Definition

What is McKesson Corp.?

McKesson Corp. is among the largest and oldest healthcare companies in the United States, specializing in pharmaceutical distribution, medical supply chain management and health IT solutions. The company serves a vital role in ensuring that medications and medical products are delivered to hospitals, pharmacies, clinics and other care facilities across North America.

Founded in 1833 by John McKesson and Charles Olcott, the company began as an importer and wholesaler of pharmaceutical products in New York. Over time, it evolved into a global healthcare leader. Based in Irving, Texas, McKesson in 2025 ranked ninth on the Fortune 500 list and is among the highest-grossing companies in the U.S.

McKesson's business segments

As of 2023, McKesson divested much of its legacy health IT division, McKesson Technology Solutions, merging part of it with Change Healthcare. It no longer develops electronic health record systems or hospital IT systems.

Today, McKesson operates across multiple core business segments that support healthcare organizations at every level of care delivery.

U.S. pharmaceutical distribution

McKesson is the largest pharmaceutical distributor in North America, responsible for one-third of all prescription medications delivered in the U.S. It supplies the following:

  • Retail pharmacies, including major chains and independents.
  • Hospital systems and health systems.
  • Long-term care facilities.
  • Specialty pharmacies and clinics.

Medical-surgical solutions

This division delivers medical-surgical supplies, equipment and logistics services to physician offices, surgery centers, home care agencies and extended care providers.

Prescription technology solutions

Through this segment, McKesson supports pharmaceutical manufacturers and payers in connecting patients with medication access, affordability and adherence programs.

McKesson Canada and international

McKesson also delivers pharmaceuticals, health solutions and logistics infrastructure to Canadian and international healthcare systems.

McKesson technology and innovation

McKesson is an innovator in supply chain automation, pharmacy technology, digital solutions and data analytics, offering the following:

  • Automated pharmacy distribution systems.
  • Cold chain logistics for vaccines and biologics.
  • Digital patient access programs.
  • AI-based medication tracking.

McKesson is a pioneer in barcoding, pharmacy robotics and radio frequency ID inventory tracking -- technologies that remain critical in modern healthcare logistics.

A chart showing the players and phases of supply chain management
McKesson touches all sectors and phases of the supply chain for pharmaceuticals and other healthcare solutions.

McKesson interoperability and partnerships

As a founding member of the CommonWell Health Alliance, McKesson continues to support policies and technology standards that help healthcare systems share patient data securely. That improves care coordination across the healthcare ecosystem.

According to company reports, McKesson services over 50,000 pharmacy locations and supports more than 75% of U.S. hospitals in some aspect of supply, logistics or support.

The company's customers also include the following:

  • Integrated delivery networks.
  • Long-term care providers.
  • Oncology and specialty practices.
  • Pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers.
  • Health insurance payers.
  • Government and military health systems.

Corporate responsibility and ESG efforts

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts are a growing part of McKesson's brand. The company has implemented corporate sustainability goals focused on the following:

Organizations across industries, including healthcare, encounter a variety of business risks associated with ESG issues. Explore key ESG risks and advice on how to manage them. Also, learn the distinct roles ESG audits vs. green IT audits play in a complex reporting landscape.

This was last updated in May 2025

Continue Reading About What is McKesson Corp.?

Dig Deeper on Health IT infrastructure