For a long time, the pharmacy space was dominated by big and long-established pharmacies. There was a major lack of startups and innovators were also lacking.
It was only recently when there was a rapid growth in pharmacy startups that areas in the pharmacy space, that have remained untouched for a long time, were disrupted. These include medication dispensing, delivery, cost-savings, prescribing, information, storage, vitamins and supplements, and specialty pharmacy services.
Below is a list of startups that have excelled in one or more areas of the pharmacy industry that are in need of improvement.
- DeliverCareRx
DeliverCareRx takes medication delivery to another level. Not only does the pharmacy offer free home delivery for more than three prescriptions per month but also synchronizes your prescription needs. This means your prescriptions are delivered to your door at the exact time that you need to replenish your supply.
This makes prescription acquisition convenient and timely. You never have to miss a refill for any reason. This also saves you money from fare or gasoline.
DeliverCareRx also offers free prescription management. No need to go to the doctor’s office and visit your insurance provider because they will handle the scripts/paperwork for you.
- ZappRx
ZappRx offers patients a quick and easy way to process the specialty drug orders through the ZappRx digital platform. You can order specialty medications online quickly and easily.
Considering that specialty prescribing takes time, the shortcut that the pharmacy offers makes a huge difference. Apart from streamlining the process of specialty med ordering, ZappRx also helps with the communication between providers.
- NowRx
NowRx hand delivers your prescription medication the same day you place your order. Since you only need to use an app to place an order, you can skip the long queues and have your prescription filled without leaving home.
You can send your prescription to them or have your doctor send it directly to the pharmacy. So after your checkup, you can go straight home instead of going to the pharmacy to purchase your prescription because your doctor can send the prescription on your behalf.
Upon fulfillment, you will receive a notification. Your card will be charged automatically.
You also have an option to video chat with your pharmacist for consultation and for whatever queries you might have.
- Blink Health
Blink Health lets you buy your prescription meds at a more affordable price. They guarantee the lowest drug prices on all generic medications.
This is one of the startup drug companies dedicated to providing patients with medication cost savings. Unlike other pharmacies offering the same service, Blink Health does not require membership fees or coupons.
You can also pick up your prescription medication at local pharmacies near you. Just pay online and your order will be ready for pick up. Enjoy an average of 70% cost saving per prescription filled.
- GoGoMeds
Run by Specialty Medical Drugstore, a full-service pharmaceutical provider based in Greater Cincinnati, GoGoMeds offers low-cost prescription medications and other specialty pharmacy services.
You can have your prescription filled without the need to leave your home. Just send your prescription via mail or have your doctor fax it directly to specialty medical drugstore.
If you want to transfer from one pharmacy to GoGoMeds, just provide the name and phone number of the pharmacy when you process your order. Upon fulfillment, your medicine can be shipped to you directly or delivered according to your instructions.
- Alto Pharmacy
Alto Pharmacy fills your prescription and delivers your meds for free. The pharmacy stocks all common medication and specialty treatments and sells them to you at the best price. With the same copay and free delivery, you’re sure to achieve medicine cost savings.
With the acquisition of Round Health, Alto Pharmacy helps ensure people actually take their medicine. The reminder app not only takes note of your schedule for taking your medication but also the patterns and rhythms of your life. This allows the app to remind you of your medication more effectively.
You also have the option to have your prescription refilled at a specific schedule and right on time.
- NimbleRx
Fast and reliable medication dispensing is what NimbleRx is all about. They offer fast delivered pharmacy services that ensure patients get their prescription on time.
Delivery is always free, and you get to choose when and where you want to receive your prescription. Just have your doctor send your prescription directly to the pharmacy and they will take care of the rest.
If you need to manage your refills, just use the Nimble Pharmacy app. It’s easy to manage and will speed up purchase and delivery services.
- MedAvail
MedAvail has created medication pick up points, self-serve pharmacy kiosks where patients can pick up their prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
The MedCenter, as the kiosk is called, is remotely controlled by a pharmacist who interacts with clients through audio and video network connection. Think of it as an ATM that dispenses medication on the spot instead of notes.
You can choose from over 500 medications through this 24-hour, on-the-spot pharmacy.
- GoodRx
With the outrageous costs of drug prices, pharmacy start-ups that offer medication cost savings will save patients from financial worries. GoodRx is one of the drug coupon companies that provides patients with information as to where they can buy the prescription medication for the lowest price.
Using coupons, clients can save so much more.
Through GoodRx, you can compare drug prices from over 60,000 pharmacies in the US, print free coupons, and save up to 80% on your medication. You can also save a copy of the coupon on your phone and show it to partner pharmacies.
- Capsule
With Capsule, your prescription can be filled right from the doctor’s office. Just tell your doctor that your pharmacy is Capsule and wait for a text with a checkout link. Here, you can place your order and schedule same-day delivery.
You can go home right after your checkup and then wait for your prescription to be delivered right at your doorstep.
But their pharmaceutical services don’t stop there. You have the option to transfer a refill from your old pharmacy, have capsule take care of your refills, and ask questions related to your prescription.
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/buzzfeedbot/comments/8za2wk/10_pharmacy_startups_that_could_be_ma_targets/