Cleveland Clinic and Zipline have started a pilot program to deliver prescription medications by drone to addresses within a five-mile radius of the Beachwood Administrative Campus. Drones lower tethered pods from up to about 300 feet and do not land; controlled substances are excluded. The optional service is free for eligible patients, who can track deliveries through the MyChart portal. If successful, the pilot may expand to move lab samples, specialty meals and medical supplies.
Cleveland Clinic Launches Zipline Drone Pilot to Deliver Prescriptions Near Beachwood Campus
Cleveland Clinic is now delivering prescription medications via dronesCredit: Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic has launched a pilot program with drone logistics company Zipline to deliver prescription medications to patients within a five-mile radius of its Beachwood Administrative Campus, roughly 10 miles from downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
How It Works
Zipline-operated drones remain airborne—up to about 300 feet—while lowering each order in a small pod suspended on a tether. The pod is released to the ground and then retrieved by the drone; the aircraft does not land in patients’ yards.
A pod containing the medication drops from the drone to complete the deliveryCredit: Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic
Eligibility, Cost & Restrictions
The optional service is being offered at no additional cost to eligible Cleveland Clinic patients. Eligible individuals will be notified by the health system. Controlled substances and other regulated drugs are excluded from drone delivery under current safety and regulatory policies.
Tracking And Future Uses
Patients can monitor delivery progress and receive tracking updates through the Cleveland Clinic MyChart portal. Cleveland Clinic and Zipline describe the rollout as an early-stage pilot; if successful, planned expansions could include transporting lab samples, specialty meals and medical supplies.
Lindsey Amerine, Pharm.D., Chief Pharmacy Officer: "Receiving medication quickly and conveniently can make a meaningful difference for patients. This program is another way in which we're strengthening home delivery and extending the reach of our services beyond the walls of our facilities."
Bill Peacock, Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations: "This drone delivery program is an example of how we can use technology to help patients receive important medications quickly, safely and efficiently."
The pilot will be evaluated for safety, patient experience and operational feasibility before any expansion of services or coverage.
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