By Sandra Levy
Source: drugstorenews.com, July 2020

CVS Pharmacy is taking steps to help patients with visual impairments and those who cannot read standard print labels. CVS Pharmacy has developed Spoken Rx, a new feature of the CVS Pharmacy app that can read a specific type of label for these patients.

Spoken Rx is the first in-app prescription reader application to be developed by a national retail pharmacy, according to CVS 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, CVS Health senior vice president, store operations. “Spoken Rx provides a more seamless experience to our patients who are visually impaired.”

The American Council of the Blind 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 click here.