ATM-style machine dispenses prescription drugs in Iowa City

IOWA CITY – Punch in a number code on the ATM-style touch screen at the Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center, but don't expect cash.

Instead, the fully automated machine dispenses prescription medications, without having to make a trip to a pharmacy.

“The patients have been very receptive to it,” said Kelly Durian, executive director of the surgical center, 2963 Northgate Dr. “They don't have to make an extra stop at the pharmacy on their way home.”

Durian said about 150 prescriptions have been dispensed since the system, called InstyMeds, came into use in late June.

Under the system, the medical provider enters a prescription electronically and gives patients a voucher with a security code.

Using the touch-screen of the InstyMeds dispenser, patients enter the code and their date of birth. They can use an insurance or prescription card and swipe a debit or credit card to pay for the prescription or co-pay.

After the machine performs a triple bar code safety check, the pre-packaged, labeled product is dispensed from the machine to the patient.

The entire process typically takes a couple of minutes.

Quality control and patient care issues

Durian said one of the center's surgeons had heard about the machines being used in another state. They are also used in Zearing, Knoxville, Pleasantville and Pella in Iowa.

Studies show that between 20 to 30 percent of prescriptions that doctors write go unfilled, so the group wanted to increase the likelihood that patients would fill their prescriptions and follow the medication treatment plan.

Durian noted that a nurse is available nearby at the center to answer questions and InstyMeds also has a phone service available at the site.

He said only those medications, such as antibiotics or pain killers, that surgeons commonly prescribe are in the machine and he trusts in the safety verifications.

“There's no way the patient can receive a prescription by mistakes,” he said.

Still, Tom Temple, executive vice president of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, said the system raises concerns.

Temple noted that ideally, all patients would have a good relationship with their doctor and pharmacist, who can discuss drug interactions and other medication issues.

“We're concerned about the quality of patient care,” he said, adding that escalating medication misuse problems in the United States furthers the need for pharmacist oversight.

Temple said pharmacists are open to adapting to the needs of their patients, “but I'd feel a whole lot better if the pharmacist had a role in it.”