Innovative Medication Vending Machines Introduced at Advocate Health Care in Chicago

In an effort to improve medication accessibility and streamline patient care, Advocate Health Care has introduced state-of-the-art vending machines in Chicago that dispense prescription medications. Located at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Calumet Heights and Advocate Medical Group's Imani Village clinic in Pullman, these machines offer patients a convenient alternative to traditional pharmacy visits. Stocked with common prescriptions for conditions such as flu, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, and asthma, the vending units allow patients to pick up their medications immediately after medical appointments or hospital discharges.

Patients are asked if they wish to retrieve their prescriptions via the vending machines. If they agree, doctors can send the prescription electronically to Advocate’s pharmacy team to verify medication availability and insurance details. Once confirmed, patients receive a notification by call or text. The vending machines feature a large display screen for identity verification and an integrated phone receiver enabling video calls with pharmacists for questions.

To collect their medications, patients swipe a credit card and wait for the prescription to be dispensed into a secure slot. This initiative aims to address challenges like pharmacy deserts on Chicago’s South Side, where some areas lack sufficient pharmacy access, and overcome obstacles such as transportation issues and pharmacy closures. Advocates believe the vending machines can help prevent delays in medication access, potentially reducing hospital readmissions.

Since activation, the two machines have dispensed over 35 prescriptions, demonstrating early success. Healthcare professionals see this as an effective way to save patients time, money, and effort. However, some industry experts express cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of human interaction with pharmacists. Garth Reynolds, from the Illinois Pharmacists Association, highlights the need for onsite pharmacist involvement despite technological innovations.

This vending machine project is part of Advocate’s broader $1 billion initiative to revamp healthcare services on Chicago’s South Side, including plans for a new, smaller hospital and expanded primary and specialty care. A third vending machine is scheduled to be installed later this year at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, with potential for additional units at other locations.

This innovative approach underscores Advocate’s commitment to reducing health disparities and improving healthcare access in underserved communities.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-medicine-vending-machine-advocate-health.html