You won't believe how fast you'll get your essentials with Amazon's brand-new checkout—could shopping ever be this easy?

Picture this: you've just finished a doctor's appointment, received a prescription for antibiotics to fight that stubborn infection, and instead of making another stop at the crowded pharmacy, you walk a few steps to a sleek kiosk in the hallway. Within minutes, you're walking out with your medication in hand, ready to start treatment immediately.

This scenario isn't a futuristic dream—it's Amazon's new reality launching this December.

Amazon Pharmacy is rolling out its own kiosks in a groundbreaking move to combat the alarming statistic that nearly one-third of prescriptions in the US are never filled. The new system aims to provide better health outcomes for thousands who need it most, particularly addressing the fact that half of medications for chronic conditions are not taken as prescribed.

The prescription pickup game-changer

Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks will begin appearing at One Medical locations across the greater Los Angeles area starting in December 2025, with plans for rapid expansion to other locations. The concept is elegantly simple: eliminate the extra trip to the pharmacy by bringing prescription pickup directly to where you already are—the doctor's office.

The timing couldn't be better for American patients, especially those dealing with multiple medications or chronic conditions. For many seniors managing complex medication regimens, the extra step of visiting a pharmacy can become a genuine barrier to getting the care they need.

How the system works

The process is designed to be straightforward, even for those who might feel intimidated by new technology. After a provider writes a prescription, customers can have it sent to Amazon Pharmacy for an in-office kiosk pickup instead of their usual pharmacy.

Patients will need to follow a few simple steps to make the new process work:

• Create an Amazon Pharmacy account before your appointment
• Schedule an appointment at any participating One Medical location
• Ask your provider to send the prescription to Amazon Pharmacy
• At checkout, use the Amazon app to select kiosk pickup and pay
• A QR code will be sent to scan at the kiosk
• Pick up your medication within minutes

An Amazon pharmacist will review the medication, and it will be ready to pick up in mere minutes. Chief medical officer at One Medical, Dr. Andrew Diamond said: "The ability to know a patient is leaving our office with their medication in hand – especially for conditions requiring immediate treatment like infections – can make a meaningful difference in their care journey."

Also read: Lower drug prices are finally coming to Medicare. Here’s what to expect in 2026

What's available at the kiosks

Powered by Amazon's logistics and technology, each kiosk will be stocked with a curated inventory of medications tailored to the prescribing patterns of the specific office location. This includes commonly prescribed medications like:

• Antibiotics for infections
• Inhalers for respiratory conditions
• Blood pressure medications
• Other common prescriptions

The human touch remains

One concern many patients might have is losing the personal connection with a pharmacist. Amazon has addressed this thoughtfully by ensuring every kiosk transaction includes access to their team of pharmacists who can provide consultation via video or phone, just as they would at a traditional pharmacy counter.

McClellan explained: "We've designed the kiosk experience to be simple, fast, and patient-centered. But we also understand that patients sometimes have questions about their medications. That's why every kiosk transaction includes access to our team of pharmacists who can provide consultation via video or phone, just as they would at a traditional pharmacy counter."

Security and privacy features

These aren't your typical vending machines. Amazon's pharmacy kiosks are built with serious security in mind:

Why this matters now

The pharmacy landscape has been shifting dramatically, and not always in patients' favor. A quarter of US neighborhoods are considered pharmacy deserts, meaning residents don't have easy access to a nearby pharmacy. Major chains like Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS have been closing stores in recent years, with Rite Aid recently shutting down all remaining locations after more than 60 years in business.

Even when pharmacies are available, the experience often leaves much to be desired. A 2024 study found that only 51% of consumers said their prescriptions were quickly filled at retail pharmacies - meaning nearly half of patients face delays that could impact their health.

Also read: Amazon's prescription vending machines could be a game-changer for seniors struggling with pharmacy runs

Looking ahead

The initial rollout focuses on five Los Angeles-area locations, but expansion plans are already in motion. Amazon expects to add more One Medical offices and other locations soon after the initial launch, with broader expansion planned for early 2026.

This kiosk launch represents just the latest move in Amazon's ambitious healthcare strategy. The company acquired online pharmacy PillPack for about $750 million in 2018, launched Amazon Pharmacy in 2020, and purchased primary-care provider One Medical for $3.9 billion in 2022 - its third-largest acquisition ever.

McClellan hints at even bigger possibilities: "Over time, we see real potential for this technology to extend to other environments—anywhere quick access to medication can make a difference."

For patients—particularly those who've grown frustrated with long pharmacy wait times, limited hours, or inconvenient locations—Amazon's pharmacy kiosks represent a promising development. The combination of speed, convenience, and maintained professional oversight could set a new standard for prescription pickup services.

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Key Takeaways

• Amazon has introduced pharmacy kiosks in the US, allowing patients to pick up prescription medications within minutes directly from medical offices, eliminating the need to visit a separate pharmacy.
• The system is designed to improve medication adherence and health outcomes, particularly for conditions requiring immediate treatment, by making it easier and faster for patients to access their prescriptions.
• To use the service, patients must create an Amazon Pharmacy account, schedule an appointment at a participating One Medical location, have their provider send the prescription to Amazon Pharmacy, then pay and collect their medication using a QR code via the Amazon app.
• Each kiosk is stocked with medications tailored to the needs of each medical practice and includes access to Amazon pharmacists for consultation by video or phone, maintaining support similar to traditional pharmacies.

]Have you experienced prescription pickup delays or struggled with pharmacy access? What do you think about this new approach to getting medications? Share your thoughts in the comments below.