New Epic Drug Tool Displays Prices at Point of Care

Healthcare providers will soon access real-time price comparisons to help patients choose affordable prescriptions.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Healthcare

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a minimalist prescription bottle silhouette on a sterile surface, representing healthcare pricing transparency. — Epic Systems launched a new prescription tool allowing healthcare providers to compare real-time drug pricing for patients during consultations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe comparing pharmacy prices before buying medication is an effective way to save money?

Epic Systems unveiled its new Prescription Marketplace tool, which will embed real-time drug cost estimates directly into electronic health records. The platform allows providers to compare cash and insurance-based prices across participating pharmacies before prescriptions are sent.

Why it matters

High out-of-pocket costs remain a leading cause of non-adherence, with research showing that 40% of U.S. adults have skipped doses because of price. By surfacing lower-cost options at the point of care, the tool aims to reduce these financial barriers for patients.

The firm reports its existing Real-Time Prescription Benefit tool saved patients $250 million in 2025. Data indicates 40% of adults have skipped medications due to cost, including 16% of those with chronic conditions.

The players

Epic Systems

A dominant provider of electronic health record software used by a vast majority of large U.S. hospital systems.

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

A pharmacy wholesaler and retailer focused on offering transparent, low-cost pricing for generic medications.

Amazon Pharmacy

A digital-first pharmacy retailer that provides home delivery and competitive pricing for prescription drugs.

The details

Prescription Marketplace integrates directly into the provider's EHR system to pull pricing data from partners such as Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon Pharmacy, Costco, and LillyDirect. Physicians will see both cash and insurance-based price estimates, allowing them to discuss cost-effective alternatives with patients before transmitting the prescription.

2025: The existing Real-Time Prescription Benefit tool saved patients $250 million.
March 2026: KFF data confirmed that 40% of adults have skipped medications due to cost.
October 15, 2026: Epic Systems unveiled the Prescription Marketplace tool.
Summer 2027: The Prescription Marketplace tool will be available for use.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the industry trend set by federal interoperability rules requiring EHR systems to better serve patient financial transparency. It marks a significant shift as EHR providers expand beyond clinical workflows to actively influence pharmacy retail competition.

Operators in private practice should prepare for increased patient inquiries regarding drug pricing as these estimates become standard at the point of care. Evaluate your current EHR workflow to ensure staff are trained to navigate these cost comparisons effectively by the 2027 rollout.

The takeaway

Transparency at the point of prescribing is becoming a standard operational expectation for digital health providers. Owners should monitor how these price comparisons influence local pharmacy preferences and adjust inventory or referral workflows accordingly.