U.S. patent application number 14/275321 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for systems, methods, and apparatus for use in gathering and providing healthcare information.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mastodon, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Mastodon, LLC. Invention is credited to Linda Byron-Alton, David O. Duke, Janet K. Duke, Joe Cockrill Jauregui.
Application Number | 20150019258 14/275321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44973228 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150019258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duke; David O. ; et
al. |
January 15, 2015 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN GATHERING AND PROVIDING
HEALTHCARE INFORMATION
Abstract
A method for presenting a favored treatment includes querying,
via an electronic device, a patient regarding a healthcare issue;
providing, to the patient via the electronic device, information
regarding a favored treatment for the healthcare issue; receiving,
from the patient via the electronic device, an indication of a
preferred treatment; and effecting printing of a document based on
information input by the patient via the electronic device. The
document includes an identification of the preferred treatment of
the patient.
Inventors: |
Duke; David O.; (Arroyo
Grande, CA) ; Duke; Janet K.; (Arroyo Grande, CA)
; Byron-Alton; Linda; (San Luis Obispo, CA) ;
Jauregui; Joe Cockrill; (Charlotte, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mastodon, LLC |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mastodon, LLC
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
44973228 |
Appl. No.: |
14/275321 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13113845 |
May 23, 2011 |
8725530 |
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14275321 |
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12329754 |
Dec 8, 2008 |
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13113845 |
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12371033 |
Feb 13, 2009 |
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12329754 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 20/10 20180101;
G16H 80/00 20180101; G07C 9/23 20200101; G06Q 10/10 20130101; G16H
10/60 20180101; G16H 50/20 20180101; G16H 10/20 20180101; G07F
17/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/3 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00 |
Claims
1. A method for presenting a favored treatment, the method
comprising: (a) querying, via an electronic device, a patient
regarding a healthcare issue; (b) providing, to the patient via the
electronic device, information regarding a favored treatment for
the healthcare issue; (c) receiving, from the patient via the
electronic device, an indication of a preferred treatment; and (d)
effecting printing of a document based on information input by the
patient via the electronic device; (e) wherein the document
includes an identification of the preferred treatment of the
patient.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the preferred treatment of the
patient is the favored treatment.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a
step of effecting printing of a prescription for the preferred
treatment of the patient.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing, to the
patient via the electronic device, information regarding a favored
treatment for the healthcare issue comprises presenting a video to
the patient via the electronic device.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a
step of presenting, to the patient via the electronic device, other
treatments.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the preferred treatment of the
patient is not the favored treatment, and wherein the document
includes an identification of the favored treatment.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the document further includes
information regarding one or more disadvantages of the preferred
treatment of the patient.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more disadvantages
were identified based at least in part on information input by the
patient via the electronic device.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the document further includes
information regarding one or more advantages of the favored
treatment.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises
steps of: (a) querying, via the electronic device, a patient
regarding information for calculating third party benefit
information; (b) determining third party benefit information for
the patient; and (c) presenting determined third party benefit
information to the patient.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the document includes
information regarding counseling for the healthcare issue.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the document includes
information regarding billing for counseling for the healthcare
issue.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the document comprises a
checklist including information regarding counseling for the
healthcare issue.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the document includes an
indication of an amount of time to spend discussing a certain
healthcare issue with the patient.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the document is configured for
use in billing.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includes a
step of updating a medical record of the patient based on
information input by the patient via the electronic device.
17. A system for a healthcare environment comprising: (a) one or
more electronic devices disposed in a healthcare environment, each
electronic device including software loaded thereon configured to,
(i) allow a user to input information associated with a visit to a
healthcare service provider, and (ii) present to a user a favored
treatment in response to information input by a user indicating the
existence of a particular healthcare issue; and (b) a base station
configured to, (i) receive information from the one or more
electronic devices, and (ii) effect printing of a document based on
information received from the one or more electronic devices.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the base station is configured
to effect printing of a prescription based on information received
from the one or more electronic devices.
19. A method for advertising a treatment comprising: (a)
configuring, by a party, one or more electronic devices for use in
electronic check-in in a healthcare environment, the configuring
including configuring the devices to favor a treatment associated
with the party and to present information associated with such
favored treatment to a user in response to an indication of a
particular healthcare condition; and (c) providing the one or more
electronic devices to a second party, the second party being a
healthcare service provider.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the favored treatment is a
drug.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to,
U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/113,845, filed
May 23, 2011, which '845 nonprovisional patent application
published as U.S. patent application publication No. 2011/0288887
and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,725,530 on May 13, 2014, and which
'845 patent application and any patent application publications
thereof and patents issuing therefrom are hereby incorporated
herein by reference, and which '845 nonprovisional patent
application is a U.S. continuation-in-part patent application of,
and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to,
[0002] (a) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
12/329,754, filed Dec. 8, 2008, which nonprovisional patent
application published as U.S. patent application publication No.
2010/0145726, and
[0003] (a) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
12/371,033, filed Feb. 13, 2009, which nonprovisional patent
application published as U.S. patent application publication No.
2010/0211407,
[0004] which patent applications and any patent application
publications thereof are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0005] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention generally relates to systems, methods,
and apparatus for use in gathering and providing information in a
healthcare context. Traditionally, when a patient visits a
healthcare service provider, he or she checks in and receives a
clipboard with several printouts to fill out. Although computing
devices are widely used in many contexts today, widespread use of
computing devices for data gathering in a healthcare service
provider context is believed to be cost prohibitive.
[0007] A need exists for improvement in systems, methods, and
apparatus for use in gathering and providing information in a
healthcare context. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or
more aspects of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of a health care environment, the present
invention is not limited to use only in this context, as will
become apparent from the following summaries and detailed
descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0009] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to
a method for presenting a favored treatment. The method includes
querying, via an electronic device, a patient regarding a
healthcare issue; providing, to the patient via the electronic
device, information regarding a favored treatment for the
healthcare issue; receiving, from the patient via the electronic
device, an indication of a preferred treatment; and effecting
printing of a document based on information input by the patient
via the electronic device. The document includes an identification
of the preferred treatment of the patient.
[0010] In a feature of this aspect, the preferred treatment of the
patient is the favored treatment.
[0011] In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises a
step of effecting printing of a prescription for the preferred
treatment of the patient.
[0012] In a feature of this aspect, the step of providing, to the
patient via the electronic device, information regarding a favored
treatment for the healthcare issue comprises presenting a video to
the patient via the electronic device.
[0013] In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises a
step of presenting, to the patient via the electronic device, other
treatments.
[0014] In a feature of this aspect, the preferred treatment of the
patient is not the favored treatment, and wherein the document
includes an identification of the favored treatment. In one or more
implementations, the document further includes information
regarding one or more disadvantages of the preferred treatment of
the patient. In some implementations, the one or more disadvantages
are identified based at least in part on information input by the
patient via the electronic device. In one or more implementations,
the document further includes information regarding one or more
advantages of the favored treatment.
[0015] In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises
steps of querying, via the electronic device, a patient regarding
information for calculating third party benefit information;
determining third party benefit information for the patient; and
presenting determined third party benefit information to the
patient.
[0016] In a feature of this aspect, the document includes
information regarding counseling for the healthcare issue.
[0017] In a feature of this aspect, the document includes
information regarding billing for counseling for the healthcare
issue.
[0018] In a feature of this aspect, the document comprises a
checklist including information regarding counseling for the
healthcare issue.
[0019] In a feature of this aspect, the document includes an
indication of an amount of time to spend discussing a certain
healthcare issue with the patient.
[0020] In a feature of this aspect, the document is configured for
use in billing.
[0021] In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes a
step of updating a medical record of the patient based on
information input by the patient via the electronic device.
[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system
for a healthcare environment comprising one or more electronic
devices disposed in a healthcare environment, each electronic
device including software loaded thereon configured to allow a user
to input information associated with a visit to a healthcare
service provider, and present to a user a favored treatment in
response to information input by a user indicating the existence of
a particular healthcare issue. The system further includes a base
station configured to receive information from the one or more
electronic devices, and effect printing of a document based on
information received from the one or more electronic devices.
[0023] In a feature of this aspect, the base station is configured
to effect printing of a prescription based on information received
from the one or more electronic devices.
[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
for advertising a treatment. The method includes configuring, by a
party, one or more electronic devices for use in electronic check
in in a healthcare environment, the configuring including
configuring the devices to favor a treatment associated with the
party and to present information associated with such favored
treatment to a user in response to an indication of a particular
healthcare condition; and providing the one or more electronic
devices to a second party, the second party being a healthcare
service provider.
[0025] In a feature of this aspect, the favored treatment is a
drug.
[0026] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and
subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example,
any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in
accordance with the present invention without requiring any other
aspect or feature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same
reference numerals, and wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a start screen for exemplary software
loaded on an electronic device.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a name input screen for the exemplary
software of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates use of a suggestion box in the exemplary
software of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a birth date input screen for the
exemplary software of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an address input screen for the exemplary
software of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding a reason for his or her visit to a healthcare
provider;
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding past healthcare issues;
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding current medications;
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding his or her family medical history;
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding past surgical procedures;
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding allergies;
[0039] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate exemplary screens querying a user
regarding social habits;
[0040] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary screen presenting a video
for viewing by a user;
[0041] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding contraindications of a treatment;
[0042] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding their interest in a treatment;
[0043] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary screen querying a user
regarding information for determining third party benefit
information;
[0044] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary algorithm for determining
third party benefit information;
[0045] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
and
[0047] FIG. 23 details an exemplary use case relating to smoking
cessation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application. As
should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a
plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may
further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed
features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as
being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode
contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other
embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative
purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present
invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate
only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the
invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of
the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as
adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent
arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments
described herein and fall within the scope of the present
invention.
[0049] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0050] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0051] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0052] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, no claim
element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory
provision unless the explicit phrase "means for" or "step for" is
actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory
provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim
element.
[0053] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0054] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0055] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its implementations, or uses.
Exemplary Electronic Devices
[0056] In accordance with one or more preferred embodiments, an
electronic device is utilized in a healthcare environment to
capture data from a user, such as a patient or healthcare worker
(who may be, for example, assisting a patient in inputting data).
Preferably, this device includes a touchscreen display, although,
in at least some implementations, input may be provided via
alternative, or additional, means, such as, for example, a
keyboard, mouse, touchpad, or buttons. In some preferred
implementations, the electronic device comprises a tablet (e.g. an
iPad), smartphone, PDA, laptop, personal computer, or other
electronic device.
[0057] The electronic device preferably includes software loaded
thereon configured to query a user for information, such as, for
example, biographical information, contact information, information
regarding the reason for a medical visit, personal medical history
information, family medical history information, allergy
information, insurance information, financial information, and
personal habit information.
[0058] In one or more preferred implementations, such an electronic
device is provided to a patient upon arriving at a healthcare
environment. In some implementations, such an electronic device is
provided to all patients who seek healthcare services at the
healthcare environment, while in at least some other
implementations patients are queried (e.g. by a healthcare worker)
regarding one or more healthcare issues and only provided with an
electronic device if they suffer from one or more healthcare issues
for which a treatment option (as described in more detail
hereinbelow) is available.
Exemplary Software
[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates a start screen for exemplary software
loaded on an electronic device. The software is configured to run
on an electronic device having a touchscreen. The start screen
represents a preferred starting point for a user's interaction with
the software.
[0060] Preferably, the software is configured to present
advertising to a user of the electronic device, as illustrated in
FIG. 1. In some preferred implementations, at least some of the
advertising represents targeted advertising. Such targeted
advertising may be targeted based on, for example, information
provided by a user of an electronic device, an identity of a
healthcare provider associated with the electronic device, or
information associated with a user of the electronic device.
[0061] From the start screen, a user proceeds via a start button,
which is illustrated in FIG. 1. Thereafter, the user is presented
with a name input screen, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The name input
screen allows a user to input his or her name using a displayed
keyboard. In some preferred implementations, when a user begins
entering his or her name, a suggestion box pops up to display
suggestions that the user can select, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In
some preferred implementations, such suggestions are based on data
regarding common names, while in at least some other
implementations such suggestions are based on patient data, or even
on data for patients who have an appointment scheduled (e.g.
patients who have an appointment scheduled for the current day, or
the current week).
[0062] After entering their name, a user proceeds through
additional screens configured to prompt a user to input additional
biographical information, such as, for example, a birth date as
illustrated in FIG. 4, and an address as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0063] Following entry of such biographical information, the
software preferably presents to a user one or more screens querying
the user regarding one or more specific healthcare problems. For
example, the software preferably includes a screen querying a user
regarding the reason for his or her visit to a healthcare provider,
as illustrated in FIG. 6. In some preferred implementations, the
software is configured to review, access, scan, or otherwise look
up healthcare information pertaining to a user (or patient),
present such information to a user for confirmation, and determine
additional inquiries or present additional information based on
such healthcare information.
[0064] For example, the software is preferably configured to
present a list of known past healthcare issues to a user, and query
the user regarding additional healthcare issues, as illustrated in
FIG. 7. The list of additional healthcare issues that a user is
queried regarding may be based on health information of the user,
biographical information of the user, other information of the
user, or may be selected based on being contraindications for a
particular treatment, drug, or product.
[0065] Similarly, the software is preferably configured to present
a list of known current medications to a user, and query the user
regarding additional current medications, as illustrated in FIG. 8.
The list of additional current medications that a user is queried
regarding may be based on health information of the user,
biographical information of the user, other information of the
user, or may be selected based on the existence of potential side
effects when used in combination with a particular treatment, drug,
or product.
[0066] In at least some preferred implementations, the software is
programmed to help a user recall medication a patient has taken or
is taking. For example, if a user indicates the use of heart
medication, a user could be prompted to identify its color, shape,
or size, and could even be provided answer choices such as "a
little white pill for my heart". An iterative process could be
utilized to narrow down a medication to one or more possibilities.
For example, a user could be queried as to a frequency a medication
is taken, and even shown pictures of potential medications matching
the provided information.
[0067] Additionally, the software is preferably configured to query
a user regarding healthcare issues suffered by family members, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, past surgeries, as illustrated in FIG. 10,
allergies, as illustrated in FIG. 11, and social habits, as
illustrated in FIG. 12. In one or more preferred implementations,
the software is configured to query a user in additional detail
regarding a selection made on one or more of these pages, as
illustrated in FIGS. 13-15.
[0068] In some preferred implementations, the software is
configured to identify a healthcare issue of a user for which one
or more treatment options are available, and present information to
a user regarding the healthcare issue and/or the one or more
available treatment options. Such identified treatment options may
include a specific product, drug, or treatment, and such presented
information may include an informative video, as illustrated in
FIG. 16.
[0069] Preferably, if a specific product, drug, or treatment is
identified, the user is presented with a list of contraindications
for that specific product, drug, or treatment, and instructed to
confirm whether any are applicable to them, as illustrated in FIG.
17. The software preferably presents the user with the option of
indicating that they would like to talk to their doctor about a
treatment option that has been presented to them, as illustrated in
FIG. 18. The software additionally preferably presents a user with
the option to review additional information regarding an identified
treatment option, or other, alternative, treatment options, as also
illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0070] In some preferred implementations, if a user indicates that
they would like to talk to their doctor about a specific treatment
option, the software preferably queries the user regarding
information associated with, or effecting, third party coverage of
treatment costs, such as, for example, residence information,
insurance information, marital status, and annual income, as
illustrated in FIG. 19. Such third party coverage information may
include, for example, information associated with an insurance
company (such as Blue Cross Blue Shield), information associated
with a club, group, or association (such as the Association for the
Advancement of Retired Persons), or information associated with a
rewards card.
[0071] Preferably, software at the electronic device is configured
to calculate third party coverage information based on patient
information (which may be user provided or may be retrieved). FIG.
20 illustrates an exemplary algorithm for determining potential
third party coverage based on information provided via the screen
of FIG. 19. This algorithm generates a recommendation as to where
to apply for potential third party coverage of a treatment option.
In some preferred implementations, such a recommendation is
presented to the user via the software.
[0072] In one or more preferred implementations, the software is
configured to determine requirements for third party reimbursement,
payment, or coverage, such as, for example, Medicaid requirements,
Medicare requirements, requirements set forth by the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), other reimbursement
regime requirements, or third party benefits requirements for
payment. Such determination may be made utilizing data stored on an
electronic device the software is loaded on, and/or may be made
utilizing data accessed from a remote server, database, or from
another remote location. In at least some preferred
implementations, such a determination is made at another remote
device, such as, for example, a base station configured for use
with one or more electronic devices having software loaded thereon
as described hereinabove. In some preferred implementations, a
determination made by another remote device is communicated back to
a first electronic device for presentation to a user.
[0073] In some preferred implementations, the software is
configured to, upon a determination that a particular product is
not eligible for third party coverage or reimbursement, merely
present advertising content to a user regarding the product, or,
alternatively, redirect the user to a screen or webpage for
ordering of the product. For example, in some preferred
implementations, the software redirects a user to target.com,
cvs.com, or amazon.com for ordering of an over the counter
medication. Alternatively, the software is configured to directly
allow a user to order a product.
Exemplary System
[0074] Exemplary software for an electronic device for use by a
patient or other user in a healthcare environment has been
described hereinabove. In some preferred implementations, one or
more such electronic devices are utilized in a system configured
for use in a healthcare environment. Further, although described
hereinabove in the context of software for use on a device in a
healthcare environment, similar software could equally be utilized
on a computing device disposed remotely from a health care
environment. In one or more preferred implementations, the system
is configured for use with computing devices having such software
loaded thereon, such as, for example, a user's home computer.
[0075] The system preferably allows information collected via the
one or more electronic devices over a physical connection or over a
wireless connection, or via one or more computing devices over a
network such as the internet, to be electronically stored, printed,
and/or communicated to a healthcare provider. For example, an
electronic device could engage in wireless or wired communication
with a printer to effect such printing, or could engage in wireless
or wired communications with a base station which in turn effects
printing.
[0076] In some preferred implementations, such information is
utilized to update one or more medical records databases.
[0077] Additionally, in some preferred implementations, such
information is printed on one or more pages for use by a healthcare
provider, or is communicated to another electronic device for
printing and/or electronic storage, or is communicated to another
electronic device for display and viewing by one or more healthcare
professionals.
[0078] In a preferred implementation, the software is configured to
effect printing of, or communicate to another device for printing
of, a checklist for use by a healthcare provider, a billing capture
sticker, and a pre-printed prescription. In some preferred
implementations, the software is further configured to effect
generation of, and printing or electronic storage of, documentation
required for third party coverage, reimbursement, or payment.
[0079] In some preferred implementations, the checklist is
generated based on determined reimbursement, payment, or coverage
requirements, as described hereinabove.
[0080] For example, in an exemplary use case, a patient indicates
via software loaded on an electronic device that they are over 65,
currently smoke, are interested in quitting, and are interested in
talking to a doctor about Drug X as a treatment option. Preferably,
based on this, software, either loaded on the electronic device
utilized by the patient, or loaded on another electronic device,
looks up Medicare reimbursement information for smoking and tobacco
use counseling, and determines that more than three minutes of
smoking and tobacco use counseling must be provided for a first
reimbursement amount, and that more than ten minutes of smoking and
tobacco use counseling must be provided for a second reimbursement
amount. Preferably, a checklist is generated that indicates this to
a healthcare provider who sees the patient, thereby informing the
healthcare provider how long they need to spend on smoking and
tobacco use counseling in order to qualify for certain
reimbursement amounts. In some preferred implementations, such a
checklist further provides informative checklist points to a
healthcare provider to utilize during their smoking and tobacco use
counseling with the patient. Further still, in at least some
preferred implementations, such a checklist suggests one or more
diagnoses for the visit which are appropriate for the patient's
counseling, such as, for example, emphysema.
[0081] The provision of such a checklist is believed to allow the
healthcare provider to more efficiently manage time spent with the
patient.
[0082] Preferably, if a patient previously expressed a preference
for a particular treatment option during interaction with software
loaded on an electronic device, that preference is included on the
checklist. As noted above, in some implementations, a prescription
for a treatment option may already have been printed,
alternatively, however, the checklist may include a checkbox
indicating that the healthcare provider would like a prescription
for such treatment option to be printed.
[0083] In some implementations, if a patient previously expressed a
preference for a particular treatment option, but another treatment
option is determined by software, either loaded on an electronic
device utilized by the patient, or on another electronic device, to
be a potentially superior treatment option, this information is
presented on such a checklist together with the reasoning for such
determination. For example, a checklist might include language that
although a patient expressed a preference for Drug Y, there may be
complications, or contraindications, and that another drug, Drug X,
includes no contraindications and has additional benefits.
[0084] Additionally or alternatively, in at least some
implementations, even if a patient previously expressed a
preference for a particular treatment option, if another treatment
option is determined to be potentially applicable, and is favored
or preferred for commercial or other reasons, such favored
treatment is preferably presented via the checklist together with
any potential benefits, and any potential downsides associated with
a treatment option for which the patient expressed a
preference.
[0085] In some preferred implementations, this is believed to
provide two chances for selection of a favored treatment option.
First, a patient is provided the opportunity to select a favored
treatment option via software loaded on an electronic device, and,
second, even if the patient does not select the favored treatment
option, a healthcare provider is provided the opportunity to select
the favored treatment option when it is presented on the
checklist.
[0086] In some preferred implementations, a checklist that has been
generated and printed as described hereinabove, and then is
utilized by a healthcare provider while seeing a patient, can
thereafter serve as a billing capture sticker which provides
information facilitating the billing process.
[0087] In a preferred implementation, a healthcare provider is able
to effect configuration changes so as to customize the screens and
options presented to a user via software loaded on an electronic
device as described hereinabove.
[0088] For example, in an exemplary use case, a healthcare provider
effects changes so that Drug X is never suggested, but Drug Z is
suggested to a user when certain preconditions are met.
[0089] Preferably, software loaded on an electronic device allows a
healthcare provider to readily and easily effect such changes. Such
software may be the same software as that utilized by a patient for
entering information, or, alternatively, may be different software
(loaded on the same or a different electronic device) that is
configured to effect changes in such software utilized by a
patient.
[0090] In at least some implementations, configuration details are
stored at a server or other location and accessed or propagated by
software running on one or more electronic devices.
Exemplary Methodologies
[0091] In one or more preferred methodologies, a first party pays
for one or more electronic devices to be utilized in a healthcare
environment by another party. For example, in an exemplary
preferred methodology, a first entity pays for an electronic device
to be provisioned with software configured in a manner similar to
that described hereinabove, and provided to a healthcare
environment or provider, and the electronic device is configured to
include programming and/or advertising associated with a product,
drug, or treatment offered by, or associated with, the first entity
or a related entity.
Exemplary Security Measures
[0092] In one or more preferred implementations, an electronic
device is equipped with an RFID system, or other tracking
tag/transmitter or the like. Further, in at least some
implementations, an electronic device, or system as described
herein, is programmed with a means to identify patients only by
secret PIN numbers, and/or the data encrypted, so that in the event
an electronic device is stolen, or a patient explores the
electronic device, and the encryption is defeated, patients'
identities will be kept confidential, thus insuring patient
confidentiality with the electronic device under all
circumstances.
Targeted Advertising
[0093] In one or more preferred implementations, targeted
advertising is delivered which comprises advertising about a
particular product or service, delivered to a patient or user,
designed to target a specific diagnosis or condition of the
patient, or just to target a patient in general demographic terms
by banner advertisements, video, audio, text, or any combination.
In at least some preferred implementations, such targeted
advertising includes coupons, discounts, co-promotions and
available other benefits generated by software loaded on an
electronic device, and delivered to the patient. Targeted
advertising may be based upon identified conditions, or may be
based upon seasonal conditions, such as summer based pollen
allergies or winter cold and flu. It may also be based upon region
or location information, for example advertisements for sunscreen
might be provided in locations such as coastal communities year
round. It could also be based upon a combination of seasonal and
regional information, for example advertisements for sunscreen
could be provided in mountain resort communities in the winter. In
at least some implementations, the advertisement may be targeted
only in that it is directed to a patron of a health care
environment, and not be targeted in any other way based on any
other information.
Remote Systems
[0094] In one or more preferred implementations, a system need not
utilize an electronic device that resides in a health care
provider's office. In at least some implementations, a health care
provider advertises for and directs prospective patients to an
offsite office, website, phone system or like means for
communication. In such implementations, a computing device, cell
phone, smart phone, or tablet is utilized by a patient, and a
system is utilized to gather the necessary initial information from
prospective patients electronically via phone, internet, or the
like. After the data is collected and the prospective patient is
informed, views, and/or listens to any provided information or
advertisements (as described herein), he or she is referred to a
participating health care provider and information is gathered from
the patient, processed, and transmitted to the participating health
care provider. The health care provider would then counsel the
patient based on the provided data, and then the data would be
transmitted back into the system for further processing and use (as
described herein).
[0095] In one or more preferred implementations, a system is
configured for automatic communication of a prescription to a
pharmacy or other entity. In some preferred implementations, this
will be a pharmacy previously chosen by a patient, e.g. via an
electronic device.
Other Exemplary Embodiments and Implementations
[0096] One or more exemplary systems comprising electronic devices
for capturing user data are described hereinabove. Generally, in
one or more preferred embodiments in accordance with the present
invention, a digital interactive system is utilized.
[0097] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present invention. When a patient
arrives at a location for a physician exam or counseling (such as
at a hospital, a physician's office, or a clinic), or initiates
contact electronically (e.g., interacts with a physician through
the internet), or the like, the patient will check in and the
patient will be identified. During a patient triage, interview or
examination, medical staff and/or the system itself preferably
identifies a medical condition 1 in need of a therapeutic plan.
This could be, for example, the treatment of smoking, alcohol or
drug abuse, or any other type medical condition.
[0098] Once a particular medical condition is identified 1, then
the patient is preferably provided with a digital interactive
system. A digital interactive system may refer to a computer or
computer like interface. Examples of digital interactive systems
include tablets, smartphones, laptops, portable computers, PDAs,
kiosks, cell phones, and the like, that have sufficient internal
computing power, memory, and storage necessary, or can interact
with an external computing device or source, e.g. an external
server or a web site on the internet, to fulfill operations
described herein. Generally, a digital interactive system
represents a device (e.g. handheld, digital kiosk, etc.) that can
ask questions, record the answers to the questions, and determine a
therapeutic plan based on the input provided, regardless of whether
the digital device accomplishes these steps directly or indirectly.
For example, a digital interactive system could accomplish some of
this utilizing a connection to a web site having such abilities, a
cell phone could receive a downloaded e-mail or the like, or a PDA
could receive a set of questions or have the questions on the
device itself.
[0099] While in some preferred implementations a small mobile
device like a tablet may be used, any type of device may be used,
including a laptop, a computer kiosk or a custom designed handheld
device. In some implementations, the device has one or more
additional uses. The device can be a small handheld unit or can be
a bigger handheld unit to enable the user to easily read any text
on a display screen. In some preferred implementations, a screen
size is generally 3 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches, or greater in some
embodiments (e.g. in a kiosk).
[0100] The digital interactive system is preferably configured to
query the patient with specific questions about the previously
identified condition, and use that information to establish
baseline data about the patient condition for which one or more
potential therapeutic plans could be successfully utilized.
[0101] The baseline data is that information which enables a
decision by the system to determine the best plan or plans for
dealing with the patient medical condition, and the best or most
appropriate targeted advertising. For example, in the case of a
patient who wishes to stop smoking, the baseline data may be how
frequent and how long the patient has been smoking, as well as how
many cigarettes a day the patient smokes. Other important questions
may relate to other types of cessation plans that have been tried,
as well as particular allergies and the like. In a preferred
implementations, the targeted advertisements are advertisements
from companies that market smoking cessation products.
[0102] Once the system has established baseline data 2, the
baseline data is transferred to the physician or other health care
worker 3. In one embodiment, a digital device is merely handed to
the healthcare worker to accomplish the transfer. However, the
transfer of the baseline data can be accomplished in any convenient
manner, such as, for example, by sending the information to a
printer, to another computer, to the patient's file(s), or other
such manner. The baseline data can be used by the physician to help
counsel the patient, explain the particular medical condition and
the like to the patient so that the physician can avoid the long
process of obtaining that information himself, thus saving time and
money in treating the patient.
[0103] In addition to the transfer of the baseline data from the
digital interactive system, the digital interactive system will
also transfer any therapeutic plan options it has determined viable
to the physician 4 and targeted advertising to the patient. By
sending the treatment options to the physician, the physician can
make sure that all treatment possibilities are considered. In
addition, where desirable, the patient can also view the
therapeutic plan options and targeted advertising directly on the
PDA which gives the physician the ability to work with an informed
patient. Also, the treatment plan can, in some cases, be determined
by both the physician and patient together, or even in some
instances by the patient alone. In at least some implementations,
the patient can view several videos, targeted advertising or other
information on the digital device and use that information to make
an informed choice. The digital interactive system could provide
information to the physician and patient from the manufacturer of a
plan, such as, for example, a pharmaceutical company, or the
provider of a smoking cessation product. The information could be
straight information or in the form of a targeted advertisement for
the treatment plan to the patient, the physician or both. In
addition, information gathered from the patient could be gathered
for use in medical and marketing research. At the physician exam or
consultation, the targeted advertising will have been viewed by the
patient and the therapeutic plan can be selected 5 for or by the
patient. In the case of prescription items the physician can then
act accordingly and prescribe the appropriate therapeutic plan for
the patient.
[0104] The digital device can, in some embodiments, have optional
features. Those features might include billing functionality,
general time tracking and the like. Other features might include
writing and/or electronically sending prescriptions, helping the
care provider analyze a patient's conditions, medications and
allergies for potential negative interactions or improvements. In
one embodiment, it can help identify a particular medication a
patient is taking and has forgotten the name of by a series of
questions.
[0105] FIG. 22 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. A
patient 12 goes to a physician's office, an admission desk, a
clinic or the like and has a patient initial interview 11 with the
triage or front desk or the like. At that event, the patient
provides general information. For example, in an exemplary use
case, at the initial triage the patient says they are a smoker. At
that point, the initial interview 11 would have identified smoking
as a medical condition. Other conditions could be similarly
identified at the interview, such as drug use, negative or positive
medication interaction, or the like.
[0106] For example, if another condition such as pregnancy is
identified from the interview, a digital device could generate and
present to a patient targeted advertisements for prescription
products such as pre-natal vitamins and non-prescription products
such as baby formula, bottles and diapers, and assist in obtaining
third party benefits coverage for medical equipment, such as
wheelchairs.
[0107] Following an interview, a patient 12 is given a digital
device, such as a PDA, with a questionnaire 13 prior to consulting
or examination by the physician that relates to the medical
condition identified in the triage interview. The questions
preferably are selected to obtain more detailed information about
the condition and the answers to the questions preferably help
identify one or more treatment plans 15 that could be used in the
treatment of the medical condition. In addition, targeted
advertisements could be provided to the patient at this point in
time. Answers could be from any source. Questions could be
specifically designed for the digital device or be questions
developed by a third party provider specifically for deciding on a
treatment plan. The questions could also be generated as a result
of patient interaction and/or response to targeted advertising.
Once the questionnaire 13 is completed the digital device uses that
information to generate targeted advertising and formulate a
treatment plan 15 or plans based on the most likely ones to match
the needs and success of the particular patient.
[0108] In some preferred implementations, the digital device might
query a patient regarding his or her insurance information, or his
or her ability/willingness to pay for medication, and potential
suggestions could be made to the patient regarding, coupons,
discounts, eligibility for benefits, insurance tailoring insurance
to their needs and smoking coverage resources for obtaining
Medicare if eligible avoiding the "donut hole", etc.
[0109] Other questions could also be presented, such as: What
pharmacy do you use?; Would you be willing to switch pharmacies, or
use an online/home delivery option for all your medications?; Would
receiving a valuable coupon make you want to switch pharmacies?;
Would you like to review other medication choices that might work
better for you rather than the current medications you receive?;
Would you like a discounted membership for ABC Gym?; Would you like
a coupon worth $10 off your first box of product X?; Did you know
that Blue Cross/Blue Shield will pay for product X?; Did you know
that as a member of AARP you are eligible for additional discounts
on your medication?; Are you ever upset that your prescriptions are
switched to less expensive generic versions without your consent?;
or Would you like all your medications to be filled with the
original name brand reliable medication? (conversely, the question
could ask, "Would you like to save money by switching to these
cheaper generic alternatives?").
[0110] Preferably, the questions are designed to: include
highlighted therapeutic agents and exclude contraindications;
generate targeted advertising; develop an appropriate secondary
diagnosis relevant to, for example, smoking cessation counseling
(e.g., emphysema) and billing; aid in marketing and therapeutic
research; yield marketing data regarding a patient's choice of
therapeutic agent; obtain and report back on health care providers
prescribing patterns, especially as they relate to specific patient
scenarios; collect data to help in research on how to improve
quitting rates (or other therapeutic goals); help the patient fill
out the appropriate paperwork to qualify for their medication being
approved and paid for; and determine if there are additional
benefits that they may qualify for under any third party plan in
which they participate. The device is also useful in updating the
patients list of medical conditions, history, medications and
allergies, which may be used for targeted advertising on subsequent
visits.
[0111] The device could also ask other questions of relevance
during the question and answer period such as questions to document
a patient's choice regarding potential therapeutic agents (e.g.
John Doe requested a specific medication), and, on a subsequent
visit, if a particular medication is already being used, questions
designed to obtain marketing and research data as to why the choice
was made, and how the patient is doing.
[0112] Once one or more treatment plans are decided upon the
digital device can give information to the patient about them,
which may include targeted advertising. It can merely list them,
give detailed information about them, or in at least some
implementations, provide videos or other presentations directly
from the manufacturers of the particular treatment in the form of
straight information or as a targeted advertisement. Once a patient
is finished with the digital device, the information in the digital
device about the patient can move in the system in a number of
ways. One important thing the digital device can do is download the
information to a computer 14. This can be an office computer, a
server computer, a tablet, a PDA, the internet or the like, but in
that way the information can be saved and transferred as needed by
the physician and patient. The digital device can then provide
results to the physician 17 on the treatment plans selected. This
activity saves the physician the time to gather this information in
a conference but still enables enough time to be spent to work on
getting reimbursement for third party providers especially when
that provider is the government which might require a certain
amount of time to qualify for reimbursement. The physician 17 and
patient 12 then can interact by way of consultation and or
examination to come to a decision 18 on which of the available
treatment plans will be selected. The patient can then go to the
pharmacy 19 or other product provider to acquire the necessary
product to accomplish the treatment plan.
[0113] Note that the digital device can also communicate with the
computer and the system either the digital device 13 or the
computer 14 can accomplish various other tasks 16. For example the
digital device can track billing from the activity because it can
track the time spent in "consultation" with the device.
[0114] FIG. 23 details an exemplary use case relating to smoking
cessation. As a patient enters a physician's office, a clinic or
the like, a triage identifies a condition of the patient, whom in
this example is a smoker 21. This can be accomplished by
observation, by questionnaire, or the like. Once the patient is
identified as having a smoking condition, a digital device is given
to the patient 22 (alternatively, in some implementations, a user
could use their own digital device and software or data could be
delivered in any manner to their digital device). The digital
device has questions programmed into it about the patient's smoking
habits, and effects storage of the answers. The digital device then
uses the answers to the questions to inform the patient with
targeted advertising about the available treatment plans for
cessation of smoking 22 that match the patient and his particular
smoking problem. Note that this could be in the form of banner
advertisements, coupons, text or video or the like format. The
companies which produce the smoking cessation products could each
have their own information to program into the PDA for viewing by
the patient or the system could provide the information separately
from commercially available information. In addition, particular
brands of products could be emphasized by particular companies
providing information for the PDA to give the patient. By working
with pharmaceutical or other companies to highlight their products
directly at the time treatment is offered, the companies have a
higher likelihood of their product being selected when choice is an
option.
[0115] Once the digital device has informed the patient about the
smoking cessation options 22, the digital device can send the
treatment plan and other related baseline data (the answers to the
questions, targeted advertising preferences, etc for example) to
the Physician 23. This could be done by sending the information to
a printer, a different computer for viewing or the digital device
itself could be used by the physician. In other embodiments the
results of the digital device consultation are printed or otherwise
placed on the patients chart.
[0116] With the results of the digital device consultation with the
patient 22, the physician and patient can review the suggested or
recommended treatment plans for the cessation of smoking. This can
be a review of what the patient has already seen, and an
opportunity to answer questions and discuss risks or whatever other
information is necessary.
[0117] With the finishing of the discussion 25, the next step is to
come to a decision on a treatment plan 26. This decision can be
made by the physician, the patient or both in terms of which
treatment plan would most likely be successful with the particular
patient having noted the answers to the particular
questionnaire.
[0118] The digital device is configured determine if third party
benefits will pay for advertised products and will provide
assistance in documentation for said benefits. The digital device
preferably has other functionality as well, such as analyzing
reimbursement requirements, facilitating billing to the patient or
third party provider, tracking time spent in counseling, and
recording of the process on the patient's chart either by printing
the information out or transferring the information to the health
care provider or health care provider's practice computer, or
directly to the payor/billing company, etc.
[0119] Once a final decision is made and a particular product is
purchased from a pharmacy, the digital device may also have the
capability of sending the prescription to a given pharmacy of the
physician or patient's choosing. Where cooperative pharmacies are
involved, additional patient benefits may be obtained by using
participating pharmacies.
[0120] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *