CVS -- Dynamic Workload Balancing On The Way?

[StevePerry]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Heard from one of my CVS pals that with the new RxConnect system you can apparently now see the original hard copy from another store when transferring in (I guess right after the conversion you couldn't but in some cases now, you can). Does anyone know if CVS plans use cross-store verification like Wag's does in the future? Definitely leaves the door open for POWER-like shenanigans, tech hours cut, and worst of all -- pharmacist hours cut, or some combination. If anyone knows anything about this, please speak up (Old Timer?).

 

[MountainPharmD]

Heard from one of my CVS pals that with the new RxConnect system you can apparently now see the original hard copy from another store when transferring in (I guess right after the conversion you couldn't but in some cases now, you can). Does anyone know if CVS plans use cross-store verification like Wag's does in the future? Definitely leaves the door open for POWER-like shenanigans, tech hours cut, and worst of all -- pharmacist hours cut, or some combination. If anyone knows anything about this, please speak up (Old Timer?).

Oh right like Old Timer is going to speak ill of his beloved CVS. When one chain does something and makes it work all will soon follow. You better believe CVS is working on something similar right now. I like to think of CVS and Walgreens as the lowest common denominator. There are as bad as it can get in retail pharmacy and they keep inventing ways to make it worse. All chains are getting closer to the lowest common denominator. It will not be long before they all suck equally bad.

As a side note Kroger's new EasyFill PRN system has that capability as well. It will not be long before they start having slower stores verify busier stores RX's. There is also an intertesting little radio button on the main screen that says central fill. That tells me the system was designed to handle central fill as well. EasyFill PRN also keeps track of how fast you verify prescriptions and those metrics are being tracked by corporate. Like I said we are are moving towards the lowest common denominator and when one chain does it all the rest will follow.

This is why I pay attention to what Walgreens and CVS do. Every desicion they make will eventually effect us all because CVS and Walgreens own the profession.

 

[DASicari]

As of right now (in my store at least), you cannot see the physical hard copy image from another store. Even when performing a transfer-in, the system will just print a computer generated page with all of the prescription information as entered from the other store.

However, we are a newly converted store (December) and there are several remaining stores in the area with Rx2000 still. In fact, the rollout of those stores has been pushed back in order to further resolve the various issues with RxConnect.

I did notice a "Central Fill out-out" option on patient profiles, however, I'm not certain if that relates to further plans with RxConnect.

 

[clachan3]

Heard from one of my CVS pals that with the new RxConnect system you can apparently now see the original hard copy from another store when transferring in (I guess right after the conversion you couldn't but in some cases now, you can). Does anyone know if CVS plans use cross-store verification like Wag's does in the future? Definitely leaves the door open for POWER-like shenanigans, tech hours cut, and worst of all -- pharmacist hours cut, or some combination. If anyone knows anything about this, please speak up (Old Timer?).

I haven't figured out a way to see other stores hard copy, but I know CVSCaremark mail order can see our hard copy images. CVS transfer wise, still kind of the same thing as before, only the system will print a paper with information you need automatically, still can't see the original copy though. Oh, and I found some of the quantities on rx are off too, let's say written for 90, patient's been getting 30 at the time, the copy of the info you check your script with will say written for 30 so something's wrong when they translate it, but computer still keep track of the actually quantity left on rx anyway. . .

 

[chuckle beast]

I did notice a "Central Fill out-out" option on patient profiles, however, I'm not certain if that relates to further plans with RxConnect.

I noticed this option the other day and was very curious to what this is or will be used for. I asked my PIC but he did not have any information. Anyone have a clue?

 

[MountainPharmD]

CVS will use Caremark as thier central fill facility for the retail side.

 

[ManagedCare]

Oh right like Old Timer is going to speak ill of his beloved CVS. When one chain does something and makes it work all will soon follow. You better believe CVS is working on something similar right now. I like to think of CVS and Walgreens as the lowest common denominator. There are as bad as it can get in retail pharmacy and they keep inventing ways to make it worse. All chains are getting closer to the lowest common denominator. It will not be long before they all suck equally bad.

As a side note Kroger's new EasyFill PRN system has that capability as well. It will not be long before they start having slower stores verify busier stores RX's. There is also an intertesting little radio button on the main screen that says central fill. That tells me the system was designed to handle central fill as well. EasyFill PRN also keeps track of how fast you verify prescriptions and those metrics are being tracked by corporate. Like I said we are are moving towards the lowest common denominator and when one chain does it all the rest will follow.

This is why I pay attention to what Walgreens and CVS do. Every desicion they make will eventually effect us all because CVS and Walgreens own the profession.

I disagree with MountainPharmD. I don't think that major chains use Technology as a means to reduce labor. They do it as a necessity, because across the nation, a pharmacist shortage continues. "see Pharmacy Man Power project" on labor statistics.

Major chains invest major DOLLARS to increase their competitive edge. In years past, it was SPEED SPEED and Efficiency Efficiency .... TODAY it is integrated care, customer service, and loyalty programming.

I worked for Safeway, Rite Aid, CostCo, Longs, and CVS.

 

[museabuse]

I disagree with MountainPharmD. I don't think that major chains use Technology as a means to reduce labor. They do it as a necessity, because across the nation, a pharmacist shortage continues. "see Pharmacy Man Power project" on labor statistics.

Major chains invest major DOLLARS to increase their competitive edge. In years past, it was SPEED SPEED and Efficiency Efficiency .... TODAY it is integrated care, customer service, and loyalty programming.

I worked for Safeway, Rite Aid, CostCo, Longs, and CVS.

So if there is a shortage, why are there several large areas across the country not hiring? Call a few chains in Phoenix, Chicago, new jersey, California and ask if their hiring?

Power proves your statement about technology false, it decreases labor and customer service.

 

[MountainPharmD]

I disagree with MountainPharmD. I don't think that major chains use Technology as a means to reduce labor. They do it as a necessity, because across the nation, a pharmacist shortage continues. "see Pharmacy Man Power project" on labor statistics.

Major chains invest major DOLLARS to increase their competitive edge. In years past, it was SPEED SPEED and Efficiency Efficiency .... TODAY it is integrated care, customer service, and loyalty programming.

I worked for Safeway, Rite Aid, CostCo, Longs, and CVS.

Have you been living under a rock for the last five years? You do not have a clue my confused friend.

 

[vash1012]

I disagree with MountainPharmD. I don't think that major chains use Technology as a means to reduce labor. They do it as a necessity, because across the nation, a pharmacist shortage continues. "see Pharmacy Man Power project" on labor statistics.

Major chains invest major DOLLARS to increase their competitive edge. In years past, it was SPEED SPEED and Efficiency Efficiency .... TODAY it is integrated care, customer service, and loyalty programming.

I worked for Safeway, Rite Aid, CostCo, Longs, and CVS.

Wha? Really? Are you a DM or something that has been a brainwashed by 1 too many conference calls? In south carolina, there are NO jobs in any of the major cities. Most chains are hiring for floater positions or smaller towns only if that. Even Rite Aid down here filled up on available positions in the last few months. Not only that but they just opened up TWO new pharmacy schools. We are now putting out close to 400 pharmacists a year with not enough jobs for 200. Residency programs are reported a 50% increase in applicants over last year, due, in my opinion, to the ridiculously poor outlook for retail pharmacy in the foreseeable future. There is NO SHORTAGE. All these programs CVS and Wags are implementing are to reduce costs and increase profits, which comes at OUR expense. Profit margins are decreasing. The health care system is up in the air. And the corporations are trying to find ways to make us produce more scripts (profit) with less help while providing more services and expecting us to keep a smile on our face and not break the law (though this is clearly not a priority).