater Los Angeles area, with expansion to additional One Medical offices and other locations soon after.

Amazon acquired One Medical, in February 2023 for $3.9 billion, in a major expansion into primary care and healthcare. Through an annual membership and pay-per-visit model, One Medical offers virtual consultations for specific health issues as well as in-clinic care at more than 200 offices.

The kiosks will contain a range of commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure medications. The inventory is tailored to the prescribing patterns of each location.

In introducing Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks, Amazon cited data showing nearly one-third of prescriptions are never filled. Amazon also cited findings showing that one-in-four neighborhoods in the U.S. are considered pharmacy deserts while noting that the “journey from doctor's office to pharmacy counter has long been a friction point” even when venturing to nearby pharmacies. Amazon referenced a J.D. Power report showing that only 51% of customers report their prescriptions were quickly filled at retail pharmacies.

"We know that when patients have to make an extra trip to the pharmacy after seeing their doctor, many prescriptions never get filled," said Hannah McClellan, VP of operations, Amazon Pharmacy. "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."

Amazon also pointed to a study showing that half of medications for chronic conditions aren’t taken as prescribed, implying that securing prescriptions closer to the clinical visit could help.

After a 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, an Amazon pharmacist then virtually reviews the medication, with medications ready for pickup “in minutes.”

Patients are able to see upfront costs, including available discounts and estimated insurance copays, and connect to a pharmacist via video or phone consultation, if needed.

The launch comes as pharmacy chains Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS have closed stores in recent years.

Amazon Kiosks May Not Replace Pharmacists, But Could Improve Patient Outcomes

McClellan told CNBC the kiosks aren’t meant to replace pharmacists “but to bring their expertise closer to the point of care.”

“This model keeps pharmacists at the center of the care experience while expanding how and where they can support patients,” she added.

The kiosks presumably could also be installed in hospitals, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities. McClellan told CNBC, “Over time, we see real potential for this technology to extend to other environments — anywhere quick access to medication can make a difference.”