Streamlining pharmacy visits with a digital-first approach.
The well known prescription savings finder, GoodRx, recently developed a new e-commerce solution that will change the way prescriptions are filled and paid for. This new feature will allow patients to purchase prescriptions through the GoodRx platform, similar to the convenience of online shopping.
Instead of patients having to search for the best coupon online first then head to the pharmacy to drop their prescription off to be filled, the consumer will now:
- Search for the best price for their medication
- Pay directly online using the GoodRx site
- Choose either pickup or delivery options (depending on the retailer)
Hy-Vee, a Midwest-based grocery chain, has been the first to partner with GoodRx on this new prescription innovation. Through this partnership, GoodRx’s system will be able to:
- Check the pharmacy’s inventory to ensure the prescription is available
- Validate the prescription
- Allow for online payments so the medication will be ready for in-store pick up or allow for delivery if the pharmacy has that option available
A Win-Win for Consumers and Pharmacies
President and CEO of GoodRx, Wendy Barnes, states, “We understand the need to develop innovative solutions that make it easier for people to get their medications.” She emphasizes that this “digital-first” experience will benefit patients and also support pharmacies by bringing more traffic back into the stores.
The retail pharmacy industry consists of stiff competition from online companies like Amazon, and big chain pharmacies like Walmart and Walgreens but GoodRx is bringing a competitive edge. Patients want to know that their prescription is in stock and that they won’t have to wait in long lines only to find out it’s not even covered by their insurance.
GoodRx’s Big Vision
This is just a baby step in GoodRx’s larger vision. They plan to soon extend into other partners such as Costco, Target, CVS and Walgreens.
Their platform is also integrating online shopping options so that customers can purchase in-store items alongside their prescriptions.
Meeting the Digital Demand
GoodRx is trying to align with evolving demands of consumers. A report by PYMNTS Intelligence/Lynx found that 80% of consumers desire a digital platform to take care of their pharmacy benefits while comparing prices and accessing discount programs.
This type of innovation comes at a crucial time. GoodRx’s new platform not only is improving patient experience but also helping to support pharmacies by removing additional steps in helping patients find the medications they need.
The Future of Prescription Shopping
As this e-commerce is at the beginning stages of rollout, GoodRx just might be placing themselves as a leader in modernization of the pharmacy experience. By closing gaps in prescription coverage and helping to simplify the process, they ultimately are building a stronger, more integrated system for patients, pharmacists and healthcare providers.
The company has even more plans such as their Integrated Savings Program (ISP), which will help with coverage gaps and provide savings for generic and specialty medications.
The future of pharmacy is looking more digital, seamless and patient-directed thanks to innovation from companies like GoodRx.
