Ubie Launches New Pharmacy Reservation Service Using Google Reservations

Ubie's Innovative Pharmacy Reservation Service

Ubie Inc., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has made a significant announcement regarding the launch of a new pharmacy reservation service utilizing 'Reserve with Google.' This service is set to commence in August 2026 and aims to enhance the pharmacy experience for patients while streamlining operations for pharmacies. The collaboration combines Ubie's widely-used service, with approximately 13 million monthly users, and NeoX Inc.'s AI-OCR service, 'Yakumaruken,' implemented across over 7,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Service Overview and Background

The concept of digitizing pharmacies, known as Pharmacy DX (Digital Transformation), has been gaining momentum. With advancements in technology, patients can now pre-send prescriptions to reduce waiting times. However, there remains a lack of cohesive support from the moment patients search for a pharmacy until they receive their medication. Many tasks within pharmacies, such as inputting prescription information into the claims computer system, are still carried out manually. Thus, the digital benefits have not been fully realized for both patients and pharmacies.

Ubie and NeoX have engaged in dialogues with pharmacy operators through various events, including next-generation pharmacy expos, to address these issues. A key observation has been the importance of easing the operational load for pharmacies when new systems are introduced. This new service has been designed for pharmacies already using Yakumaruken, allowing them to start using the service without further integration, responding to the expressed needs of the pharmacy workforce.

How the Service Works

The service will allow individuals to search for nearby pharmacies through Google Search™ and Google Maps™ and reserve appointments by sending prescription images in advance. The images sent through Ubie will be processed by NeoX's AI-OCR service, 'Yakumaruken,' which automatically outputs the data into the pharmacy's claims system.

This seamless integration promises a fresh pharmacy experience, connecting the entire journey from patient searches to medication consultations.

Key Features of the New Pharmacy Experience

1. Convenient Reservations: Users can search for nearby pharmacies and book appointments directly through Google services, with the option to specify desired pick-up times.
2. Automated Prescription Input: When a reservation is made, the prescription image is analyzed by Yakumaruken, automatically inputting the data into the pharmacy's claims system. This streamlines the workflow, reducing the staff's manual input requirements while enabling them to prepare before the patient arrives.
3. Reduced Waiting Times: By preparing in advance, patients can expect shorter wait times at the pharmacy. Pharmacists will benefit by enjoying more time for patient interactions, such as providing medication guidance, thereby enhancing service quality.

Future Plans

Starting in August 2026, the service will launch at around 300 pharmacies in the Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba regions, including major chains such as Kusuri no Fuku-taro and Nippon Medical System. Expansion to more pharmacies and regions is planned for the future.

About Yakumaruken: Yakumaruken is NeoX's AI-OCR service specifically designed to assist pharmacies with prescription input. Using AI technology, it analyzes prescription images and automatically outputs the information into claims systems, reducing administrative burdens and human errors, with over 100 million prescriptions processed across the nation.

About Ubie: Ubie is an AI-driven medical partner service that has gained immense popularity in Japan, supporting over 13 million users monthly since its launch. As the first medical AI partner developed by physicians, it offers tailored assistance through dialogue to aid individuals in navigating their health concerns.