ATM-Like Machines Dispense Refills
Posted on June 30, 2005

The ATM-like machines are raising questions among pharmacists and state regulators who oversee prescription-drug dispensing. One worry is that patients might end up with the wrong drug. Some pharmacists also don't like the machines because they cut out traditional face-to-face consultations with patients. The concern is that patients might be discouraged from asking pharmacists about such things as whether alcohol should be avoided with a medicine, or possible drug interactions."There's lots of leeriness on the part of regulators and the fear that something like this could replace the pharmacist," says Mary Ann Wagner, vice president of pharmacy regulatory affairs for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, a trade group in Alexandria, Va.
Photo: ScriptCenter
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