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CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. is now giving customers the option to get automatic mobile text alerts when their prescriptions are ready, as well as refill and pickup reminders.
The drug store chain said Tuesday that patients can choose to receive the prescription alert and reminder messages by text, e-mail or an automated phone call. Customers who sign up for the pharmacy alerts service online also can be notified if any issues arise after they have dropped off their prescription.
To receive alerts, patients must have an online MyRiteAid.com account and complete the MyPharmacy online profile. Rite Aid said that patients should have a prescription on hand to help them complete the profile, and those without a MyRiteAid account can create one at www.MyRiteAid.com.
"This new service greatly enhances our ability to communicate with our patients while using the communication methods they prefer," Robert Thompson, executive vice president of pharmacy at Rite Aid, said in a statement. "In addition to convenience, these alerts also help our patients stay current with their prescriptions and improve patient compliance in taking medications as prescribed."
Rite Aid’s rollout of prescription text alerts reflects drug chains’ continued efforts to provide tools to help patients stick to their medication regimens, as well as expand services for customers who rely on mobile devices and smartphones.
Mobile messaging and commerce solution provider Sybase 365 is powering the addition of SMS text messaging to Rite Aid’s pharmacy alerts program, the retailer said.
"According to the Sybase 365 Global Consumer Acceptance and Usage Report released earlier this year, the study found that consumers are looking for more from their phones, with 70% reporting interest in additional mobile services," stated Marty Beard, president of Sybase 365.
"Rite Aid’s new mobile messaging service is a great example of how innovative enterprises are leveraging the mobile channel to provide customers with a richer experience, thereby increasing their loyalty to the brand," Beard explained. "SMS alerts are a great entry point for enterprises from which they can evolve into more sophisticated mobile campaigns across the entire customer life cycle — mobile solutions that create awareness, enable purchases, support the consumer post-purchase and drive customer retention."
