CVS Pharmacy introduces new app feature for reading "talking" prescription labels

Rhea-AI Summary

CVS Pharmacy has launched Spoken Rx™, a groundbreaking feature in its app designed for patients with visual impairments. This first-in-kind tool allows users to have prescription label information read aloud using voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. By the end of 2020, 1,500 CVS locations will utilize RFID labels for this service, enhancing patient safety and adherence. Spoken Rx is free, available in English and Spanish, and aims to improve accessibility across CVS Pharmacy locations by the end of 2021, fostering better independence for visually impaired customers.

Positive

• Spoken Rx™ enhances accessibility for visually impaired patients.
• By 2021, Spoken Rx will be available in all CVS Pharmacy locations.
• Partnership with the American Council of the Blind confirms credibility and user testing.

Negative

• None.

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

FAQ

What is Spoken Rx™ introduced by CVS?

Spoken Rx™ is a feature in the CVS Pharmacy app designed to read prescription label information aloud for visually impaired patients.

When will Spoken Rx™ be available in all CVS Pharmacy locations?

Spoken Rx™ will be available in all CVS Pharmacy locations by the end of 2021.

How does Spoken Rx™ work?

Spoken Rx™ uses RFID labels that, when scanned, read prescription details aloud to users through voice assistants.

Is there a cost associated with Spoken Rx™ for CVS patients?

No, Spoken Rx™ is free for CVS Pharmacy patients.

What languages does Spoken Rx™ support?

Spoken Rx™ supports reading prescription information in both English and Spanish.