Uber expands prescription delivery with ScriptDrop

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Uber is expanding prescription delivery across 37 states in the United States with ScriptDrop. 

There are plans for further expansion in the coming weeks and months. 

Pharmacies that are signed up with ScriptDrop include grocery chains, pharmacy chains and health systems. Uber, integrated through API, will become the default application for the select pharmacies, depending on location and driver availability. ScriptDrop integrates with a pharmacy's existing software and workflow.

Uber and ScriptDrop's partnership also gives additional earnings for delivery people using the Uber platform.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Prescription delivery, a growing business under the pandemic, is increasing beyond the public health emergency.

CVS Health and Walgreens have invested in their prescription home-delivery business. Amazon grew the business three years ago with its acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack. 

Uber said delivery helps avoid prescription abandonment. Rates of prescription orders that are not picked up skyrocketed during the pandemic. This prompted pharmacist Leslie Asanga to found Pills2Me in Connecticut, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Most of the never-picked-up prescriptions were for seniors and those at a higher risk of getting illness from COVID-19, the report said.

THE LARGER TREND

In April 2020, Uber announced additional delivery options beyond food and grocery. It followed up in August by launching prescription delivery in select U.S. cities through the Uber Eats app with NimbleRx. 

ON THE RECORD

"This past year has shown us now more than ever that pharmacies need more effective ways to get patients the prescriptions they need," says Amanda Epp, CEO of ScriptDrop.

"Being able to combine ScriptDrop's integrated interface with Uber's technology means that pharmacies of all sizes will be better equipped to improve prescription adherence and serve the most vulnerable of their communities." 

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com