Pharmacies test refill-dispensing kiosks

If you're tired of waiting on line in the pharmacy just to refill that prescription, you may soon have another alternative (other than responding to spam offering "v1@6r@ at best price$," that is). Several pharmacies in California and Virginia are testing ATM-like kiosks that will allow patients to pick up refills at any time, even when the pharmacy counter is closed. The machines, of course, are not without controversy. Some pharmacists worry about problems if the machine dispenses the wrong drugs, while others have expressed concern about lack of face-to-face contact with patients. The machines still require patients to order their refills in advance, either online or by phone, after which a pharmacist places the medications in the machine for later pickup. So much for picking up some of that v1@6r@ as an impulse purchase.