Amazon Brings Prescription Vending Machines to Los Angeles Clinics
Los Angeles — Amazon is expanding deeper into the healthcare sector with the launch of automated prescription vending kiosks at select One Medical clinics across the Los Angeles area.
The machines, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, allow patients to pick up commonly prescribed medications directly on-site — a move that could reshape how consumers access basic prescriptions without visiting a traditional pharmacy.
A New Chapter in Amazon’s Healthcare Push
The vending kiosks mark the latest step in Amazon’s growing healthcare strategy following its $3.9 billion acquisition of One Medical in 2023. The company has since worked to integrate primary care, pharmacy services, and home delivery into a single ecosystem for its members.
Each kiosk will stock frequently prescribed medications, including antibiotics, inhalers, blood-pressure drugs, allergy medications, and select chronic-care treatments. Customers visiting One Medical clinics can choose to have their prescriptions filled instantly at the kiosk or delivered to their home via Amazon Pharmacy’s existing online service.
Industry analysts see the rollout as a test of how far automation can streamline prescription fulfillment. The machines use secure identity verification and digital monitoring to ensure compliance and privacy.
Filling the Gap Left by Traditional Pharmacies
The launch comes at a time when major U.S. pharmacy chains — including Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS — have shuttered hundreds of locations nationwide amid financial struggles, retail theft, and declining foot traffic.
As brick-and-mortar pharmacies shrink their presence, Amazon appears to be positioning itself as a tech-driven alternative for convenient, 24/7 access to medication. The vending kiosks offer patients faster service and shorter wait times, especially for common prescriptions.
Healthcare analysts say the timing is strategic: by placing these kiosks inside One Medical clinics, Amazon can keep patients within its own ecosystem — from diagnosis to treatment and delivery — while avoiding regulatory complications that apply to standalone pharmacy locations.
How It Works
Patients who visit a participating clinic will receive a QR code or verification link from their physician after an appointment. They can then use the on-site kiosk to access their medication immediately. Payments, insurance processing, and prescription verification are handled digitally through Amazon Pharmacy’s secure platform.
For those who prefer remote service, the system offers automatic refills and home delivery options within one to two days — leveraging Amazon’s logistics network.
The Bigger Picture
Amazon’s move underscores its long-term ambition to become a dominant player in digital health and pharmacy logistics. With Amazon Pharmacy, One Medical, and its growing telehealth offerings, the company is positioning itself to compete directly with retail giants and traditional healthcare networks alike.
If the Los Angeles pilot succeeds, sources indicate the vending kiosks could expand to other One Medical locations across the U.S. in 2026.
