With smartphones gaining in popularity, QS/1 now offers mobileRx for pharmacies to provide another way for consumers to order refills. "You can go anywhere now and find someone using a smartphone to check email, Web sites, and even view videos, so why not use that same technology to help manage your prescription refills?" says Charles Garner, QS/1 market analyst.

The new service interfaces with the QS/1 pharmacy management systems through the phone's Web browser. The customer enters the pharmacy's Web site, or goes to a generic site and enters the pharmacy's phone number to connect. In addition to ordering refills, the customer can authorize the pharmacy to contact the doctor for additional refills.

QS/1 introduced mobileRx at its annual customer conference in Greenville, S.C., in mid-July. For a demonstration, go to www.mobilerx.net.