Salem Hospital emergency department first in Oregon dispensing medications via machine

Patients treated at Salem Hospital’s emergency department can now buy medications 24-hours a day. A fully automated, ATM-style InstyMeds machine was installed inside the emergency department for patient convenience, like for those who are very ill or parents with small children. InstyMeds gives patients a vital time-saving option, especially when nearby pharmacies are closed. “It was so convenient,” said Brenda Brooks, who recently brought her mother to the emergency department for treatment. “I couldn’t believe it. It’s minimal cost and takes literally minutes to use and you’re out the door. It’s perfect.”

InstyMeds’ bar-code system ensures a high level of prescription quality control. When an emergency room physician gives the patient a prescription, a nurse helps the patient enter the information into InstyMeds. The machine then dispenses the medication within three to five minutes. InstyMeds offers pain medication, plus many other common prescriptions such as antibiotics. InstyMeds offers patients a full run of their prescription. Payment is made with a credit or debit card. Patients can submit the InstyMeds receipt to their health insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

“This is just one of those ways we can provide another level of service to our patients to improve their experience,” said Brandon Schmidgall, the emergency department’s interim manager. The InstyMeds machine was installed in August 2011. The move followed a decision earlier that year by the State of Oregon to change existing state statutes regarding machines used for dispensing medications.

The InstyMeds Corporation, based in Minneapolis, owns the machine. The company provides all support services, and sends medication and supplies to Salem Hospital as needed. Salem Health pays a monthly fee for the machine, but increased usage would offset that.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, which also includes West Valley Hospital and Willamette Health Partners, and offers exceptional healthcare to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.