U.S. patent application number 12/715256 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for prescription order position tracking system and method.
Invention is credited to Stephen A. Garrett, Shelton Louie, Mark B. Smith.
Application Number | 20100161356 12/715256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41717704 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100161356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Louie; Shelton ; et
al. |
June 24, 2010 |
Prescription Order Position Tracking System and Method
Abstract
An economical prescription order tracking system automatically
monitors and tracks hand-carried prescription orders through a
pharmacy. The system includes a tracking tag having a unique
identifier associated with it secured near the prescription order
such that it travels with the order through various locations
within the pharmacy. Tag reading devices are positioned at key
locations throughout the pharmacy to detect the location of each
tag, and its associated attached prescription order. The detected
locations are compiled via a computer system and associated with
the customer, such that at any given time the location of the
prescription order within the pharmacy can be determined, thereby
facilitating the efficient operation of the pharmacy. The time each
prescription order remains at each location and worker identity
information at each location can be recorded and compiled to
facilitate workflow and worker efficiency monitoring of the
pharmacy.
Inventors: |
Louie; Shelton; (Vancouver,
WA) ; Garrett; Stephen A.; (Vancouver, WA) ;
Smith; Mark B.; (Vancouver, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
41717704 |
Appl. No.: |
12/715256 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09715439 |
Nov 16, 2000 |
7672859 |
|
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12715256 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/3 ; 235/375;
235/377; 340/5.1; 705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; G07F 17/0092 20130101; G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G16H 20/13 20180101; G06Q 20/203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/3 ; 235/375;
705/2; 235/377; 340/5.1 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101 G06Q050/00; G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10; G06K 19/06 20060101 G06K019/06; G05B 19/00 20060101
G05B019/00 |
Claims
1. A method for tracking physical location of prescription orders
through a pharmacy having a plurality of physically spaced apart
locations for filling the prescription order, the plurality of
spaced apart location being positioned along a workflow stream, the
prescription orders being moved between at least two of the
plurality of spaced apart locations by at least one pharmacy
worker's hand, said method including the following steps: receiving
a prescription order at a first location; operably securing a
separate machine-readable tag to the prescription order, the tag
staying with the prescription order while being moved through the
workflow stream, each tag having a unique identifier that is
readable by a rag reader in proximity to the tag regardless of its
orientation relative to the tag reader; associating the unique
identifier of each tag with customer information stored in a
computer system in association with the prescription order; moving
the prescription by hand to a second location within the pharmacy,
the second location having a second location tag reader in
communication with the computer system; automatically detecting the
presence of the prescription order at the second location by
reading the unique identifier of the remote tage with said second
location tag reader regardless of the orientation of said tag and
automatically recording at the computer system the location of the
prescription order at said second location; whereas the step of
associating the unique identifier of each tag with customer
information and the step of automatically detecting the presence of
the prescription order are performed by or under control of the
computer system.
2. The method for tracking prescription orders through a pharmacy
of claim 1, further including the steps of: displaying the location
of the prescription order on a computer system display, thereby
facilitating the easy location of said prescription order.
3. The method for tracking prescription orders through a pharmacy
of claim 2, wherein said moving step includes moving said
prescription order to at least three spaced apart locations within
the pharmacy, and further including: taking the prescription order
from the customer at a first location; entering data about the
prescription order and customer into a computer system at a second
location; and storing the filled prescription order at a third
location.
4. The method for tracking prescription orders through a pharmacy
of claim 2, further including the steps of: automatically
collecting timing information regarding the amount of time the
prescription order remains at at least one of said first location
and said second location; storing said timing information into the
computer system; and, compiling workflow information based on the
timing information.
5. The method for tracking prescription orders through a pharmacy
of claim 4, further including the step of: associating the workflow
information with a particular worker to evaluate worker
efficiency.
6. The method for tracking prescription order through a pharmacy of
claim 5, wherein said pharmacy is a retail pharmacy.
7. The method for tracking prescription orders through a pharmacy
of claim 4, wherein said compiling workflow information step
includes: automatically monitoring the amount of time said
prescription order remains at said third location; and,
automatically signaling a pharmacy worker when the prescription
order exceeds a predetermined amount of time at said third
location.
8. The method for tracking prescription orders through a pharmacy
of claim 4, wherein said workflow information step includes:
automatically detecting a first time associated with the
prescription order being picked-up by a customer; automatically
determining if a new prescription order from that customer is a
refill of the prescription order; automatically determining a
second time associated with the new prescription being presented to
the pharmacy; automatically comparing the difference between the
first and second times with a predetermined amount to determine if
the new prescription order has been prematurely submitted to the
pharmacy; and, automatically signaling a pharmacy worker if the new
prescription order has been prematurely submitted.
9. A prescription order tracking system for use in a retail
pharmacy having a first station therein for filling the
prescription order, said tracking system including: a computer
system having a display; a machine-readable tag operably secured to
the prescription order; and a first tag reader positioned near the
first station and in communication with said computer system, said
first tag reader able to automatically detect the presence of said
tag when said tag is moved, by hand, to within close proximity of
said first tag reader and send a first signal to said computer
system; and, wherein said computer system processes said signal to
display the presence of said tag at said first station, thereby
displaying the location of said prescription order.
10. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, further
including: a second station spaced apart from said first station;
and wherein said second station has a second tag reader positioned
in communication with said computer system, said second tag reader
able to automatically detect the presence of said tag when said tag
is in close proximity of said second tag reader and send a second
signal to said computer system; wherein said computer system
processes said first signal and said second signal to display the
location of said tag at one of said first and second stations,
thereby displaying the location of said prescription order.
11. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag is a bar code, and said tag reader is a bar code scanner.
12. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag reader locates said tag through electromagnetic interrogation
of a spatial region.
13. The prescription order tracking system of claim 12, wherein
said tag reader is an electromagnetic field generator, and said tag
is an electromagnetic antenna.
14. The prescription order tracking system of claim 12, wherein
said tag is a transmitter for transmitting a signal, and said tag
reader is able to receive said signal.
15. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag is detachably secured to said prescription order.
16. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag is rigidly secured to said prescription order.
17. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag is secured to a carrier for receiving the prescription order
therein.
18. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, further
including: a storage bin having a plurality of cubbies, each said
cubby having an individual identifier, and having a cubby tag
reader in communication with said computer system, such that the
presence of said tag within one of said plurality of cubbies is
automatically detected by that cubby's tag reader and sends a cubby
location signal to said computer system, said cubby location signal
including the individual identifier of said one of said plurality
of cubbies; wherein said computer system process said first signal
and said cubby location signal to display the location of said tag
at one of said first location or said one of said plurality of
cubbies.
19. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
computer system monitors the time interval said tag remains at said
first location and compiles workflow information based on said time
interval.
20. The prescription order tracking system of claim 19, wherein
said computer system correlates said workflow information with a
particular worker to compile efficiency information on that
worker.
21. The prescription order tracking system of claim 19, wherein
said computer system monitors the amount of time said prescription
order remains within a particular cubby and automatically signals
when said time exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby allowing a
pharmacy worker to restock said prescription order.
22. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag reader is rigidly secured to said first station.
23. The prescription order tracking system of claim 9, wherein said
tag reader is hand-held.
24. A prescription order tracking system for use in a retail
pharmacy having a first station therein for filling the
prescription order, said tracking system including: a computer
system having a display; a machine-readable tag operably secured to
the prescription order; and a first tag reader positioned near the
first station and in communication with said computer system, said
first tag reader able to automatically detect the presence of said
tag when said tag is moved by hand in close proximity to said first
tag reader and send a first signal to said computer system; a
storage bin having a plurality of cubbies, each said cubby having
an individual identifier, and having a cubby tag reader in
communication with said computer system, such that the presence of
said tag within one of said plurality of cubbies is automatically
detected by that cubby's tag reader and sends a cubby location
signal to said computer system, said cubby location signal
including the individual identifier of said one of said plurality
of cubbies; wherein said computer system process said first signal
and said cubby location signal to display the location of said tag
at one of said first location or said one of said plurality of
cubbies.
25. The prescription order tracking system of claim 24, wherein
said first station is another one of said plurality of said
cubbies.
26. The prescription order tracking system of claim 24, further
including a switching device in communication with said first tag
detector, said cubby tag detector, and said computer system such
that signal information is collected from said first and cubby tag
detectors at predetermined intervals.
27. The prescription order tracking system of claim 24, wherein:
said first tag reader is able to automatically detect when said tag
is moved away from being in close proximity to said first tag
reader and to send a second signal to said computer system.
28. The prescription order tracking system of claim 27, wherein
said computer system monitors the time between receiving said first
signal and said second signal to determine worker performance at
the first station.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/715,439, filed on Nov. 16, 2000, which
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,672,859 on Mar. 2, 2010, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a system for tracking
physical prescription orders being filled through a pharmacy. In
particular, it includes an automated position sensing device for
detecting and identifying the location of a physical prescription
order as it travels within a pharmacy and ultimately is stored in a
location for either customer pickup or filing.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A typical local retail pharmacy fills thousands of
prescription orders per week. Moreover, as the general population
ages and new beneficial drugs are introduced, prescription order
volumes to be filled at retail pharmacies are expected to double
within the next few years. This present and expected increase in
order volume places enormous pressure on pharmacists and other
pharmacy workers, who strive to fill each order efficiently,
accurately and quickly.
[0004] Most customers have a limited view of how a typical retail
pharmacy works. They often think that when they present a written
prescription order to a local retail pharmacy, such as at their
corner drugstore, a pharmacist will personally greet them, review
their order, complete and file the necessary paperwork required by
applicable laws, fill the prescription order, and present the
filled order to the customer, all within a few minutes. However, in
addition to increasing volume, the traditional retail pharmacist is
now faced with a large variety of additional tasks, including
obtaining proper insurance payment authorization, and in some cases
verifying the refillabilty of a particular prescription order.
Moreover, orders may now enter the pharmacy through a wide variety
of mediums, such as via facsimile, phone call, and e-mail.
[0005] In light of the increasing demands and obligations placed on
retail pharmacies, they are evolving into more efficient
organizations having numerous employees performing individual tasks
associated with filling each prescription order. For example, when
a customer presents a prescription to the pharmacy, a clerk may
take the prescription order and enter it into a computer system
that verifies insurance information. If approved, he or she may
then prepare a prescription label to be placed on the package that
will ultimately contain the prescribed drug. The clerk may then
present the prescription order and label to a technician, usually
stationed at another location within the pharmacy, who will
physically fill the prescription by placing the appropriate
quantity of the prescribed drug within the bottle and attach the
label. Pursuant to applicable laws, a registered pharmacist then
reviews the technician's work, and approves the dispersal of the
completed prescription order to the customer. A clerk may then
place the filled prescription in a storage area to await customer
pick-up. Upon customer pick-up, the clerk files the written
prescription order and any other appropriate paperwork related to
the transaction, such as signed insurance forms and any informed
consent paperwork. This type of system allows the pharmacy to
quickly, efficiently, and economically fill numerous prescription
orders.
[0006] Given the high volume of prescription orders being filled,
the large number of people performing individual tasks associated
with filling each prescription order, and the numerous locations
within the pharmacy that a prescription order can be positioned as
it is being filled, it is important that the prescription order,
and ultimately the filled prescription, be easily located
throughout the process. For example, if a particular prescription
order is denied payment by insurance, a clerk may hold the
prescription order aside while the customer is contacted. If the
customer presents himself to another clerk at the pick-up window,
while the first clerk is attempting to call the customer at home,
the second clerk often has no way of knowing the current status of
the prescription order, or where it is in the order filling
process. Accordingly, the second clerk is forced to search each
location within the pharmacy. Similarly, should a prescription
order be inadvertently misplaced within the pharmacy, it is often
difficult to find, thereby needlessly delaying the filling process
and wasting worker time to locate it.
[0007] Some pharmacy vendors have attempted to overcome these
problems by offering systems that manually track prescription
orders within a pharmacy. In particular, they require the worker at
a given station to manually enter into a computer the fact that
they have received a particular prescription order at that
particular location. Some of these systems also require the
pharmacy support worker to manually enter into the computer the
fact that the prescription order has left their station, or to
identify the new station where they delivered the prescription
order.
[0008] However, such manual tracking systems require considerable
pharmacy support worker time and attentiveness to be used
effectively. For example, if it takes a worker 20-60 seconds to
manually enter the location of each prescription order that arrives
at a particular worker's station, and that station typically
handles 3000-6000 prescription orders per week, then 25-50 hours
per week per station would be spent entering this information. If
there are numerous stations within the pharmacy, the total time
spent within the pharmacy manually entering such information could
easily exceed several hundred hours per week. Moreover, should a
worker fail to enter the location of a particular prescription
order, any attempt to locate that prescription order using the
available location information will lead a worker to only the last
known location of the prescription order. Accordingly, an
inefficient manual tracking of the prescription order would still
be required, rendering the manual location device useless.
[0009] Similarly, some pharmacy vendors have attempted to automate
the prescription filling aspect of a pharmacy by incorporating an
automatic assembly line process for filling prescription orders. In
particular, an operator enters a prescription order into a computer
system, which causes a conveyor-type system to deliver an empty
vial to an automated drug dispenser. The filled vial is then
automatically matched with a label and presented to a pharmacist
for final review and approval. While these types of devices
facilitate the quick and efficient filling of prescription orders,
they are expensive for use in a retail pharmacy environment, and
they occupy a large amount of limited space within the pharmacy.
Moreover, they still require pharmacy workers to perform manual
tasks such as verifying insurance and renewability of the
prescription, and processing the various forms of prescription
orders before and after they are entered into the automated system.
Accordingly, they do not permit the easy tracking of prescription
orders as they travel within the automated pharmacy
environment.
[0010] The present invention overcomes these and other problems
with known prescription order tracking systems. It is an economical
and automatic prescription order tracking system that monitors and
tracks prescription orders through a retail pharmacy. Preferably, a
tracking tag having a unique identifier associated with it, is
attached to the prescription order, which could be a written
prescription form 44 (FIG. 6B), a prescription label 42 (FIG. 6A),
or any other tangible medium documenting a request for prescription
by a health care provider. Tag reading devices are positioned at
key locations throughout the retail pharmacy to detect the location
of each tag, and its associated attached prescription order. The
detected locations are compiled via a computer system and
associated with the customer, such that at any given time the
location of the prescription order within the retail pharmacy can
be quickly and easily determined.
[0011] Filled prescription orders can be placed in a large bin
having multiple cubby holes within it. Each cubby hole has a
displayed number and a tag reading device received therein. When a
pharmacy worker places a filled prescription and the prescription
order having the tag attached into an available cubby, the tag
reading device within that selected cubby detects the location of
that prescription and paperwork and reports that location to the
computer system. Accordingly, when a customer arrives to pick-up
their prescription, a pharmacy worker need only enter the
customer's identifying information into the computer system and the
number of the specific cubby containing the filled prescription and
prescription order can be located.
[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the tags are unique bar codes,
and the tag reading devices are bar code scanners positioned
throughout the retail pharmacy. In an alternative preferred
embodiment, the tags are electromagnetic antenna and the like, and
the tag readers are limited range transponders and the like as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,756 to Engellenner, that
automatically detect the location of the attached prescription
order as it enters and leaves predetermined locations within
throughout the pharmacy. The tag readers can be fixed at the
particular locations, or portable (i.e. handheld) to facilitate
scanning of prescription orders that are compiled in bulk.
[0013] The tags themselves can be either rigidly or detachably
secured to the prescription order. For example, the tags can be
directly secured to the prescription with adhesive or secured
within a prescription lid. Also, the tags can be secured to a
fastener, such as a paperclip, that is detachably secured to the
prescription order. Alternatively, the tag can be rigidly secured
to a carrier, such as a basket, and the prescription order and
materials related to filling the prescription can be placed in the
same carrier throughout the prescription filling process.
[0014] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention
will be apparent from the detailed description of the preferred
embodiment thereof, which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prescription order tracking
system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a pharmacy prescription order
filling system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a prescription storage bin in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is the prescription storage bin of FIG. 3 taken along
lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the prescription storage bin
of FIG. 3 taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment
showing a tracking tag being attached to a prescription label which
is attached to the filled prescription.
[0021] FIG. 6B is an isometric view of a second preferred
embodiment showing a tracking tab being attached to a fastener,
which is detachably secured to the prescription order.
[0022] FIG. 6C is an isometric view of a third preferred embodiment
showing a tracking tab being attached to a carrier containing a
prescription order and materials related to filling the
prescription order.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary application
program in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] An economical and automatic prescription order tracking
system 10 that monitors and tracks prescription orders 12 through a
pharmacy 14 is shown in FIGS. 1-8
[0026] In general and as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, a
prescription order 12 is presented to the pharmacy 14 and assigned
an identification tag 16. Tag reading devices 18 are positioned at
key locations throughout the pharmacy 14 and in communication with
a computer system 20 having a display 22, such that the movement of
the prescription order 12 throughout the pharmacy 14 automatically
detects and records the location of the tag 16 without further
worker input. Accordingly, a worker can easily determine the
location of the prescription order 12 within the pharmacy by
entering commands in the computer system 20 with a user input
device such as a keyboard 120 to display the location of the
prescription order 12 on the computer display 22. The individual
elements forming the present invention are discussed in greater
detail below.
A. Exemplar Tracking Devices
[0027] The tags 16 of the tracking devices should be light weight
and economical. One such known device is a bar code label, which
would be used in conjunction with multiple bar code scanners
serving as the tag reading device. One such device is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,802 to Sakai, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. A bar code scanner would be placed at
each station and serves as the tag reading device 18. The worker in
that area would simply scan the label as it entered into the area.
Each scanner would then be placed in communication with the
computer system 20 such that information regarding the customer,
his prescription order position, and the status of his order can be
readily displayed on the computer system display 22.
[0028] Alternatively, an even more automated tracking system that
may be used includes using known devices that can locate objects
through electromagnetic interrogation of a spatial region to
determine the presence of an object. One such system is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,756 to Engellenner, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference. In general, the tag 16 is an
electromagnetic antenna and/or signal receiver which responds
either passively or actively to announce the presence (or absence)
of an object within a controlled region defined by a broadcasted
electromagnetic interrogation signal. Preferably, each tag 16
includes a coding mechanism for uniquely identifying it with
respect to other tags in the system.
[0029] The tag reading device 18 is preferably one or more
interrogation signal generators, or search beacons, that are simple
electromagnet field generators (e.g., radio transmitters or
magnetic field coils) which cause specific tags to respond. More
preferably, the tag reading devices 18 are transceivers that both
transmit an interrogation signal and receive a response signal,
echo, or otherwise send a field perturbation, indicating the
presence of a specified tagged item within the interrogation
region. Each tag reading device's 18 signal is limited to a
particular area within the retail pharmacy, thereby allowing the
detected signal to indicate the location of the prescription order
within the pharmacy.
[0030] Alternatively, the tag 16 can include an internal power
source and signal generator capable of transmitting a signal, which
is read by the tag reading device 18.
[0031] Each tag reading device 18 is placed in communication with
the computer system such that information regarding the customer,
his prescription order position, and the status of his order can be
readily displayed on the computer system display 22, and thereby
facilitate location of the prescription order 10 within the
pharmacy 14.
[0032] Preferably, the tags are attached to the prescription label
42 (FIG. 6A), detachably secured to the prescription order 44, or
rigidly secured to a carrier 46 (FIG. 6C) containing these
documents and other materials related to filling the prescription.
The tags themselves can be either rigidly or detachably secured to
the prescription order. For example, the tags can be directly
secured to the prescription with adhesive or secured within a
prescription lid. Also, the tags can be secured to a fastener, such
as a paperclip, that is detachably secured to the prescription
order.
B. Exemplar Pharmacy Prescription Order Filling Procedure
[0033] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, an exemplary pharmacy,
which is preferably a retail pharmacy, prescription order filling
procedure 24 is disclosed. In step P1, a prescription order, which
could include a written prescription form 42 (FIG. 6A), a renewable
prescription label 44 (FIG. 6B), or any other tangible medium
documenting a request for a prescription by a health care provider
is presented to the pharmacy either in person, via facsimile, via
phone, or via a computer transmission, such as e-mail. A pharmacy
worker then reviews the prescription order and attaches a unique
tag 16 (FIG. 6A) to it that is readable by a tag reading device 18
(FIG. 6A) to determine its location within the pharmacy.
[0034] As shown in Step P2, the pharmacy worker then determines if
the prescription order is for a new prescription. If so, the
pharmacy worker conducts an initial review (Step P3) which includes
checking the available inventory for the prescribed drug (Step P4),
determining if there is available insurance (Step P7) and if
required, obtaining approval from the insurer and preparing the
label and necessary billing and information disclosure paperwork
(Step P8).
[0035] If the prescription is not new, the pharmacy worker
determines if it is refillable (Step P5). If so, the pharmacy
worker then conducts the initial review (Step P3) as previously
described. If not, the pharmacy worker contacts the prescribing
health care provider (Step P6) to determine if the prescription may
be refilled. If the health care provider approves of the refill,
the pharmacy worker will then conduct the initial review (Step P3)
as previously described. If not, the customer will be informed
(Step P12). If the health care provider is not available, the
prescription order to placed in a holding area until the health
care provider is contacted (Step P13), and the customer is informed
of this status.
[0036] Regarding Step P4, if the inventory is not in stock, the
pharmacy worker typically informs the customer and offers the
customer an opportunity to special order the prescribed drug (Step
P14). If there is only a partial amount of the prescribed drug in
stock, the pharmacy worker will typically initiate a procedure for
filling only a partial order (Step P15). This procedure typically
includes preparing additional paperwork to alert the customer that
only a partial order has been filled, and ordering additional
quantities of the prescribed drug.
[0037] Regarding Step P7, if the insurance coverage is denied, the
prescription order is typically held in an area pending the
customer being contacted to request authorization to proceed (Step
P16). If the insurer cannot be contacted, the pharmacy has the
option to either fill the prescription and alert the customer upon
pick-up, or hold the prescription order pending a response from the
insurer (Step P17).
[0038] After the initial review is complete, the prescription order
and related paperwork are presented to a technician for filling
(Step P9). The technician fills the prescription order and attaches
the label. The technician then presents the filled prescription
order and related paperwork to a registered pharmacist for
verification (Step P10).
[0039] Following verification, the filled prescription is placed in
a storage area pending customer pick-up (Step P11). When a customer
picks-up the filled prescription, the pharmacy worker complies with
applicable customer notice requirements, and obtains the customer's
signature (also called "signature capture") confirming that they
have received such notice (if applicable) and that they have
received the filled prescription (Step P18).
C. Exemplar Pharmacy Tracking Zones
[0040] In practice and referring specifically to FIG. 1, it is more
efficient to perform the various steps noted above at spaced apart
locations, or zones, throughout the pharmacy. For example,
prescription order intake (Step P1 of FIG. 2) and initial review
(Step P3 of FIG. 2) can be performed at location Z1 (FIG. 1). Label
printing and data entry (Step P8 of FIG. 2) could be accomplished
at location Z2 (FIG. 1). Prescription orders waiting from some form
of call back either from the customer, the insurer, or the health
care provider could be placed at location Z3 (FIG. 1). Orders
waiting to be filled could be placed at location Z4 (FIG. 1),
orders waiting pharmacist review and approval could be place at
location Z5 (FIG. 1), and approved filled prescription orders could
be stored at location Z6 (FIG. 1). Obviously, additional zones (Z7
& Z8) could be added to accommodate a particular pharmacy's
practices and procedures.
[0041] Preferably each station includes a tag reading device 18 in
communication with the computer system 20 for automatically
detecting the arrival of the tag 16 attached to the prescription
order 12 as it enters each location. More preferably, the tag
reading device 18 detects both the arrival of the tag 16 in that
station, and the departure of that tag 16 from that station, with
the time interval at that station being determined and recorded
therefrom.
[0042] Each tag reading device 18 is preferably fixed at a
particular location so that detecting the presence of a tag near
the device also automatically indicates the location of that tag 16
within the pharmacy. The tag reading devices 18 can be rigidly
mounted to a work area or station, or portable (i.e. handheld)
devices that are operably connected to the station so that it can
indicate a location within the pharmacy of a detected tag. Such
portable devices facilitate scanning of prescription orders that
are compiled in bulk, such as container of filled prescriptions
where each prescription order in the container has a unique tag 18.
Such a bulk container full of prescription order could arrive into
the pharmacy from an off-site prescription filling station. In
situations where the tag reading device can simultaneously detect
and record the location of multiple prescription order, a pharmacy
worker can wave the tag reading device 18 over the container to
record the location of all prescription orders in the
container.
D. Exemplar Storage Bin
[0043] Space and efficiency can be optimized by storing filled or
prescription orders 12 to be held for pick-up into a common storage
bin 30. As best shown in FIG. 3, the storage bin 30 includes a
plurality of cubbies 32, with each cubby 32 being sized to receive
a prescription order 12 and associated filled prescription. Each
cubby is uniquely identified 34, such as by being individually
numbered, and includes a tag reading device 18 of determining
whether a particular tag 16 is received within it. Each tag reading
device 18 is in communication with the computer system 20.
[0044] When a prescription order 12 is filled, the prescription
order 12 and filled prescription are simply inserted into an
available cubby 32. Accordingly, the tag reading device 18
associated with that cubby 32 sends a signal to the computer system
20 denoting the particular location and cubby number where the
prescription order 12 and filled prescription are held. When a
customer arrives to pick-up his or her filled prescription, the
worker enters the customer's identifying information into the
computer system 20, and the particular bin number of the cubby
containing the prescription order 12 and filled prescription or the
current location in the filling process is displayed. The worker
then locates and removes the filled prescription from the
identified cubby and presents it to the customer.
[0045] The removal of the prescription order 12 from that
particular cubby 32 is detected by the tag reading device 18 and
reported to the computer system 20. The tag 16 can remain affixed
to the prescription order 12 when filed, thereby allowing it to be
easily located in the future. Alternatively, the tag 16 may be
reused with a new incoming prescription order.
E. Exemplar Computer System
[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention relies on and incorporates
several common features of modern personal computers. The general
use, operation, and construction of a computer system is known and
has been disclosed in numerous patents such as U.S. Pat. No.
5,818,447 to Wolf et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,025 to Shakib et
al., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, the following discussion is intended to
provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing
environment in which the invention may be implemented. Although not
required, the invention will be described in the general context of
computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being
executed by a personal computer. Generally, program modules include
routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that
perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data
types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention may be practiced with other computer system
configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The
invention may also be practiced in distributed computing
environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices
that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed
computing environment, program modules may be located in both local
and remote memory storage devices.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 7, an exemplary system for
implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing
system in the form of a conventional personal computer 20,
including a processing unit 121, a system memory 122, and a system
bus 123 that couples various system components including the system
memory to the processing unit 121. The system bus 123 may be any of
several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read only
memory (ROM) 124 and random access memory (RAM) 125. A basic
input/output system 126 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that
help to transfer information between elements within the personal
computer 20, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 124. The
personal computer 20 further includes a hard disk drive 127 for
reading from and writing to a hard disk, not shown, a magnetic disk
drive 128 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk
129, and an optical disk drive 130 for reading from or writing to a
removable optical disk 131 such as a CD ROM or other optical media.
The hard disk drive 127, magnetic disk drive 128, and optical disk
drive 130 are connected to the system bus 123 by a hard disk drive
interface 132, a magnetic disk drive interface 133, and an optical
drive interface 134, respectively. The drives and their associated
computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other
data for the personal computer 120. Although the exemplary
environment described herein employs a hard disk, a removable
magnetic disk 129 and a removable optical disk 131, it should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of
computer readable media which can store data that is accessible by
a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital
video disk, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs),
read only memories (ROM), and the like, may also be used in the
exemplary operating environment.
[0049] A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk,
magnetic disk 129, optical disk 131, ROM 124 or RAM 125, including
an operating system 135, one or more application programs 136,
other program modules 137, and program data 138. A user may enter
commands and information into the personal computer 20 through
input devices such as a keyboard 140, pointing device 142, and tag
reading devices 18. Preferably, a plurality of tag reading devices
18, which are distributed throughout the pharmacy are integrated
with a switching device 36 that periodically monitors the status of
each tag reading device 18 and transmits that information to the
personal computer 20. Other input devices (not shown) may include a
microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the
like.
[0050] These and other input devices are often connected to the
processing unit 121 through serial port interface 146 that is
coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal
serial bus (USB). A monitor 147 or other type of display device is
also connected to the system bus 123 via an interface, such as a
video adapter 148. In addition to the monitor, personal computers
typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such
as speakers and printers.
[0051] The personal computer 20 may operate in a networked
environment using logical connections to one or more remote
computers, such as a remote computer 149. The remote computer 149
may be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC,
a peer device, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), or other
common network node, and typically includes many or all of the
elements described above relative to the personal computer 20,
although only a memory storage device 150 has been illustrated in
FIG. 7. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 7 include a local
area network (LAN) 151 and a wide area network (WAN) 152. Such
networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide
computer networks, intranets and the Internet.
[0052] When used in a LAN networking environment, the personal
computer 20 is connected to the local network 151 through a network
interface or adapter 153. When used in a WAN networking
environment, the personal computer 20 typically includes a modem
154 or other means for establishing communications over the wide
area network 152, such as the Internet. The modem 154, which may be
internal or external, is connected to the system bus 123 via the
serial port interface 146. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the personal computer 20, or portions
thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will
be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers may be used.
[0053] Preferably, a plurality of networked personal computers 20
are positioned within the pharmacy, one at the intake area (Z1,
FIG. 1), one at the customer pick-up area (Z9, FIG. 1), and one at
the data entry/label area (Z2, FIG. 1).
F. Preferred Application Program
[0054] The detailed description which follows is represented
largely in terms of processes and symbolic representations of
operations by conventional computer components, including a
processing unit, memory storage devices for the processing unit,
and a display device. These operations include the manipulation of
data bits by the processing unit and the maintenance of these bits
within data structures resident in one or more of the memory
storage devices. Such data structures impose a physical
organization upon the collection of data bits stored within memory
and represent specific electrical or magnetic elements. These
symbolic representations are the means used by those skilled in the
art of computer programming and the construction of computing
devices to most effectively convey teachings and discoveries to
others skilled in the art.
[0055] For purposes of this discussion, a process is generally a
sequence of steps executed by a computing device leading to a
desired result. These steps generally require physical
manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical,
magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred,
combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is conventional
for those skilled in the art to refer to these signals as bits,
values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, records,
files or the like. It should be kept in mind however, that these
and similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical
quantities for computing device operations, and that these terms
are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities that
exist within and during operation of the computing device.
[0056] It should also be understood that manipulations within the
computing device are often referred to in terms such as adding,
comparing, moving, etc. which are often associated with manual
operations performed by a human operator. The operations described
herein are machine operations performed in conjunction with a human
operator or user that interacts with a control device. The machines
used for performing the operation of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, as will be understood, include a control
device and other suitable input devices.
[0057] The preferred method of performing the invention is best
described in the flowchart of FIG. 8. In general, in step C1, the
computer system 20 initially associates a particular customer with
a tag, which has been attached to the prescription order.
Preferably, the time of entry, and name or employee number of the
worker accepting the prescription order is also recorded and stored
in memory.
[0058] As the tag enters a first location within the pharmacy, a
signal is transmitted from the tag reading device at that location
to the computer system (Step C2, FIG. 8). In response to the input
signal from the tag reading device, the system updates a location
flag to denote that the tag, and its associated prescription order,
are currently in that location. The time of entry into that
location is also noted, and the name of the worker assigned to that
location is noted and stored in memory. More preferably, the tag
reading device at that location also detects when the tag has left
the station, and updates the location flag to denote that the tag
is no longer at that station. In such case, the time the tag left
the station is also noted.
[0059] As the tag moves from the first location to a second
location, a signal is transmitted from the tag reading device at
the second location to the computer system (Step C3, FIG. 8). In
response to the input signal from the tag reading device, the
computer system 20 updates the location flag to denote the new
location of the tag, and its associated prescription order. The
time of entry into that location is noted, and the name of the
worker assigned to that location is noted and stored in memory.
More preferably, the tag reading device at the second location also
detects when the tag has left that station, and updates the
location flag to denote that the tag is no longer at that
station.
[0060] This process continues as the tag and attached prescription
order move through the various locations within the retail pharmacy
(Step C4).
[0061] This stored data can then be used to determine the location
of the prescription order within the pharmacy. Moreover, the
corresponding time and worker information can also be readily
compiled to track pharmacy performance (Step C5). For example, the
average time it takes for prescriptions to be filled over a given
time frame can be readily determined and displayed to workers or
customers, thereby giving them an accurate estimate of how long it
will really take for the pharmacy to fill a prescription order.
Moreover, the efficiency of each worker at each location can be
determined, thereby allowing pharmacy management to more
effectively monitor work flow and productivity issues.
[0062] Similarly, this information can be readily used to
automatically monitor the amount of time filled prescription orders
remain in their cubbies. Most prescription insurers require that,
if possible, filled prescription orders be returned to stock if
they are not picked-up within a set number of days, and the cost of
that prescription be credited back to them. The present system can
automatically monitor the time a filled prescription has remained
in the storage area, flag any filled prescriptions that are overdue
for pick-up, and notify the pharmacy worker of the need to return
that particular filled prescription to stock.
[0063] In addition, in situations where the tag remains secured to
the filled prescription following customer pick-up, the system can
automatically detect when that prescription is returned by that
customer to be refilled simply by the customer presenting the empty
prescription vial to the pharmacy. Accordingly, the system can
automatically monitor whether the requested refill is premature
under either insurance rules or pursuant to the health care
provider's instructions. If so, the system will automatically
notify the pharmacy worker of this discrepancy.
[0064] In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the
principles of the invention can be applied, it should be apparent
that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not
be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the
claimed invention includes all such modifications as may come
within the scope of the following claims and equivalents
thereto.
* * * * *