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A self-service pharmacy kiosk – stuffed with technology and weighing nearly two tonnes – is operational at a clinic in Southgate, dispensing prescriptions to patients on-site.
Best of all, the oversized vending machine has a human touch.
Ramona Valdivia, some kind of shining kiosk sidekick, patrols the reception area of the Oak Street Health Clinic. Most of the time, the Lincoln Park native is on hand to guide and familiarize customers with the kiosk – the only one available downstream.
“I’m here to help,” Valdivia said. “My job is to help patients access their medications and help them when they need us. “
Woman-machine teamwork is the product of retail pharmacy company SpotRx. The company launched its kiosk business in 2018 in Arizona and expanded to southern California and Michigan.
The kiosk was set up in June at the Southgate Clinic at the southeast corner of Eureka and Trenton Roads. SpotRx and Oak Street Health are partners in six clinics.
The main customers are Medicare patients and people with reduced mobility. The location of the kiosks in primary care facilities provides a unique experience.
Stephanie Kiser, a resident of Brownstown Township, is among the first to adopt. She said the convenience of the kiosk – and the assistance Valdivia provided – made the process easier.
“I like it,” said Kiser, who suffers from a spinal disorder. “It was quite helpful. It’s better than going to the pharmacy.
Kiser praised SpotRx for also providing free next-day home delivery. Kiser said Valdivia had already visited her home on a weekend to provide her with much-needed medicine.
The combination of robotics, technology and a concierge-like service is guided by a Southfield-based pharmacy center. From there, pharmacists review prescription requests and manage the technology to select and dispense drugs from the machine to the patient.
The kiosk is stocked with 400 to 600 drugs, usually in a 30 or 90 day supply, Valdivia said. Safety and accuracy is ensured by bolting the kiosk to the floor in a temperature-controlled indoor environment. Access to all the doors of the dispenser is controlled by an access card and a PIN code by the pharmacist in charge. The machine is monitored 24/7.
Access to an on-line pharmacist is available when questions arise and refill reminders are provided.
“It went really well,” said Valdivia. “A lot of patients tell me they are really happy.”
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