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Publix launches same-day delivery of prescriptions

Southeastern grocery chain enlists courier-based ScriptDrop service

Russell Redman

May 13, 2020

2 Min Read
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Although Publix prescription delivery is being introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, the program will continue after the crisis.Publix Super Markets

Publix Super Markets has begun home delivery of prescriptions through medication delivery specialist ScriptDrop.

Publix said yesterday that its pharmacy locations will offer prescription delivery for a $5 fee to patients within a five-mile radius of the store. The number of prescriptions that can be ordered for delivery isn’t limited, but the service excludes age-restricted products, controlled substances and prescriptions needing refrigeration.

Overall, Publix operates more than 1,000 pharmacies in its 1,200-plus supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia. Prescription home delivery isn’t available for individuals paying for their medications through Medicare Part B and Medicaid insurance, the Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer said.

Publix noted that, although prescription delivery is being introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, the program will continue after the crisis.

“As a health care provider, Publix Pharmacy has adopted business practices that support the social distancing guidance provided by the CDC,” Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk said in a statement. “We believe this service provides a convenient option for customers who are age 65 and over, have compromised immune systems or require medications but are limiting trips outside their homes.”

Related:Instacart moves forward with pharmacy partnership at Costco

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Publix operates more than 1,000 pharmacies in its 1,200-plus supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia.

The Rx delivery service works as follows: Publix Pharmacy patients who receive a text alert when their prescriptions are ready also will get a link to prepay for their prescriptions and select delivery. Scripts are delivered weekdays after 2 p.m. To receive same-day delivery, orders must be placed before 11 a.m. Orders made after 11 a.m. will be delivered the following weekday. If an order is placed after 11 a.m. Friday, the customer will receive the order on Monday.

Columbus, Ohio-based ScriptDrop provides on-demand delivery by connecting pharmacies to a network of couriers. The company said its medication delivery platform seamlessly links to retailers’ pharmacy workflow systems, and its specially trained, HIPAA-compliant drivers deliver medicines while protecting patient information. Prescriptions are delivered in tamper-proof, privacy packaging. Drivers use a special app that tracks their progress and sends patients text updates. Patients must sign for prescriptions upon delivery.

“Being a Tennessean myself, I’ve seen the critical role Publix plays in serving the community, especially in times of crisis,” said ScriptDrop CEO Nick Potts. “I am excited for ScriptDrop to be a part of that effort through helping deliver prescriptions to Publix customers.”

Related:Albertsons launches fast prescription drug delivery

Other supermarket retailers using ScriptDrop’s delivery service include Albertsons Cos. (Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons and Jewel-Osco banners) and Homeland Stores.

Read more about:

Publix Super Markets

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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