U.S. patent application number 13/557755 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for methods, systems, and computer-readable media for disease management.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.. Invention is credited to Ari Craine.
Application Number | 20120290318 13/557755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39642137 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120290318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Craine; Ari |
November 15, 2012 |
Methods, Systems, and Computer-Readable Media for Disease
Management
Abstract
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for
disease management. According to embodiments, a method for
providing social interaction between a first handheld medical
testing and monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing
and monitoring device is provided. According to the method, at
least one of a social networking profile and a diagnostic profile
is received from the first handheld medical testing and monitoring
device. A second user associated with the second handheld medical
testing and monitoring device is selected based on the at least one
of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile. A user
list at the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device is
populated with a unique identifier enabling communication between a
first user associated with the first handheld medical testing and
monitoring device and the second user associated with the second
handheld medical testing and monitoring device.
Inventors: |
Craine; Ari; (Marietta,
GA) |
Assignee: |
AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY,
INC.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
39642137 |
Appl. No.: |
13/557755 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11778695 |
Jul 17, 2007 |
8265957 |
|
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13557755 |
|
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60881081 |
Jan 18, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 40/67 20180101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/22 20120101
G06Q050/22 |
Claims
1. A method for providing cost data to a handheld medical testing
and monitoring device, comprising: receiving, from the handheld
medical testing and monitoring device over a network, diagnostic
data for a patient collected by the handheld medical testing and
monitoring device; receiving a claims tracking profile of
health-related costs for the patient; determining, by a computer,
cost fluctuation data based on the diagnostic data and the claims
tracking profile; and upon determining the cost fluctuation data
based on the diagnostic data and the claims tracking profile,
transmitting the cost fluctuation data to the handheld medical
testing and monitoring device over the network.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the claims tracking
profile of health-related costs for the patient comprises receiving
at least one of a cost of office visits and a cost of
medications.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the claims tracking
profile of health-related costs for the patient comprises receiving
at least one of a current fee schedule that the patient pays for
the health-related costs and historic data for the health-related
costs that the patient previously paid.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the claims tracking
profile of health-related costs for the patient comprises receiving
at least one of insurance-related costs including premiums and
deductibles, a name of an insurance provider, and a type of
insurance coverage provided by the insurance provider to the
patient.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the cost fluctuation
data based on the diagnostic data and the claims tracking profile
comprises: determining whether the diagnostic data indicates an
improved health-related condition of the patient; responsive to
determining that the diagnostic data indicates the improved
health-related condition of the patient, determining cost savings
data based on the claims tracking profile; determining whether the
diagnostic data indicates a worsened health-related condition of
the patient; responsive to determining that the diagnostic data
indicates the worsened health-related condition of the patient,
determining cost increase data based on the claims tracking
profile.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the cost savings data
based on the claims tracking profile comprises determining at least
one of a reduction in emergency room visits, a reduction in medical
supplies, a reduction in treatment and medication costs, an
increase in missed time at work, and a reduction in disability
costs; and wherein determining the increase data based on the
claims tracking profile comprises determining at least one of an
increase in emergency room visits, an increase in medical supplies,
an increase in treatment and medication costs, a decrease in missed
time at work, and an increase in disability costs.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the cost fluctuation
data to the handheld medical testing and monitoring device over the
network comprises transmitting current cost data of the
health-related costs for the patient and historic cost data of the
health-related costs for the patient to the handheld medical
testing and monitoring device.
8. A system for providing cost data to a handheld medical testing
and monitoring device, comprising: a processor; and a memory
coupled to the processor, the memory comprising instructions that,
when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a
method comprising: receiving, from the handheld medical testing and
monitoring device over a network, diagnostic data for a patient
collected by the handheld medical testing and monitoring device;
receiving a claims tracking profile of health-related costs for the
patient; determining cost fluctuation data based on the diagnostic
data and the claims tracking profile; and upon determining the cost
fluctuation data based on the diagnostic data and the claims
tracking profile, transmitting the cost fluctuation data to the
handheld medical testing and monitoring device over the network
9. The system of claim 8, wherein receiving the claims tracking
profile of health-related costs for the patient comprises receiving
at least one of a cost of office visits and a cost of
medications.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein receiving the claims tracking
profile of health-related costs for the patient comprises receiving
at least one of a current fee schedule that the patient pays for
the health-related costs and historic data for the health-related
costs that the patient previously paid.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein receiving the claims tracking
profile of health-related costs for the patient comprises receiving
at least one of insurance-related costs including premiums and
deductibles, a name of an insurance provider, and a type of
insurance coverage provided by the insurance provider to the
patient.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein determining the cost fluctuation
data based on the diagnostic data and the claims tracking profile
comprises: determining whether the diagnostic data indicates an
improved health-related condition of the patient; responsive to
determining that the diagnostic data indicates the improved
health-related condition of the patient, determining cost savings
data based on the claims tracking profile; determining whether the
diagnostic data indicates a worsened health-related condition of
the patient; responsive to determining that the diagnostic data
indicates the worsened health-related condition of the patient,
determining cost increase data based on the claims tracking
profile.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the cost savings
data based on the claims tracking profile comprises determining at
least one of a reduction in emergency room visits, a reduction in
medical supplies, a reduction in treatment and medication costs, an
increase in missed time at work, and a reduction in disability
costs; and wherein determining the increase data based on the
claims tracking profile comprises determining at least one of an
increase in emergency room visits, an increase in medical supplies,
an increase in treatment and medication costs, a decrease in missed
time at work, and an increase in disability costs.
14. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored
thereon for execution by a processor to provide a method for
providing cost data to a handheld medical testing and monitoring
device, the method comprising: receiving, from the handheld medical
testing and monitoring device over a network, diagnostic data for a
patient collected by the handheld medical testing and monitoring
device; receiving a claims tracking profile of health-related costs
for the patient; determining cost fluctuation data based on the
diagnostic data and the claims tracking profile; and upon
determining the cost fluctuation data based on the diagnostic data
and the claims tracking profile, transmitting the cost fluctuation
data to the handheld medical testing and monitoring device over the
network.
15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein
receiving the claims tracking profile of health-related costs for
the patient comprises receiving at least one of a cost of office
visits and a cost of medications.
16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein
receiving the claims tracking profile of health-related costs for
the patient comprises receiving at least one of a current fee
schedule that the patient pays for the health-related costs and
historic data for the health-related costs that the patient
previously paid.
17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein
receiving the claims tracking profile of health-related costs for
the patient comprises receiving at least one of insurance-related
costs including premiums and deductibles, a name of an insurance
provider, and a type of insurance coverage provided by the
insurance provider to the patient.
18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein
determining the cost fluctuation data based on the diagnostic data
and the claims tracking profile comprises: determining whether the
diagnostic data indicates an improved health-related condition of
the patient; responsive to determining that the diagnostic data
indicates the improved health-related condition of the patient,
determining cost savings data based on the claims tracking profile;
determining whether the diagnostic data indicates an worsened
health-related condition of the patient; responsive to determining
that the diagnostic data indicates the worsened health-related
condition of the patient, determining cost increase data based on
the claims tracking profile.
19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein
determining the cost savings data based on the claims tracking
profile comprises determining at least one of a reduction in
emergency room visits, a reduction in medical supplies, a reduction
in treatment and medication costs, an increase in missed time at
work, and a reduction in disability costs; and wherein determining
the increase data based on the claims tracking profile comprises
determining at least one of an increase in emergency room visits,
an increase in medical supplies, an increase in treatment and
medication costs, a decrease in missed time at work, and an
increase in disability costs.
20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein
transmitting the cost fluctuation data to the handheld medical
testing and monitoring device over the network comprises
transmitting current cost data of the health-related costs for the
patient and historic cost data of the health-related costs for the
patient to the handheld medical testing and monitoring device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No.
11/778,695 entitled "Methods, Systems, and Computer-Readable Media
for Disease Management," filed Jul. 17, 2007, which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/881,081, filed on Jan. 18, 2007,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application relates generally to the field of medical
devices. More specifically, the disclosure provided herein relates
to the field of medical devices for disease management.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Active disease management generally requires a constant
exchange of information between a patient, the patient's family, a
caregiver, and a health-care professional (e.g., a physician). The
health-care professional may seek regular diagnostic information
regarding one or more conditions. The patient, the patient's
family, and/or the caregiver may seek feedback associated with any
changes in the diagnostic information. Acquiring regular diagnostic
information, however, generally presents a significant challenge,
especially for a health-care professional. For example, the patient
may not be able to visit the health-care professional at adequate
intervals due to time and/or cost constraints. A handheld medical
testing and monitoring device may provide a cost-effective means
with which to ensure constant communication between the patient and
the health-care professional. An exemplary handheld medical testing
and monitoring device is ONETOUCH, which is manufactured by JOHNSON
AND JOHNSON.
[0004] The handheld medical testing and monitoring device may be
configured to acquire diagnostic data related to a given condition
at a given interval. For example, a diabetes-related monitoring
device, such as ONETOUCH, may test the blood glucose level of a
patient by collecting blood via a lancet prick and testing the
collected blood. After the handheld medical testing and monitoring
device acquires the blood glucose level of the patient, the
handheld medical testing and monitoring device may transmit the
blood glucose level over a network to a remote computer where the
data is analyzed by, for example, the remote computer and/or a
health-care professional. Based on patient's blood glucose level,
the health-care professional may provide feedback, such as updated
care information, to the patient, the patient's family, and/or the
caregiver. Therefore, with the handheld medical testing and
monitoring device, the health-care professional may remotely gather
regular diagnostic information from the patient. With the regular
diagnostic information, the health-care professional may timely
provide the patient, the patient's family, and/or the caregiver
potentially life-saving feedback in response to changes in the
patient's diagnostic information.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure presented herein include
methods, systems, and computer-readable media for disease
management. According to a first aspect, a method for providing
social interaction between a first handheld medical testing and
monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing and
monitoring device is provided. According to the method, at least
one of a social networking profile and a diagnostic profile is
received from the first handheld medical testing and monitoring
device. A second user associated with the second handheld medical
testing and monitoring device is selected based on the at least one
of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile. A user
list at the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device is
populated with a unique identifier enabling communication between a
first user associated with the first handheld medical testing and
monitoring device and the second user associated with the second
handheld medical testing and monitoring device.
[0006] According to a second aspect, a system for providing social
interaction between a first handheld medical testing and monitoring
device and a second handheld medical testing and monitoring device
is provided. The system includes a memory and a processor
functionally coupled to the memory. The memory stores a program
containing code for providing social interaction between a first
handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second
handheld medical testing and monitoring device. The processor is
responsive to computer-executable instructions contained in the
program and is operative to receive at least one of a social
networking profile and a diagnostic profile from the first handheld
medical testing and monitoring device, determine a second user
associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring
device based on the at least one of the social networking profile
and the diagnostic profile, and populate a user list at the first
handheld medical testing and monitoring device with a unique
identifier enabling communication between a first user associated
with the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and
the second user associated with the second handheld medical testing
and monitoring device.
[0007] According to a third aspect, a computer-readable medium
having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to
perform a method for providing social interaction between a first
handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second
handheld medical testing and monitoring device is provided.
According to the method, at least one of a social networking
profile and a diagnostic profile is received from the first
handheld medical testing and monitoring device. A second user
associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring
device is determined based on the at least one of the social
networking profile and the diagnostic profile. A user list at the
first handheld medical testing and monitoring device is populated
with a unique identifier enabling communication between a first
user associated with the first handheld medical testing and
monitoring device and the second user associated with the second
handheld medical testing and monitoring device.
[0008] Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products
according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, and/or computer program products be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a glucose monitoring
system, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a handheld glucose
monitor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an advertising system
including the handheld glucose monitor 102, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for receiving
targeted advertising at a handheld glucose monitor, in accordance
with exemplary embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a claims tracking
system including the handheld glucose monitor 102, in accordance
with exemplary embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
generating cost data related to a diagnostic profile of a user, in
accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a social networking
system including a first handheld glucose monitor and a second
handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing
social interaction between the first handheld glucose monitor and
the second handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following detailed description is directed to methods,
systems, and computer-readable media for disease management. In the
following detailed description, references are made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown
by way of illustration specific embodiments or examples.
[0018] For the sake of simplicity and without limitation, an
invasive blood glucose monitor is illustrated in exemplary
embodiments described herein. However, it will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the described embodiments
may be applicable for noninvasive blood glucose monitors, other
suitable blood analyte monitors, and other suitable invasive and
noninvasive medical testing and monitoring devices. Examples of
other blood analyte monitors include, but are not limited to,
monitors for testing cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid.
Examples of other medical testing and monitoring devices include,
but are not limited to, devices for testing and monitoring blood
pressure, electrocardiogram ("ECG" or "EKG") activity, and heart
rate.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, it is to be understood that
like numerals represent like elements through the several figures,
and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated
with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a glucose monitoring system
100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The glucose
monitoring system 100 includes a handheld glucose monitor 102,
which is described in greater detail below. The handheld glucose
monitor 102 is coupled to a glucose monitoring unit 104 via a
network 106. According to exemplary embodiments, the handheld
glucose monitor 102 is configured to collect a blood sample from a
user 108 through, for example, a lancing device (not shown) on the
handheld glucose monitor 102. After the blood sample is collected,
the handheld glucose monitor 102 may process the collected blood
sample to obtain a blood glucose level, which may then be
transmitted to the glucose monitoring unit 104. According to
exemplary embodiments, the glucose monitoring unit 104 is a
computing device configured to receive blood glucose levels of the
user 108 from the handheld glucose monitor 102 over the network
106. Communications between the handheld glucose monitor 102 and
the glucose monitoring unit 104 may be encrypted to prevent an
eavesdropper from accessing private medical information transmitted
between the handheld glucose monitor 102 and the glucose monitoring
unit 104.
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handheld glucose monitor 102
includes a network adapter 110, an advertising module 112, a claims
tracking module 114, and a social networking module 116. The
network adapter 110 enables the handheld glucose monitor 102 to
communicate with the glucose monitoring unit 104 over the network
106. Examples of the network adapter 110 may include, but are not
limited to, a modem, a radio frequency ("RF") or infrared ("IR")
transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, or a
network card. The network 106 may include a wireless network such
as, but not limited to, a Wireless Local Area Network ("WLAN") such
as a WI-FI network, a Wireless Wide Area Network ("WWAN"), a
Wireless Personal Area Network ("WPAN") such as BLUETOOTH, a
Wireless Metropolitan Area Network ("WMAN") such a WiMAX network,
or a cellular network. Alternatively, the network 106 may be a
wired network such as, but not limited to, a Wide Area Network
("WAN") such as the Internet, a Local Area Network ("LAN") such as
the Ethernet, a wired Personal Area Network ("PAN"), or a wired
Metropolitan Area Network ("MAN"). It will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art that the glucose monitoring unit 104 may
also include a network adapter, such as the network adapter
110.
[0021] According to exemplary embodiments, the advertising module
112, which is described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 3
and 4, enables the handheld glucose monitor 102 to receive targeted
advertising, such as targeted advertising 308. In one embodiment,
the targeted advertising 308 is displayed via a display (not shown)
on the handheld glucose monitor 102. The targeted advertising 308
may be targeted based on an advertising profile, such as an
advertising profile 302, of the user 108. The advertising profile
302 may include any suitable criteria of the user 108 including,
but not limited to, the user's age, location, and health condition.
In one embodiment, the user's location may be determined using a
positioning device (not shown), such as a global positioning system
("GPS") device, in the handheld glucose monitor 102. The targeted
advertising 308 may provide a means by which the handheld glucose
monitor 102 is subsidized, thereby making the handheld glucose
monitor 102 more affordable for more users.
[0022] According to exemplary embodiments, the claims tracking
module 114, which is described in greater detail with respect to
FIGS. 4 and 5, enables the user 108 to track cost savings and/or
increases in response to the improving or declining health
condition of the user 108. In one embodiment, after the handheld
glucose monitor 102 determines the blood glucose level of the user
108, the claims tracking module 114 may determine that the health
condition of the user 108 has improved over a given period of time.
In response to the health condition of the user 108 improving, the
claims tracking module 114 may display real and/or potential cost
data, such as cost data 506, to the user 108 via the handheld
glucose monitor 102. In one embodiment, the cost data 506 is
displayed via a display (not shown) on the handheld glucose monitor
102. The cost data 506 may include, but is not limited to,
decreases in visits with the health-care professional, decreases in
drug usage related to regulating blood glucose levels, and
decreases in overall insurance costs related to the improving
health condition of the user 108. In further embodiments, the
claims tracking module 114 may be aided by diagnostic data provided
by the glucose monitoring unit 104 over the network 106. For
example, the glucose monitoring unit 104 may track the blood
glucose levels of the user 108 over a period of time to determine
whether the health condition of the user 108 has improved.
[0023] According to exemplary embodiments, the social networking
module 116, which is described in greater detail below with respect
to FIGS. 7 and 8, enables the user 108 to find targeted "buddies"
(also known as "peers," "contacts," "friends," and the like) from a
social network of buddies including the user 108. Each buddy may be
associated with a screen name or other unique identification
("ID"). A plurality of screen names may populate a buddy list with
which the user 108 can use to communicate with buddies within the
social network. In one embodiment, the social networking module 116
automatically finds at least one buddy based on a social networking
profile, such as social networking profiles 702a and 702b, of the
user 108. The social networking profiles 702a and 702b may include
any suitable social criteria of the user 108 including, but not
limited to, the user's age, location, and health condition. For
example, the social networking module 116 may automatically find at
least one buddy who is approximately the user's age, is within a
given distance of the user's location, and shares at least one of
the user's health conditions. In one embodiment, the user's
location may be determined using a positioning device (not shown),
such as a global positioning system ("GPS") device, in the handheld
glucose monitor 102. The social networking module 116 may enable
the exchange of medical information, such as information related to
living with diabetes, and non-medical information, such information
related to the newest blockbuster movie.
[0024] It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art that two or more of the advertising module 112, the claims
tracking module 114, and the social networking module 116 may be
utilized in conjunction to provide additional capabilities to the
user 108, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In one example,
the same profile containing information related to the user 108,
such as the user's age, location, and health condition, may be used
by the advertising module 112 for providing targeted advertising
and by the social networking module 116 for finding targeted
buddies. In another example, targeted advertising provided by the
advertising module 112 to the user 108 may be provided to other
users on the buddy list of the user 108. In yet another example,
cost savings data provided to the user 108 via the claims tracking
module 114 may be shared with other users utilizing the social
networking module 116. Other implementations utilizing two or more
of the advertising module 112, the claims tracking module 114, and
the social networking module 116 will become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 and the following discussion are intended to provide
a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in
which embodiments of the handheld glucose monitor 102 may be
implemented. While embodiments will be described in the general
context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an
application program that runs on an operating system on a computer
system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
embodiments may also be implemented in combination with other
program modules.
[0026] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, and other types of structures that
perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data
types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
embodiments may be practiced with other computer system
configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The embodiments
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.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the handheld glucose
monitor 102, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The handheld
glucose monitor 102 includes a processing unit 202, a memory 204,
an input interface adapter 206, an output interface adapter 208,
and the network adapter 110, each of which is operatively connected
to a system bus 210. The bus 210 enables bi-directional
communication between the processing unit 202, the memory 204, the
input interface adapter 206, the output interface adapter 208, and
the network adapter 110. In further embodiments, the handheld
glucose monitor 102 may be embodied within or coupled to any
suitable portable computing devices including, but not limited to,
laptop computers, personal digital assistants, cellular phones, and
mobile media players configured to output audio, video, and other
multimedia.
[0028] The processing unit 202 may be a standard central processor
that performs arithmetic and logical operations, a more specific
purpose programmable logic controller ("PLC"), a programmable gate
array, or other type of processor known to those skilled in the art
and suitable for controlling the operation of the server computer.
Processing units are well-known in the art, and therefore not
described in further detail herein.
[0029] The memory 204 communicates with the processing unit 202 via
the system bus 210. In one embodiment, the memory 204 is
operatively connected to a memory controller (not shown) that
enables communication with the processing unit 202 via the system
bus 210. The memory 204 includes the advertising module 112, the
claims tracking module 114, and the social networking module 116 of
FIG. 1. The advertising module 112 is described in greater detail
below with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. The claims tracking module 114
is described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.
The social networking module 116 is described in greater detail
below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. In exemplary embodiments, one
or more of the advertising module 112, the claims tracking module
114, and the social networking module 116 are embodied in
computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed
by the processing unit 202, perform a method as described in
greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 4, 6, and 8,
respectively. According to further embodiments, the advertising
module 112, the claims tracking module 114, and the social
networking module 116 may be embodied in hardware, software,
firmware, or any combination thereof
[0030] By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable
media may comprise computer storage media and communication media.
Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,
Erasable Programmable ROM ("EPROM"), Electrically Erasable
Programmable ROM ("EEPROM"), flash memory or other solid state
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks ("DVD"), or
other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to store the desired information and which can be
accessed by the handheld glucose monitor 102.
[0031] The input interface adapter 206 receives data input from the
user 108. The data may be input via any suitable input device, such
as a keyboard or a stylus. The input devise may also be a medical
testing device, such as a lancing device for collecting blood. The
output interface adapter 208 outputs data to the user 108. The data
may be output via any suitable output device, such as a display and
a speaker. The input and output devices may be embodied within a
single unit, such as a touch-screen display. The input and output
devices may be embodied within or coupled to the handheld glucose
monitor 102.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of an advertising system 300 including the handheld
glucose monitor 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the handheld glucose
monitor 102 includes the advertising module 112 described in FIGS.
1 and 2. The advertising module 112 includes the advertising
profile 302 and a diagnostic profile 304 of the user 108. The
advertising system 300 includes an advertising supply module 306.
The handheld glucose monitor 102 is coupled to the advertising
supply module 306 via the network 106. In one embodiment, the
advertising supply module 306 is embodied within the glucose
monitoring unit 104. In further embodiments, the advertising supply
module 306 is separate from the glucose monitoring unit 104.
[0033] The advertising profile 302 may include any suitable
advertising-related information about the user 108, such as the
user's age, location, and health condition. The diagnostic profile
304 includes any suitable diagnostic data, such as the user's
current and archived blood glucose levels, collected from the user
108 by the handheld glucose monitor 102, according to one
embodiment. The archived blood glucose levels may include blood
glucose levels collected within any suitable time frames.
[0034] In one embodiment, the advertising module 112 transmits the
advertising profile 302 and the diagnostic profile 304 to the
advertising supply module 306 over the network 106. In response to
receiving the advertising profile 302 and the diagnostic profile
304, the advertising supply module 306 determines which
advertisements to transmit to the user 108 based on the advertising
profile 302 and the diagnostic profile 304. These selected
advertisements are referred to herein as the targeted advertising
308. According to exemplary embodiments, the advertising supply
module 306 transmits the targeted advertising 308 to the handheld
glucose monitor 102 via the network 106. In one embodiment, the
targeted advertising 308 is stored in the memory 204. The targeted
advertising 308 may be output to the user 108 using any suitable
output device, such as a display or a speaker, embodied within or
coupled to the handheld glucose monitor 102.
[0035] In one embodiment, advertisers and/or marketers may
configure one or more parameters associated with the advertising
supply module 306. For example, the advertising supply module 306
may include parameters specifying which content in the advertising
profile 302 and the diagnostic profile 304 that would trigger the
advertising supply module 306 to transmit the targeted advertising
308 to the user 108 via the handheld glucose monitor 102. In one
embodiment, the user may also configure one or more of the
parameters. For example, the user may configure parameters to
refuse advertising.
[0036] In one embodiment, the targeted advertising 308 is
automatically provided to the user 108 via the handheld glucose
monitor 102 without intervention from the user 108. Examples of the
targeted advertising 308 include, but are not limited to,
condition-related medical products, condition-related clothing,
condition-related foods, and miscellaneous personal care items. For
a diabetic, for example, the condition-related medical products may
include glucose test strips and insulin, and the condition-related
foods may include sugar-free and low-carbohydrate foods.
[0037] By automatically providing the targeted advertising 308 to
the user 108, the handheld glucose monitor 102 may be financially
supported by those advertisers and/or marketers providing the
targeted advertising 308. For example, the advertisings and/or
marketers may pay advertising fees for the advertising supply
module 306 to transmit the targeted advertising 308 to the handheld
glucose monitor 102. Those advertising fees may be used to
subsidize the cost of the handheld glucose monitor 102.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for
receiving targeted advertising 308 at the handheld glucose monitor,
in accordance with exemplary embodiments. According to the method
400, the advertising module 112 transmits (at 402) the advertising
profile 302 and the diagnostic profile 304 to the advertising
supply module 306. The advertising profile 302 may include any
suitable advertising-related information about the user 108, such
as the user's age, location, and health condition. The diagnostic
profile 304 may include any suitable diagnostic data related to the
user 108, such as the user's current and archived blood glucose
levels, gathered by the handheld glucose monitor 102, according to
one embodiment. The transmission of the advertising profile 302 and
the diagnostic profile 304 may be initiated by the user 108 or
automatically transmitted at given times or in response to given
actions of the user 108.
[0039] According to exemplary embodiments, the advertising supply
module 306 determines the targeted advertising 308 to transmit to
the handheld glucose monitor 102 based on the advertising profile
302 and the diagnostic profile 304. In one example, the targeted
advertising 308 may include businesses at or near the location of
the user 108 provided in the advertising profile 302. In another
example, the targeted advertising 308 may include medical products
related to the diagnostic information provided in the diagnostic
profile 304. The advertising module 112 receives (at 404) the
targeted advertising 308 from the advertising supply module 306.
The advertising module 112 outputs (at 406) the targeted
advertising 308 to the user 108 via any suitable output device,
such as a display or a speaker, embodied within or coupled to the
handheld glucose monitor 102.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a claims tracking system 500 including the handheld
glucose monitor 102. The handheld glucose monitor 102 includes the
claims tracking module 114 described in FIGS. 1 and 2. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, the claims tracking module 114 includes a
claims tracking profile 502 and the diagnostic profile 304. The
claims tracking system 500 includes a cost data supply module 504.
The handheld glucose monitor 102 is coupled to the cost data supply
module 504 via the network 106. In one embodiment, the cost data
supply module 504 is embodied within the glucose monitoring unit
104. In further embodiments, the cost data supply module 504 is
separate from the glucose monitoring unit 104.
[0041] The claims tracking profile 502 may include any suitable
claims tracking information about the user 108, such as the cost of
office visits, the cost of medications, and other health-related
costs. The health-related costs may be based on a current fee
schedule or historic data based on what the user 108 paid in the
past. The health-related costs may further be based on
insurance-related costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and other
out-of-pocket expenses. In one embodiment, the claims tracking
profile 502 may include information regarding the insurance
coverage (e.g., the name of the provider and the type of coverage)
of the user 108. As previously described, the diagnostic profile
304 may include any suitable diagnostic data related to the user
108, such as the user's current and archived blood glucose levels,
gathered by the handheld glucose monitor 102, according to one
embodiment.
[0042] In one embodiment, the claims tracking module 114 transmits
the claims tracking profile 502 and the diagnostic profile 304 to
the cost data supply module 504 over the network 106. In response
to receiving the claims tracking profile 502 and the diagnostic
profile 304, the cost data supply module 504 determines the cost
data 506 related to the user 108 based on the claims tracking
profile 502 and the diagnostic profile 304 of the user 108. In one
example, an improvement in the blood glucose level of the user 108
as shown in the diagnostic profile 304 may yield a decrease in the
amount of drugs utilized by the user 108. Thus, depending on the
information provided in the claims tracking profile 502, the
decrease in the amount of drugs utilized by the user 108 may also
yield a cost savings to the user 108. In another example, a
worsening in the blood glucose level of the user 108 as shown in
the diagnostic profile 304 may yield an increase in the amount of
drugs utilized by the user 108. Thus, depending on the information
provided in the claims tracking profile 502, the increase in the
amount of drugs utilized by the user 108 may yield a cost increase
to the user 108. According to exemplary embodiments, the cost
savings and increase determined based on the claims tracking
profile 502 and the diagnostic profile 304 are reflected in the
cost data 506.
[0043] In one embodiment, the cost data supply module 504 transmits
the cost data 506 to the handheld glucose monitor 102 via the
network 106. In one embodiment, the cost data 506 is stored in the
memory 204. The memory 204 may store the cost data 506 for any
suitable time period. The cost data 506 may be output to the user
108 using any suitable output device, such as a display or a
speaker, embodied within or coupled to the handheld glucose monitor
102. The cost data 506 output to the user 108 may include current
cost data as well as historic cost data. By concurrently displaying
the cost data 506 over an extended time period, the user 108 can
easily view and compare fluctuations in health-related costs over
the time period. The cost data 506 may be displayed in any suitable
multimedia format, including, but not limited to, video, pictures,
graphics, sound, and text.
[0044] The cost data 506 may include direct cost savings/increases
and indirect cost savings/increases. Exemplary direct cost
savings/increases may include, but are not limited to, a reduction
or increase of emergency room ("ER") visits, a reduction or
increase in medical supplies, and a reduction or increase in
treatment and medication costs. Exemplary indirect cost
savings/increases may include, but are not limited to, reduction or
increase in missed time at work and a reduction or increase in
disability costs. In one embodiment, the cost data 506 is
determined based on a single user, such as the user 108. In further
embodiments, the cost data 506 is aggregated based on a plurality
of users. The cost data 506 may be output along with national
averages of data related to the cost data 506 to provide a
comparison between the cost data 506 and the national averages.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for
generating cost data, such as the cost data 506, related to the
diagnostic profile 304 of the user 108, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments. A handheld medical testing and monitoring
device, such as the handheld glucose monitor 102, collects (at 602)
diagnostic data related to the user 108. In one embodiment, the
collected diagnostic data is stored within the diagnostic profile
304. The handheld glucose monitor 102 may collect, for example, the
current blood glucose level of the user 108. In one embodiment, the
user 108 utilizes a lancing device (not shown) on the handheld
glucose monitor 102 to draw blood for blood glucose testing. The
claims tracking module 114 transmits (at 604) via the network 106
the claims tracking profile 502 and the diagnostic profile 304 to
the cost data supply module 504.
[0046] In response to receiving the claims tracking profile 502 and
the diagnostic profile 304, the cost data supply module 504
determines the cost data 506 related to the user 108 based on the
claims tracking profile 502 and the diagnostic profile 304 of the
user 108. The diagnostic profile 304 may indicate the health
condition of the user. The claims tracking profile 502 may provide
claims tracking information (e.g., the cost of office visits, the
cost of medications, and other health-related costs). The cost data
506 may indicate, for example, a cost savings or a cost increase,
based on the claims tracking profile 502 and the diagnostic profile
304. The claims tracking module 114 receives (at 606) the cost data
506 from the cost data supply module 504. The claims tracking
module 114 outputs (at 608) the cost data 506 to the user 108 using
any suitable output device, such as a display or a speaker,
embodied within or coupled to the handheld glucose monitor 102.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a social networking system 700 including a first
handheld glucose monitor 102a and a second handheld glucose monitor
102b. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first handheld glucose monitor
102a includes a first social networking module 116a, and the second
handheld glucose monitor 102b includes a second social networking
module 116b. The social networking system 700 further includes a
social management module 704. The handheld glucose monitors 102a
and 102b are coupled to the social management module 704 via the
network 106. In one embodiment, the social management module 704 is
embodied within the glucose monitoring unit 104. In further
embodiments, the social management module 704 is separate from the
glucose monitoring unit 104.
[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, the first social
networking module 116a includes the first social networking profile
702a and a first diagnostic profile 304a. The first social
networking profile 702a and the first diagnostic profile 304a are
associated with a first user 108a. The second social networking
module 116b includes the second social networking profile 702b and
a second diagnostic profile 304b. The second social networking
profile 702b and the second diagnostic profile 304b are associated
with a second user 108b. The social networking profiles 702a and
702b may include medical information, such as insulin dosages of
the users 108a and 108b, respectively, and non-medical information,
such as hobbies of the users 108a and 108b, respectively. In one
embodiment, the social networking profiles 702a and 702b may
include similar information provided in the advertising profile 302
and the claims tracking profile 502, such as the users' ages,
locations, health conditions, and health care costs. The first
diagnostic profile 304a includes diagnostic data about the first
user 108a collected by the first handheld glucose monitor 102a. The
second diagnostic profile 304b includes diagnostic data about the
second user 108b collected by the second handheld glucose monitor
102b. An example of diagnostic data collected by the handheld
glucose monitors 102a and 102b includes the current blood glucose
levels of the users 108a and 108b, respectively.
[0049] According to exemplary embodiments, the social management
module 704 coordinates communications between a plurality of users,
such as the users 108a and 108b, over the network 106. For example,
the social management module 704 may coordinate communications
between the first user 108a and the second user 108b via the first
handheld glucose monitor 102a and the second handheld glucose
monitor 102b, respectively. Exemplary communications may include,
but are not limited to, text messages, electronic mail ("email"),
photos, audio messages, and video messages. By incorporating a
social networking component into the handheld glucose monitors 102a
and 102b, the users 108a and 108b may enjoy a richer experience
than simply testing their blood glucose levels.
[0050] In one embodiment, the first user 108a is identified by a
first buddy name or other unique identifier ("ID"), and the second
user 108b is identified by a second buddy name or other unique ID.
The use of buddy names may enable the users 108a and 108b to
communicate with each other anonymously. For example, if the first
user 108a desires to send a communication to the second user 108b,
the social networking system 700 may be configured such that the
first user 108a sends the communication to the second user 108
using only the second buddy name. That is, the second buddy name
may hide personal information of the second user 108b, such as the
user's name, address, and phone number.
[0051] In one embodiment, when a user, such as the first user 108a,
desires to participate in the social networking system 700, the
first user 108a registers with the social management module 704. In
one embodiment, the process for registering the first user 108a
includes choosing a buddy name and transmitting the first social
networking profile 702a and the first diagnostic profile 304a to
the social management module 704. In further embodiments, the first
user 108a may establish a new profile with the social management
module 704 during the registration process or decide to send one or
the other of the first social networking profile 702a and the first
diagnostic profile 304a. In one embodiment, the social management
module 704 searches for one or more other users on the network 106
based on the first social networking profile 702a. The social
management module 704 may search under any suitable criteria
including, but not limited to, a similar medical condition, a
similar location, and/or similar hobbies. In one embodiment, the
social management module 704 searches the other users dynamically.
For example, the social management module 704 may dynamically
retrieve the second social networking profile 702b and the second
diagnostic profile 304b from the second handheld glucose monitor
102b to compare with the first social networking profile 702a and
the first diagnostic profile 304a. In further embodiments, the
social management module 704 searches a database containing data of
the other users. For example, the database may be previously
populated with the second social networking profile 702b and the
second diagnostic profile 304b, so that a comparison may be made
with the first social networking profile 702a and the first
diagnostic profile 304a without dynamically retrieving the second
social networking profile 702b and the second diagnostic profile
304b.
[0052] When the social management module 704 finds one or more
users, such as the second user 108b, with similar criteria to the
first user 108a, the social management module 704 populates a buddy
list associated with the first user 108a with the buddy name of the
second user 108b. To facilitate a more active social network, the
social management module 704 may automatically populate the buddy
list associated with the first user 108a with at least one user,
such as the second user 108b.
[0053] If, for example, the second user 108b matches the first user
108a under the criteria utilized by the social management module
704, then the social management module 704 may populate buddy lists
on the first handheld glucose monitor 102a and the second handheld
glucose monitor 102b. The buddy lists may be accessible through
input and output interfaces, such as a stylus and a display, on the
handheld glucose monitors 102a and 102b. In one embodiment, each
buddy name on the buddy list is associated with a buddy profile,
which is associated with a user, such as the users 108a and 108b.
For example, the first user 108a may desire to share her location,
medical condition, and the first diagnostic profile 304a. If the
first user 108a is on the buddy list of the second user 108b, then
the second user 108b may be able to view the buddy profile of the
first user 108a. In particular, the second user 108b may be able to
view the progress of the first user 108a by accessing the first
diagnostic profile 304a. If the first diagnostic profile 304a
indicates that the health condition of the first user 108a has
improved, then the second user 108b may send a communication of
congratulations to the first user 108a. If, on the other hand, the
first diagnostic profile 304a indicates that the health condition
of the first user 108a has not improved or worsened, then the
second user 108b may send a communication of encouragement to the
first user 108a. The communications sent between users, such as the
users 108a and 108b, may be manually entered or selected from a
plurality of pre-defined communications. By enabling the sharing of
the diagnostic profile 304 between users, such as the users 108a
and 108b, the social management module 704 may create a
collaborative wellness network promoting behavioral
modification.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 800 for
providing social interaction between the first handheld glucose
monitor 102a and the second handheld glucose monitor 102b, in
accordance with exemplary embodiments. According to the method 800,
the social management module 704 receives (at 802) the first social
networking profile 702a and the first diagnostic profile 304a from
the first handheld glucose monitor 102a. The social management
module 704 selects (at 804) the second user 108b, who is associated
with the second social networking profile 702b and the second
diagnostic profile 304b. In one embodiment, the second user 108b
may be selected because of similarities between the first social
networking profile 702a and the second social networking profile
702b, as well as similarities between the first diagnostic profile
304a and the second diagnostic profile 304b.
[0055] In one embodiment, the social management module 704
dynamically retrieves the second social networking profile 702b and
the second diagnostic profile 304b from the second handheld glucose
monitor 102b to compare with the first social networking profile
702a and the first diagnostic profile 304a. In further embodiments,
the first social networking profile 702a and the first diagnostic
profile 304a are compared with a database that is previously
populated with the second social networking profile 702b and the
second diagnostic profile 304b.
[0056] The social management module 704 determines (at 806) whether
second user 108b has allowed the sharing of the second social
networking profile 702b and/or the second diagnostic profile 304b.
In one embodiment, the second user 108b may decide which portions,
if any, of the second social networking profile 702b and the second
diagnostic profile 304b to share. For example, the second user 108b
may not want to share certain personal data.
[0057] If the second user 108b has allowed sharing, the social
management module 704 populates (at 808) a user list (e.g., a buddy
list) at the first handheld glucose monitor 102a with a unique
identifier (e.g., buddy name), the second social networking profile
702b, and the second diagnostic profile 304b associated with the
second user 108b. If the second user 108b has not allowed sharing,
the social management module 704 populates (at 810) the user list
at the first handheld glucose monitor 102a with the unique
identifier associated with the second user 108b, but without the
second social networking profile 702b and the second diagnostic
profile 304b. The unique identifier may enable the first user 108a
to communicate with the second user 108b via the first handheld
glucose monitor 102a. In further embodiments, in response to
populating the user list at the first handheld glucose monitor 102a
of the first user 108a, the social management module 704 populates
a user list at the second handheld glucose monitor 102b of the
second user 108b. For example, the user list at the second handheld
glucose monitor 102b may be populated with a unique identifier
associated with the first user 108a, the first social networking
profile 702a, and/or the first diagnostic profile 304a associated
with the first user 108a may be populated in a user list at the
second handheld glucose monitor 102b depending on whether the first
user 108a has allowed or not allowed sharing.
[0058] Although the subject matter presented herein has been
described in conjunction with one or more particular embodiments
and implementations, it is to be understood that the embodiments
defined in the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the
specific structure, configuration, or functionality described
herein. Rather, the specific structure, configuration, and
functionality are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
[0059] The subject matter described above is provided by way of
illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various
modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter
described herein without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described, and without departing from
the true spirit and scope of the embodiments, which is set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *