WOONSOCKET, R.I., July 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Pharmacy
announced that it has developed Spoken Rx™, a new feature of the
CVS Pharmacy app that can read a specific type of label for
patients with visual impairments and those who cannot read standard
print labels. Spoken Rx is the first in-app prescription reader
application to be developed by a national retail pharmacy.
By the end of 2020, 1,500 CVS Pharmacy locations will be
equipped to affix special RFID labels to prescription
vials. When the RFID labels are scanned by Spoken Rx in the
CVS Pharmacy app, which can be accessed by users using Siri or
Google Assistant on their phones, prescription label information
will be spoken out loud. This information, which is important for
patient safety and adherence, currently includes patient name,
medication name, dosage and directions and will be enhanced to
include additional information over the months to come. Spoken Rx
will be available in all CVS Pharmacy locations by the end of
2021.
Enrollment in the program is seamless and can be done either
over the phone or in store where a pharmacist can ensure the
patient's app is appropriately set up for the service. Spoken Rx is
free to CVS Pharmacy patients and the app will read prescription
label information aloud in either English or Spanish.
"The in-app feature gives patients more flexibility, providing
the pertinent prescription information out loud wherever and
whenever they need it," said Ryan
Rumbarger, Senior Vice President, Store Operations at CVS
Health. "Spoken Rx provides a more seamless experience to our
patients who are visually impaired."
Today's announcement is the result of collaboration between CVS
Pharmacy and the American Council of the Blind, which worked with
CVS and tested the technology throughout its
development.
"Spoken Rx is a positive step that offers same-day, access for
prescriptions filled in CVS stores, allowing for a greater level of
privacy, safety, and independence for blind and
visually impaired customers of all ages," said Kim
Charlson, immediate past president of the American Council of
the Blind." We're pleased about this addition to the existing
braille, audio, and large print accessible prescription label
offerings provided by CVS Caremark and CVS.COM."
For more information on Spoken Rx and a list of active stores
please visit CVS.com/spokenrx
About CVS Health
CVS Health employees are united
around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health
company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and
meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at
one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the
palm of their hand. Our newest offerings – from HealthHUB®
locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative
programs that help manage chronic conditions – are designed to
create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience.
Learn more about how we're transforming health at
www.cvshealth.com.
About American Council of the Blind (ACB)
American
Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy
organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired
individuals throughout the country with members organized through
seventy state and special interest affiliates. ACB is dedicated to
improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and
independence of all people who have visual impairments. Their
members and affiliated organizations have a long history of
commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will
enhance independence for people who are blind and visually
impaired. More information about ACB can be found by visiting
www.acb.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Cunha
CVS Pharmacy
Stephanie.Cunha@CVSHealth.com
Kim Charlson
American Council of the Blind
Phone: 617-501-5752
kimcharlson@acb.org
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SOURCE CVS Pharmacy