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A California company has found a unique way to reduce prescription drug costs — an ATM-like vending machine in doctor ’s offices that dispenses free generic drug samples instead of sodas and snacks. The machine of MedVantx of San Diego allows doctors — for the first time ever — to provide patients with samples of less costly generic medications and counteract pharmaceutical reps building brand loyalty through samples of expensive brand-name drugs. Managed care companies foot the bill for the machines which record which patients receive a 30-day supply of one of 21 generic drugs. Among the latest to sign on is Medica, Minnesota’s largest HMO, which recently installed MedVantx machines in 10 clinics. The potential savings is enormous. A mere 1 percent increase in generic prescriptions could save the company more than $6 million this year alone. Source: TIME
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Medications
in an ATM
