Qualcomm to power Walgreens' digital efforts
As it seeks to further improve its digital interaction with customers, Walgreens has chosen Qualcomm as its partner for device connectivity with the drugstore chain's mobile and web applications, as well as its Balance Rewards program.
“Whether transitioning from a hospital to the home or managing a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes, Walgreens' connectivity solution powered by Qualcomm Life will allow us to help our customers achieve improved health through regular biometric communication with their providers,” said Adam Pellegrini, Walgreens' divisional VP of digital health. “Additionally, Qualcomm Life’s platforms help us to reward participating customers for their choice to become more informed and engaged in their health care.”
Qualcomm Life’s 2net Platform will enable remote patient monitoring, transitional care support and chronic care management through a secure and seamless transmission of biometric data from patients’ connected medical devices. Walgreens' Balance Rewards program allows members to earn points for participating in various health-related programs and tracking progress toward a goal.With medical device connectivity powered by Qualcomm Life, Balance Rewards for healthy choices members can sync select mHealth devices directly to their Balance Rewards account, earning points and enabling pharmacists to electronically access biometrics and health status information. Compatible Walgreens devices include a wrist-worn blood pressure cuff, a traditional blood pressure cuff and a blood glucose meter.
“As the nation’s largest retail pharmacy with over 8,200 stores nationwide and with 82 million Balance Rewards members, Walgreens' penetration and reach exponentially expands the impact our collaboration can have on patient management, and underscores our vision for a world with access to care anytime and anywhere. This collaboration is a powerful demonstration of how our 2net Platform can amplify proven tools and solutions to enhance a patient’s health and experience,” said Rick Valencia, SVP and general manager, Qualcomm Life.
The Walgreens applications and Qualcomm-enabled branded devices will be available to consumers in the first half of 2015.
In addition to the Qualcomm partnership, Walgreens also announced that December sales increased 10.2% to $7.9 billion. Same store sales increased by 9.2% in December. December pharmacy sales increased by 15.7%, while same store pharmacy sales increased 14.2% and increased by a calendar day-shift adjusted 12.1%.