Pharmacy giant CVS Caremark has launched the Caremark.com iPhone application to let plan members manage and pay for their prescriptions using their mobile devices.

The free application provides iPhone users with the ability to access the Drug Information Database to learn more about various prescription drugs and lets CVS Caremark plan members log-in and securely manage their prescriptions online via their mobile device. The application, which also features a GPS pharmacy locator, can be used with all versions of Apple’s iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad.

“As an organization that is focused on finding innovative ways to engage and communicate, CVS Caremark knows our PBM members are looking for opportunities to utilize new technologies to manage their prescriptions and keep them connected,” said Tim Kurth, vice president of ebusiness at CVS Caremark, Northbrook, IL.

“This new app is an example of how we provide our plan members with convenient access to their Caremark.com account through their preferred channel, this time through their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad,” he said.

“The application is designed to appeal to CVS Caremark members that value the need for a mobile connection with our Web site and services.”

CVS Caremark claims to be the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States, providing access to a network of more than 64,000 pharmacies, including approximately 7,000 CVS/pharmacy stores.

Mobile access to Caremark.com accounts
CVS launched the application to provide greater access to pharmacy care, to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponsors and their members.

Any iPhone user can download the application and use the Drug Information function.

This function will connect users to the Drug Information Database where they can research particular prescription medications, get information about how to take them, learn about available generic drug alternatives, see an image of the drug and learn about side effects and precautions.

CVS Caremark PBM members can use the application to register on Caremark.com or log-in securely to their existing Caremark.com account from their iPhone.

Once they are logged in, members can perform a variety of functions, including:

— Refill a prescription

— Check prescription order status

— View prescription history

— FastStart, the ability to request a new prescription from their iPhone

— Check the cost of the prescribed drug 

— Find a nearby network pharmacy by ZIP code, address or by using their
      iPhone’s GPS locator

CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit management (PBM) members can place an order and pay for their prescription through the application.

“This application allows CVS Caremark PBM plan members to access their Caremark.com account from their mobile device and manage their prescriptions from wherever they are,” Mr. Kurth said.

“Members can also check drug costs, get information about a prescription drug or locate the nearest CVS Caremark network pharmacy by using their iPhone GPS locator,” he said.

Final Take
Dan Butcher, associate editor, Mobile Commerce Daily