TeleManager Technologies has expanded its interactive voice response (IVR) product line with four recently introduced new products.

One is SpeechRx, which allows prescribers to call a pharmacy and dictate prescriptions into the IVR.  The prescription order is then digitized and sent electronically to the pharmacy management system.  Prescribers will hear their orders verified while on the phone and also receive an electronic verification for their files.

Another new product is Speech Enabled IVR. This uses voice extensible markup language (VXML) to allow patients to interact with the IVR system simply by speaking into the phone, with the refill order going directly into the pharmacy’s dispensing queue. These voice-activated refills do not require a prescription number, adding to the convenience of using the phone to order refills.

Targeted Health Messaging, on the other hand, is a new product that builds on and extends the value of the new speech-enabled IVR system. The patient’s personal health information is reviewed during the call, and based on the pharmacy’s parameters the IVR informs the patient of an important message that he or she can opt to listen to. These targeted messages can be delivered on any subject the pharmacy chooses to incorporate, including formulary changes, new generic drugs, and prescription compliance information supported by a pharmaceutical company. The messages can also be delivered to the patient over the Internet or printed out as patient leaflets and either handed to or mailed to the patient. They can also be handled as part of a centralized compliance calling program or integrated with will-call bin management. Paul Kobylevsky, COO of the company, says, “This new functionality not only can enhance patient care but can also increase prescription and OTC sales.”

Also new is the next generation of TeleManagerCentral IVR, which provides headquarters-based control and support of an entire chain’s IVR network. According to Kobylevsky, the company used VXML and VOIP to develop this universal, scalable, and centralized IVR architecture, which brings the total cost of centralized IVR within the reach of most chains. “A major benefit is that all reporting, customization, customer service, and TeleManager’s new revenue-generating capabilities can be centrally managed,” says Kobylevsky.