Iowa Surgery Center Turns to Automated Prescription Dispensing Machine

Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center is one of a growing number of facilities investing in automated prescription dispense machines for purposes of patient convenience and improving medication treatment plan compliance, according to a report from KCRG-TV9.

 

To use the ASC's system, called InstyMeds, patients are provided a prescription order with a security code readable by the system, according to the InstyMeds website. The patient takes the order to the dispenser and uses an ATM-style touch-screen to enter in the security code along with their birthday. Any costs are addressed through the use of a credit card or debit card. The InstyMeds dispenser uses a triple barcode check system to ensure accuracy, labels the medication and dispenses the prescription to the patient.

 

Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center started to use the system in June after one of its physicians heard about the machines use in other states and Iowa cities. Use of the system has raised some concern from the Iowa Pharmacy Association, which said pharmacist involvement in patient care is critical to ensure proper drug use and preventing abuse, according to the report.

 

Read the KCRG-TV9 report about the automated prescription dispensing machine at Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center.

 

Related Articles on Prescription Drugs:

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100 Physicians Ask Lawmakers to Require Training to Prescribe Controlled Substances

FDA Warns of Medication Error: Name Confusion Between Risperidone and Ropinirole

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