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The First Fully Automated Prescription Drug Dispenser in the Northeast. (Hyannis, May 30, 2025) Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) is proud to announce the launch of InstyMeds, a fast and innovative prescription dispensing system, now available in the Emergency Center at Cape Cod Hospital. CCHC is the first and only healthcare provider in the Northeast to offer this service, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care and experience. Similar to a vending machine, this secure kiosk gives eligible Cape Cod Hospital Emergency Center patients convenient, on-site access to commonly prescribed medications upon leaving the ER when the hospital pharmacy is closed. With the nearest 24-hour pharmacies located nearly an hour from the hospital, InstyMeds helps eliminate long drives and next-day delays by ensuring patients can leave the hospital with the medications they need. “This is about making care more accessible and convenient for our patients,” states James Mangan, Executive Director of Pharmacy Operations at Cape Cod Healthcare. “InstyMeds eliminates the need for patients to stop and wait at a pharmacy or to find one after hours when they’re not feeling well or in pain, helping them recover as soon as possible.” InstyMeds dispenses commonly used medications including those to treat infections, earaches, allergies, colds and flu, and muscle aches. How it works: • The medical provider sends the prescription directly to InstyMeds and counsels the patient on the prescribed medication. • The patient receives a voucher and unique security code to dispense their medication. • Using the touchscreen of the InstyMeds dispenser, the patient enters the unique security code and their date of birth. • Payment is made by card, and insurance is processed through CCHC’s system. • After the dispenser performs a triple bar code safety check, the pre-packaged, labeled product is dispensed to the patient. The entire process typically takes a couple of minutes. • Over-the-counter items like children’s Motrin or Tylenol may be included when appropriate. “InstyMeds’ track record of over 5.5 million dispenses without error gives us the reassurance that the system is 100% safe for our patients,” says Cape Cod Healthcare President and CEO Michael K. Lauf. “Installing this innovative system improves compliance and safety by helping to ensure patients fill and take their prescribed medications leading to faster recovery.” To learn more, visit: https://www.capecodhealth.org/instymeds About Cape Cod Healthcare Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 600 providers, over 5,000 employees and over 250 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare is comprised of two acute care hospitals, a Level III trauma center, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), six urgent care centers, a primary and specialty care network, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health services and programs. For more information, visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website at www.capecodhealth.org.