Publix launches same-day delivery of prescriptions

Publix Super Markets has begun home delivery of prescriptions through medication delivery specialist ScriptDrop.

Publix said yesterday that its pharmacy locations will offer prescription delivery for a $5 fee to patients within a five-mile radius of the store. The number of prescriptions that can be ordered for delivery isn’t limited, but the service excludes age-restricted products, controlled substances and prescriptions needing refrigeration.

Overall, Publix operates more than 1,000 pharmacies in its 1,200-plus supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia. Prescription home delivery isn’t available for individuals paying for their medications through Medicare Part B and Medicaid insurance, the Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer said.

Publix noted that, although prescription delivery is being introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, the program will continue after the crisis.

“As a health care provider, Publix Pharmacy has adopted business practices that support the social distancing guidance provided by the CDC,” Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk said in a statement. “We believe this service provides a convenient option for customers who are age 65 and over, have compromised immune systems or require medications but are limiting trips outside their homes.”

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Publix operates more than 1,000 pharmacies in its 1,200-plus supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia.

The Rx delivery service works as follows: Publix Pharmacy patients who receive a text alert when their prescriptions are ready also will get a link to prepay for their prescriptions and select delivery. Scripts are delivered weekdays after 2 p.m. To receive same-day delivery, orders must be placed before 11 a.m. Orders made after 11 a.m. will be delivered the following weekday. If an order is placed after 11 a.m. Friday, the customer will receive the order on Monday.

Columbus, Ohio-based ScriptDrop provides on-demand delivery by connecting pharmacies to a network of couriers. The company said its medication delivery platform seamlessly links to retailers’ pharmacy workflow systems, and its specially trained, HIPAA-compliant drivers deliver medicines while protecting patient information. Prescriptions are delivered in tamper-proof, privacy packaging. Drivers use a special app that tracks their progress and sends patients text updates. Patients must sign for prescriptions upon delivery.

“Being a Tennessean myself, I’ve seen the critical role Publix plays in serving the community, especially in times of crisis,” said ScriptDrop CEO Nick Potts. “I am excited for ScriptDrop to be a part of that effort through helping deliver prescriptions to Publix customers.”

Related:Albertsons launches fast prescription drug delivery

Other supermarket retailers using ScriptDrop’s delivery service include Albertsons Cos. (Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons and Jewel-Osco banners) and Homeland Stores.