July 26, 2010 
CVS Caremark announced today that they were releasing a Caremark iPhone application. First, I think it’s about time (for some PBM to do this). I would think the other PBMs will follow suit.
Second, I think this is a great opportunity for an expanded CVS Caremark iPhone application which expands the functionality of the app and is like Maintenance Choice in that it offers a benefit of the integrated company.
Today’s application is PBM centric and focused on ordering refills (I assume at mail only); checking prescription order history (I assume mail only); viewing prescription history; requesting a new prescription (retail-to-mail I believe); checking drug cost; and finding a nearby network pharmacy. Checking drug cost could be the coolest feature since it would give patients what they don’t have today – an ability to check the cost while they’re at the physician’s office. Finding a network pharmacy is an important tool if companies were to promote limited networks, but it’s only a nice to have if all the pharmacies are in the network.
So, of course the question that I would have is when will they add the retail components to request retail refills (at CVS stores or all locations); check status of prescriptions (e.g., prior auth required); request a renewal of an Rx; request a lower cost alternative; find a CVS with a MinuteClinic; or identify opportunities to save money (e.g., a generic alternative).
There are lots of other things to push out via the application, but I agree with the strategy of focusing on the core applications first. Caremark (or other PBMs) could push clinical suggestions; send adherence reminders; do satisfaction surveys; collect barrier data (why not adherent); and collect information (why not using generics). I also see it as a great way to push tools – e.g., 5 questions to ask your physician when you get a new Rx.
It would be interesting to see the statistics in a year – how many downloads of the app; how frequently is it used; patient satisfaction with the Caremark for those with the app (vs those without); adherence for those that use the application; what functions work best; savings versus other modes of communication; and effectiveness of their appliction versus other health applications.
Geroge, are you familiar with laws around electronic transmission of prescription? (other than secure fax line)
Some banks let you take front/back picture of check using iphone to make deposits. I wonder why this couldn’t be done with prescriptions as long as couple of conditions are met:
1. Image transmission is encrypted
2. Put limit on classes of drugs that quality for this type of order