Intercom Plus

IntercomPlus is the name of the Walgreens Company's proprietary pharmacy computer system. Originally founded as Intercom in 1981, it was the first large scale retail pharmacy computer system [http://www.walgreens.com/about/careers/technology/advtech.jsp?cf=ln] . It relies on VSAT satellite access and/or broadband connections to link the over 6,000 Walgreens retail, mail service, and specialty pharmacies. Through its usage, Intercom made Walgreens the largest private user of satellite transmission data in the world, second only to the US Government [http://www.walgreens.com/about/careers/technology/advtech.jsp?cf=ln] . It has highly advanced capabilities which enable pharmacy staff to put their focus on patient care rather than pharmacy logistics. The design of the system enables seamless store-to-store prescription filling, making filling a refill at a location other than where it was filled originally essentially no different than filling it again at the original location.

IC+ is written in Team Developer, from Unify (formerly Centura), and comprises the following applications:
*TeamRX
*Pharmacy Management
*Laser Printer/Thermal Printer Settings
*Phone Settings
*Scale Sign On
*Consultation (CAP)
*StoreNet

Intercom Plus is currently on Release 50 and is consistently being improved for maximum accuracy and performance.

TeamRX

This application is the core of IC+. Paper prescriptions are scanned so that the image can be retained electronically. The scanned image can then be sent to other Walgreens locations through the Dynamic Workload Balancing for various purposes (data entry or data review). The paper prescription is kept on file per local or state laws.

After the patient, drug, and prescriber information has been entered, the prescription is double checked to ensure the information was entered accurately. A label is printed and put on the appropriately sized container for the prescription. The system automatically checks the patient's current medication list for any potential drug interactions.

It is also used to refill prescriptions and lookup patient records from any Walgreens nationwide.

The work queue is used to view entered, printed, filled, and ready prescriptions. It is a searchable database containing all prescriptions for the store.

Pharmacy Management

Pharmacy Management is used to change drug locations, lookup pharmacy staff and other miscellaneous tasks.

Scale Sign On

Members of the pharmacy team (pharmacists, pharmacy technicians) must sign onto the filling scales in order to use them. You use this application by logging in using your initials and password and choosing which scale you want to authenticate into. Your credentials are recorded on each prescription you fill.

StoreNet

This is the web interface used by Walgreens to interact with store personnel. StoreNet is used to access various healthcare databases, applications such as People Plus Learning Online Training Program, Basic Department Merchandising Planograms set for all stores, Picture Care Plus Photo Order Management System, Key Performance Indicatiors for both store and district, Scheduling, and to access inter-company correspondence.