U.S. patent application number 14/982914 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-16 for systems and methods for network-based counseling.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTOUCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Justin Kahn.
Application Number | 20190147141 14/982914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56693821 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190147141 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Kahn; Justin |
May 16, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NETWORK-BASED COUNSELING
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention relate to facilitating remote
expert consultation using a web site that provides for video
conferencing between clients and experts who are have been vetted
through registration in the system. Some aspects relate to
transmission of correlated physiological characteristic data
simultaneously with a video conference. Some aspects relate to
control of conferencing functions through client and expert web
pages.
Inventors: |
Kahn; Justin; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTOUCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
GOLETA |
CA |
US |
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160246936 A1 |
August 25, 2016 |
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Family ID: |
56693821 |
Appl. No.: |
14/982914 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13372365 |
Feb 13, 2012 |
8718245 |
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14982914 |
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61443657 |
Feb 16, 2011 |
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61545992 |
Oct 11, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 19/3418 20130101;
G16H 40/67 20180101; H04L 65/4046 20130101; G16H 80/00 20180101;
H04L 67/12 20130101; H04L 65/4023 20130101; G06Q 40/08 20130101;
H04L 65/1069 20130101; H04L 65/1059 20130101; G06Q 10/063112
20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; G06Q 50/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00; G06Q 10/06 20060101 G06Q010/06; G06Q 50/22 20060101
G06Q050/22; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06 |
Claims
1. A method for remote consultation, said method comprising:
configuring a data sensor to sense a user's characteristics,
wherein said sensor is in sensing range of the user and is
communicatively connected through a network, to an expert services
platform; entering a virtual waiting room web page facilitated by
said expert services platform thereby indicating a readiness to
start a healthcare consultation; commencing a healthcare
consultation session; transmitting audio communication between said
user and said health profession expert; transmitting video of said
user from said user computing device to said expert; transmitting
data from said user to said expert; and receiving, at said user
computing device, healthcare advice from said health profession
expert, said advice being based on an analysis of said
physiological characteristic data and said asynchronous and
synchronous video communication, and said asynchronous and
synchronous audio communication and other information gathered.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving video, audio
or text of said expert at said user computing device during said
consultation session.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said data comprises one or more of
EKG data, general exam camera data, ultrasound data, otoscope data,
vital signs data, fundus scope, dental exam scope, anterior lens
scope, dermatology scope, endoscope data, labs, patient entered
data and collected data.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said advice comprises a treatment
plan comprising at least one of diagnosis descriptions, diagnosis
axis codes, GAF scores with descriptions, current risk assessments,
concerns/issues, short-term and long-term goals, treatment
objectives, treatment strategy and intervention strategy, care
plans and medication plans.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said healthcare advice comprises a
prescription.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said healthcare advice comprises a
notification that a prescription has been electronically sent to a
user's pharmacist.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said characteristic data is
correlated with said video, audio or data.
8. A method for facilitating a remote consultation session, said
method comprising: establishing a web-based platform comprising a
website with a client page and an expert page; wherein said client
page comprises a display of expert video during video conferencing;
wherein said client page further comprises means for receiving
physiological data from physiological data sensors; wherein said
expert page displays client video during video conferencing;
wherein said expert page displays client physiological
characteristic data during video conferencing; facilitating a video
conference between said client page and said expert page; receiving
physiological data from said user; associating said physiological
data with synchronous or asynchronous video data; and transmitting
said associated physiological data to said expert web page before,
during or after a session.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said expert page further comprises
controls for stopping, starting and muting video transmitted from
said client computing device.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein said client page further
comprises controls for stopping, starting and muting audio
transmitted from said client computing device.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein said expert page further
comprises controls for selecting forms to be filled out.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein said expert page further
comprises controls for sending forms to said client.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein said expert page further
comprises controls for referring said client to another expert.
14. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein an insurance
carrier database is queried to verify that coverage is in place and
whether a deductible needs to be paid.
15. An apparatus for remote health consultation, said apparatus
comprising: a physiological characteristic sensor for measuring
physiological characteristic data of a client, which may be paired
with or linked to a user computing device; a display, a processor
and a memory, and a client network digital or virtual interface; an
expert computing device comprising, a processor and a memory, a
display, and an expert network interface; an expert services
platform server comprising, a processor and a memory, a storage
device, tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable instructions
for performing the following; transmitting a client web page to
said client computing device, transmitting an expert web page to
said client computing device, establishing a video conference
between said client computing device and said expert computing
device, transmitting client characteristic data from said client
computing device to said expert services platform server,
correlating said physiological characteristic data with said video
conference, and transmitting said correlated physiological
characteristic data to said expert computing device via said expert
web page.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said client web page
comprises controls for stopping, starting and muting video
transmitted from said client computing device.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein physiological, biometric,
biofeedback or psychological sensor data from the physiological
characteristic sensor is from a sensor that is attached to or in
sensing range of a client and transmits sensor data to an expert
services platform from which the data may be passed on to an expert
in raw form or may be converted, correlated and otherwise modified
or transformed.
18. An apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein a platform is
provided with a network of connected virtual waiting rooms
associated with experts who provide services through the platform;
the virtual waiting rooms providing a launch point for providing
services to users who have scheduled appointments for services and
who have indicated their readiness to receive on-demand services by
entering the virtual waiting room; and an expert dashboard or other
interface is used by an expert to transfer a user into another
experts waiting room for the expert or to obtain permission to
enter another expert's waiting room.
19. A method for remote health consultation comprising: configuring
using a health data sensor to sense a specific user's health
characteristics; transmitting data through a network to an expert
services platform; forwarding data from the health data sensor;
converting and displaying said data to a format easily interpreted
by an expert; and commencing a healthcare consultation between the
expert and the user.
20. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein the health data sensor
comprises a physiological, biofeedback or psychological sensor
attached to or in sensing range of a user.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/372,365 filed Feb. 13, 2012 and titled
"Methods and Systems for Online Counseling Sessions and Clinics,"
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/443,657 filed Feb. 16, 2011 and titled, "Method and System
for Online Psychotherapy Sessions and Clinics," and to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/545,992 filed Oct. 11,
2011 and titled, "Methods and Systems for Online Counseling
Sessions and Clinics."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to methods and systems for
conducting counseling sessions. More particularly, the invention
relates to methods and systems for counseling sessions and clinics
conducted remotely, such as over the Internet and/or via satellite
using WIFI as well as other web-based technologies. In addition,
the invention relates to methods and systems for conducting remote
counseling sessions by means of various mobile devices as well as
collecting biofeedback and/or biometric data via biometric devices
configured to interface with an associated hub, network and/or
portal to enhance the efficacy and value of the remote counseling
sessions as well as to authenticate the identity of a client.
[0004] 2. Background and Related Art
[0005] Counseling is a means by which people can gain valuable
advice from experts. Typically, psychological, psychiatric,
medical, genomic, life, business, mechanical, wedding, academic,
legal, or other forms of counseling, occur in an expert's office or
place of business. In this setting, the expert controls the
environment in which the counseling takes place. The client
generally schedules an appointment with the expert and then attends
the session with the expert at the appointed time. The client and
the expert communicate during the counseling session, which
generally may include the client conveying information to the
expert about the client's needs and/or condition. The information
about the client's needs and/or condition may include details of
the client's experiences, feelings, history, condition and other
extremely personal information. Upon receiving this information,
the expert may then counsel the client depending on the nature of
the information revealed to the expert by the client. Some experts
provide set training courses to individuals in addition to or in
lieu of tailored counseling sessions. Some counseling sessions
occur in which there are multiple clients and/or multiple experts,
which are sometimes called group counseling.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention relates generally to methods and systems for
conducting counseling sessions. More particularly, the invention
relates to methods and systems for counseling sessions and clinics
conducted remotely, such as networks based on satellites,
microwave, Bluetooth, or over the Internet and/or via satellite or
WIFI as well as other web-based technologies. In addition, the
invention relates to methods and systems for conducting remote
counseling sessions by means of various mobile devices as well as
biofeedback and/or biometric data collected via biometric devices
configured to interface with an associated network and/or portal to
enhance the efficacy and value of the remote counseling
sessions.
[0007] Accordingly, methods and systems for online counseling
sessions conducted over the Internet are disclosed. In some
configurations, a method for remotely conducting counseling
sessions between a client and an expert using an IP-based network
includes providing a website accessible to the network wherein the
expert and a client both have access to the website. In such
configurations, upon accessing and logging into the website, the
client is permitted to search a database for online experts and
select an appropriate expert for a counseling session. In some
configurations, the client initially completes various intake
and/or registration forms in a virtual waiting room, wherein such
forms are customized per the relevant expert. The method continues
as an expert remotely conducts a counseling session with the client
via remote means, including video conferencing. Following the
counseling session, the client is automatically returned to the
virtual waiting room and provided with subsequent counseling based
options.
[0008] In some configurations, the methods of the present invention
are directed to expert marketing capabilities and/or strategies. In
other configurations, the methods of the present invention are
directed to client scheduling or calendaring for counseling
sessions, including synchronization with Outlook.TM., Gmail.TM.,
iCal.TM. or other electronic and/or web-based calendaring systems
or programs and synchronizing interfacing and/or integration with
EMR, PHR, OEM vendors via API, HL7 interfaces/messages and FHIR
interfaces. In still other configurations, email, text, SMS
messaging, instant messaging and the like are employed to confirm
appointments and/or provide reminders of upcoming appointments, to
customize general information presented to individual clients, to
secure client access to personalized reports and documentation
generated by the expert which, in some configurations, are
accessible to individual client and expert only, to provide access
to products for purchase selected by the expert for the client, to
provide a full accounting and payment system for experts as well as
clients, to facilitate client rating and feedback on the expert
relative to services rendered or previously provided, and many
other aspects as further disclosed herein.
[0009] In some configurations, the network and associated portal
employed or used to practice various configurations of the
invention may further be utilized to provide training or
educational services for experts categorized by field, topic,
and/or experience level. Accordingly, in various configurations,
the methods and systems of the present invention provide resources
for both clients seeking counseling as well as experts seeking
additional education or training. In all such configurations,
various forms of electronic communication can be used to supplement
online counseling sessions and/or training/education such as on
demand products, live webcast products, electronic documents or
print products, electronic media, facsimile and other forms of
communication. Experts seeking to use the systems and methods of
the present invention can search for and find additional training
and/or educational serves from other experts available through the
service in much the same way that clients seeking counseling can
find specific experts in a relevant field.
[0010] Some configurations enable clients to access counseling
services when and where it is most convenient for them, and
increase the flexibility of counseling by offering 24-hour
availability for pay-per-minute, pre-determined amounts for
predetermined amounts of time, other pay-per-view sessions or with
possibly no charge to the client. Some configurations allow experts
in any stage of their practice to provide more support to existing
clients and to procure new clients regardless of geographical
limitations.
[0011] In some configurations, when scheduling an appointment, a
client logs in to the expert's website or other type of Internet
portal and accesses a scheduling calendar which displays the
available counseling sessions. According to some configurations,
the expert has the ability to alter the calendar so that the view
is client dependent. By way of example, in some embodiments the
calendar may be manipulated so that fewer "available" counseling
sessions are displayed for these clients. In some configurations,
one or more discrete or otherwise independent clinics can also
employ the teachings disclosed herein to interface and/or
coordinate with one another to simplify inter-office scheduling as
well as streamlining other document and/or record keeping as well
as a host of services that can be offered to a range of clients. In
some configurations, if an expert finds himself or herself without
any clients, e.g., due to cancellations, the inability of clients
to travel to the office due to severe weather, etc., that expert
can place an "available" icon on the homepage so that clients
desiring counseling know that they can have immediate access
without consulting the calendar.
[0012] In some configurations, group counseling sessions can be
given. In some configurations, all clients can see the expert and
the expert can see all of the clients at the same time on smaller
images on one screen. In such configurations, the expert can assess
the demeanor of the clients as they interact. In some
configurations, the clients will be able to see each other and/or
hear each other. In some configurations, online group counseling
can be augmented by occasional private conversations. In some
further configurations, the client or the expert may press a button
sending an indication that they desire a private conversation, the
expert may then excuse himself or herself from the group discussion
and engage in a private conversation shielded from the view and
hearing of the other group members.
[0013] In some configurations, a hold type button (or a type of
privacy button) is provided which allows the client and expert or
expert's staff to pause or temporarily suspend a particular session
or to otherwise provide the client, expert or expert's staff with
an opportunity to put the session on hold without actually ending
the session. In this way, the client, expert or expert's staff has
the ability to interrupt the session with respect to him or herself
without affecting the session relative to other uses in order to
protect the client's privacy. Specifically, the client, expert or
expert's staff has the ability to pause the session on his or her
end so that if something in his or her environment changes, the
client, expert or expert's staff can control broadcasting such
changes to either the expert and/or the other members of the group,
or rather has control in order to avoid such a broadcast.
[0014] In various configurations, a "take the floor" feature is
offered during a group counseling session. In some configurations,
an expert offers a client the opportunity to lead the discussion by
illuminating an icon or reference on the screen in the appropriate
location. In some embodiments an "emergency" feature is offered to
clients who need emergency contact information for an expert and/or
an immediate counseling session with an expert.
[0015] In some configurations, an expert, administrator or other
expert can designate an assistant who has access to the systems of
the present invention, including the portal. In some
configurations, for example, an assistant or staff member may be a
registered nurse or a practitioner's assistant. In such
configurations, the assistant is capable of meeting with and/or
pre-screening clients. Such configurations further contemplate one
or more, including multiple, assistants or staff members, some of
whom work out of different clinics, working with any number of
clients for, in connection with or on behalf of a single
practitioner. In this way, one practitioner can be affiliated with
multiple clinics and provide counseling or other treatment to
multiple clients efficiently and effectively. In some
configurations, multiple assistants or staff members associated
with multiple clinics are associated with multiple practitioners.
In such configurations, the assistants or staff members may have
limited access to client information to preserve various privacy
aspects and in some configurations the assistants must be licensed
in order to provide assistance.
[0016] In some configurations, physiological, biometric,
biofeedback or psychological sensor data from sensors that are
attached to or in sensing range of a client may transmit sensor
data to an expert services platform from which the data may be
passed on to an expert in raw form or may be converted, correlated
and otherwise modified or transformed to better serve a diagnostic
or other purpose.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The objects and features of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described
and explained with additional specificity and detail through the
use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary general-purpose computer
system;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a representative networked system configuration
related to embodiments of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment comprising client and
professional/expert profile creation;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment comprising an expert
search;
[0023] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment comprising client and
expert devices and an expert services platform;
[0024] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiments comprising
transmission of physiological characteristic data during a session;
and
[0025] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment comprising marketing of
products or services.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] A description of embodiments of the present invention will
now be given. It is expected that the present invention may take
many other forms and shapes, hence the following disclosure is
intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the
invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims
and their equivalents.
[0027] The following description supplies specific details in order
to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled
artisan would understand that the online counseling sessions and
clinics can be implemented and used without employing these
specific details. Indeed, the invention can be practiced by
modifying the illustrated method and can be used in conjunction
with apparatuses and/or techniques conventionally used in the
industry. For example, the description focuses on providing
psychotherapy counseling online. But it could be easily adapted to
provide online genomics, medical, wedding, academic, veterinarian
or other post-traumatic stress, mechanical, legal or other forms of
counseling wherein an expert traditionally meets with his or her
clients to provide advice and or associated literature or printed
materials.
[0028] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section
or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is
constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. In
understanding the scope of the present invention, the term
"comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to
be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including," "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially," "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a
reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the
end result is not significantly changed.
[0029] The terms "client," "patient," "employee," "recipient,"
etc., may be used herein. Such terms are intended to be used
synonymously and refer to a user, group of users, business, and/or
other entity seeking counseling or advice via the present
invention.
[0030] The terms "expert," "provider," "physician," "practitioner,"
"contractor," "employer," "professional," etc., may be used herein.
Such terms are intended to be used synonymously and refer to an
individual, a group of individuals, a business, and/or other entity
that provides counseling via the present invention.
[0031] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete
operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in
understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the
order of description should not be construed to imply that these
operations are order dependent.
[0032] The description may use the phrases "in an embodiment," "in
some embodiments," "in various embodiments," or other similar
phrase, which may each refer to one or more of the same or
different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising,"
"including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to
embodiments of the present invention, are synonymous with the
definition afforded the term "comprising."
[0033] The term "etc." may be used. It should be understood that
the term indicates that other examples or elements are possible.
The term "etc." should not be interpreted to be limited in kind,
category, or similarity to the terms that precede it, but instead
indicate that there are other possible examples or elements that
could be given that may or may not be wholly different from the
terms that precede it.
[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "A/B"
means "A or B." For the purposes of the present invention, the
phrase "A and/or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)." For the
purposes of the present invention, the phrase "at least one of A,
B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or
(A, B and C)." For the purposes of the present invention, the
phrase "(A)B" means "(B) or (AB)," that is, A is an optional
element.
[0035] A description of embodiments of the present invention will
now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the
present invention may take many other forms and shapes, hence the
following disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
limiting, and the scope of the invention should be determined by
reference to the appended claims.
[0036] FIG. 1 and the corresponding discussion are intended to
provide a general description of a suitable operating environment
in which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the
invention may be practiced by one or more computing devices and in
a variety of system configurations, including in a networked
configuration. However, while the methods and processes of the
present invention have proven to be useful in association with a
system comprising a general purpose computer, embodiments of the
present invention include utilization of the methods and processes
in a variety of environments, including embedded systems with
general purpose processing units, digital/media signal processors
(DSP/MSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),
stand-alone electronic devices, and other such electronic
environments.
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention embrace one or more
computer-readable media, wherein each medium may be configured to
include or includes thereon data or computer executable
instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable
instructions include data structures, objects, programs, routines,
or other program modules that may be accessed by a processing
system, such as one associated with a general-purpose computer
capable of performing various different functions or one associated
with a special-purpose computer capable of performing a limited
number of functions. Computer executable instructions cause the
processing system to perform a particular function or group of
functions and are examples of program code means for implementing
steps for methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, a particular
sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of
corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps.
Examples of computer-readable media include random-access memory
("RAM"), read-only memory ("ROM"), programmable read-only memory
("PROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"),
compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), or any other device or
component that is capable of providing data or executable
instructions that may be accessed by a processing system. While
embodiments of the invention embrace the use of all types of
computer-readable media, certain embodiments as recited in the
claims may be limited to the use of tangible, non-transitory
computer-readable media, and the phrases "tangible
computer-readable medium" and "non-transitory computer-readable
medium" (or plural variations) used herein are intended to exclude
transitory propagating signals per se.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, a representative system for
implementing embodiments of the invention includes computer device
10, which may be a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or
any of a variety of consumer electronic devices. For example,
computer device 10 may be a personal computer, a notebook or laptop
computer, a netbook, a personal digital assistant ("PDA") or other
hand-held device, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a workstation,
a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, a multi-processor
system, a network computer, a processor-based consumer electronic
device, a computer device integrated into another device or
vehicle.
[0039] Computer device 10 includes system bus 12, which may be
configured to connect various components thereof and enables data
to be exchanged between two or more components. System bus 12 may
include one of a variety of bus structures including a memory bus
or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus that uses
any of a variety of bus architectures. Typical components connected
by system bus 12 include processing system 14 and memory 16. Other
components may include one or more mass storage device interfaces
18, input interfaces 20, output interfaces 22, and/or network
interfaces 24, each of which will be discussed below.
[0040] A health data sensor may be any sensor capable of measuring
or monitoring some aspect of the body including physiological,
biofeedback, biometric, or psychological sensors.
[0041] Processing system 14 includes one or more processors, such
as a central processor and optionally one or more other processors
designed to perform a particular function or task. It is typically
processing system 14 that executes the instructions provided on
computer-readable media, such as on memory 16, a magnetic hard
disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical
disk, or from a communication connection, which may also be viewed
as a computer-readable medium.
[0042] Memory 16 includes one or more computer-readable media that
may be configured to include or includes thereon data or
instructions for manipulating data, and may be accessed by
processing system 14 through system bus 12. Memory 16 may include,
for example, ROM 28, used to permanently store information, and/or
RAM 30, used to temporarily store information. ROM 28 may include a
basic input/output system ("BIOS") having one or more routines that
are used to establish communication, such as during start-up of
computer device 10. RAM 30 may include one or more program modules,
such as one or more operating systems, application programs, and/or
program data.
[0043] One or more mass storage device interfaces 18 may be used to
connect one or more mass storage devices 26 to system bus 12. The
mass storage devices 26 may be incorporated into or may be
peripheral to computer device 10 and allow computer device 10 to
retain large amounts of data. Optionally, one or more of the mass
storage devices 26 may be removable from computer device 10.
Examples of mass storage devices include hard disk drives, magnetic
disk drives, tape drives and optical disk drives. A mass storage
device 26 may read from and/or write to a magnetic hard disk, a
removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or
another computer-readable medium. Mass storage devices 26 and their
corresponding computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage
of data and/or executable instructions that may include one or more
program modules such as an operating system, one or more
application programs, other program modules, or program data. Such
executable instructions are examples of program code means for
implementing steps for methods disclosed herein.
[0044] One or more input interfaces 20 may be employed to enable a
user to enter data and/or instructions to computer device 10
through one or more corresponding input devices 32. Examples of
such input devices include a keyboard, touchpad, dedicated buttons,
mouse, trackball, light pen, stylus, or other pointing device, a
microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, a scanner, a
camcorder, a digital camera, health data sensors, biometric or
biofeedback devices, smartphone attachments (otoscope as an
example), custom design interfaces, fitness bands, watches, etc.
Similarly, examples of input interfaces 20 that may be used to
connect the input devices 32 to the system bus 12 include a serial
port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus ("USB"),
an integrated circuit, a firewire (IEEE 1394), or another
interface. For example, in some embodiments input interface 20
includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is
designed for a particular application. In a further embodiment, the
ASIC is embedded and connects existing circuit building blocks.
[0045] One or more output interfaces 22 may be employed to connect
one or more corresponding output devices 34 to system bus 12.
Examples of output devices include a monitor or display screen, a
speaker, a printer, a multi-functional peripheral, and the like. A
particular output device 34 may be integrated with or peripheral to
computer device 10. Examples of output interfaces include a video
adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, and the like.
[0046] One or more network interfaces 24 enable computer device 10
to exchange information with one or more other local or remote
computer devices, illustrated as computer devices 36, via a network
38 that may include hardwired and/or wireless links. Examples of
network interfaces include a network adapter for connection to a
local area network ("LAN") or a modem, wireless link, or other
adapter for connection to a wide area network ("WAN"), such as the
Internet, LTE, GSM, etc. The network interface 24 may be
incorporated with or peripheral to computer device 10. In a
networked system, accessible program modules or portions thereof
may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in a
networked system computer device 10 may participate in a
distributed computing environment, where functions or tasks are
performed by a plurality of networked computer devices.
[0047] Thus, while those skilled in the art will appreciate that
embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a variety
of different environments with many types of system configurations,
FIG. 2 provides a representative networked system configuration
that may be used in association with embodiments of the present
invention. The representative system of FIG. 2 includes a computer
device, illustrated as client 40, which is connected to one or more
other computer devices (illustrated as client 42 and client 44) and
one or more peripheral devices (illustrated as multifunctional
peripheral (MFP) MFP 46) across network 38. While FIG. 2
illustrates an embodiment that includes a client 40, two additional
clients, client 42 and client 44, one peripheral device, MFP 46,
and optionally a server 48, connected to network 38, alternative
embodiments include more or fewer clients, more than one peripheral
device, no peripheral devices, no server 48, and/or more than one
server 48 connected to network 38. Other embodiments of the present
invention include local, networked, or peer-to-peer environments
where one or more computer devices may be connected to one or more
local or remote peripheral devices. Moreover, embodiments in
accordance with the present invention also embrace a single
electronic consumer device, wireless networked environments, and/or
wide area networked environments, such as the Internet.
[0048] Similarly, embodiments of the invention embrace cloud-based
architectures where one or more computer functions are performed by
remote computer systems and devices at the request of a local
computer device. Thus, returning to FIG. 2, the client 40 may be a
computer device having a limited set of hardware and/or software
resources. Because the client 40 is connected to the network 38, it
may be able to access hardware and/or software resources provided
across the network 38 by other computer devices and resources, such
as client 42, client 44, server 48, or any other resources. The
client 40 may access these resources through an access program,
such as a web browser, and the results of any computer functions or
resources may be delivered through the access program to the user
of the client 40. In such configurations, the client 40 may be any
type of computer device or electronic device discussed above or
known to the world of cloud computing, including traditional
desktop and laptop computers, smart phones and other smart devices,
tablet computers, or any other device able to provide access to
remote computing resources through an access program such as a
browser.
[0049] Software on users' computing devices or applications that
would be downloaded on a computer device or firmware updates on the
sensor may be employed embodiments of the invention utilizing
existing web browser technology. Many browser programs currently
exist or are under development, and it would be impossible to name
all such browser programs, but examples of such programs include
Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome,
Apple Safari, Opera Software's Opera browser, as well as myriad
browsers specifically configured for specific devices, such as
Internet-connected smart phones and the like. The exact display of
each browser can vary from browser to browser and most are
moderately to highly configurable so as to vary the exact
display,
[0050] Many currently-available browser programs permit the
installation of additional features, such as through what are
commonly known as "browser extensions." Browser extensions are
becoming more and more common in today's browser programs, and have
become one of if not the standard for extending the functionality
of the browser programs. For browsers that do not currently support
browser extensions, other mechanisms and installed programs are
often available to provide similar functionality, such as an
application downloaded on the computing device.
[0051] Embodiments of the invention may utilize a browser extension
or similar format to provide functions in accordance with
embodiments of the invention. The use and installation of a browser
extension is typically significantly less involved and less
computer-intensive than the use and installation of a stand-alone
program. In many instances, the installation of the browser
extension occurs essentially without the computer's operating
system being made aware of any additional installation. Instead,
the browser program itself handles the browser extension and any
demands made by the browser extension.
[0052] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise sensors
and/or emitters for measuring physical, psychological and
physio-psychological characteristics of users and other
parameters.
[0053] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
heart rate monitor. A heart rate monitor may comprise sensors for
measuring heart activity. In some embodiments, the electrical
activity of the heart is sensed by sensors in the heart rate
monitor to measure heart beats. This heart beat data may be
measured at the sensor and sent wirelessly to a receiver on another
device. Heart rate monitors of embodiments of the present invention
may be contained within a wearable device similarly to the
accelerometer sensors described above.
[0054] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor, which measures blood volume
changes in microvascular tissue. A PPG sensor or pulse oximeter may
comprise light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that
may emit light in multiple frequencies (typically, red and
infrared) and measure the difference in the intensity of light
received on the other side of the vascular tissue. During a cardiac
cycle the blood pressure increases and decreases with the pumping
of the heart, these pressure changes expand and contract the
arteries causing volumetric changes in the vascular tissue and
corresponding changes in tissue volume and absorbed light. The
difference in light transmitted through the tissue during a cardiac
cycle determines the heart beat profile or PPG profile. Some
wearable devices of the present invention may comprise a PPG sensor
otherwise known as a pulse oximeter or photoplethysmograph.
[0055] The PPG signal may also be used to measure or estimate other
physiological parameters. In some embodiments, respiration rate,
respiration volume, intrapleural pressure, sinus arrhythmia and
other parameters can be calculated from PPG measurements. In some
embodiments, the depth of anesthesia and hypo- or hyper-volemic
conditions can be measured based on the PPG signal.
[0056] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
blood glucose sensor for determining the blood glucose level of a
user. This sensor may comprise a light-based sensor, similar to the
PPG sensor, but measuring blood sugar level, using a light emitter
and sensor. Some embodiments may comprise sensors using ultrasound,
electromagnetic and thermal sensors to determine blood sugar
levels.
[0057] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise
sensors that measure a galvanic skin response (GSR) or electro
dermal activity. GSR sensors may measure a galvanic skin resistance
as an electrical resistance between two electrodes on the surface
of the skin and may measure a galvanic skin potential as a voltage
between two electrodes on the surface of the skin without any
externally applied current. A GSR value may comprise a combination
of a skin resistance value and a skin potential value.
[0058] Some embodiments utilize a specialized camera such as an
otoscope or funduscope as well as sensors that measure external
factors such as body temperature, etc.
[0059] With reference now to FIG. 3, the invention relates
generally to methods and systems for conducting counseling
sessions. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and
systems for counseling sessions and clinics conducted remotely,
such as over the Internet and/or via satellite using WIFI,
cellular, microwave, as well as other web-based technologies. In
addition, the invention relates to methods and systems for
conducting remote counseling sessions by means of various mobile
devices as well as biofeedback and/or biometric devices configured
to interface with an associated network and/or portal to enhance
the efficacy and value of the remote counseling sessions.
[0060] Accordingly, methods and systems for online counseling
sessions conducted over the Internet are disclosed. In some
embodiments, a method for remotely conducting counseling sessions
between a client and an expert using an IP-based network includes
providing a website accessible to the network wherein the expert
and a client both have access to the website. In such embodiments,
upon accessing and logging into the website, the client is
permitted to search a database for online experts and select an
appropriate expert for a counseling session. In some embodiments,
the client initially completes various intake and/or registration
forms in a virtual waiting room, wherein such forms are customized
per the relevant expert. In some embodiments, the user is simply
assigned a provider. The method continues as an expert remotely
conducts a counseling session with the client via remote means,
including video conferencing. Following the counseling session, the
client is automatically returned to the virtual waiting room and
provided with subsequent counseling based options.
[0061] In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention
are directed to expert marketing capabilities and/or strategies. In
other embodiments, the methods of the present invention are
directed to client scheduling or calendaring for counseling
sessions, including synchronization with Outlook.TM., Gmail.TM.,
iCal.TM. or other electronic and/or web-based calendaring systems
or programs. In still other embodiments, email, text, SMS
messaging, instant messaging and the like are employed to confirm
appointments and/or provide reminders of upcoming appointments, to
customize general information presented to individual clients, to
secure client access to personalized reports and documentation
generated by the expert which, in some embodiments, are accessible
to individual client and expert only, to provide access to products
for purchase selected by the expert for the client, to provide a
full accounting and payment system for experts as well as clients,
to facilitate client rating and feedback on the expert relative to
services rendered or previously provided, and many other aspects as
further disclosed herein.
[0062] In some embodiments, the network and associated portal
employed or used to practice various embodiments of the invention
may further be utilized to provide training or educational services
for experts categorized by field, topic, and/or experience level.
Accordingly, in various embodiments, the methods and systems of the
present invention provide resources for both clients seeking
counseling as well as experts seeking additional education or
training. In all such embodiments, various forms of electronic
communication can be used to supplement online counseling sessions
and/or training/education such as on demand products, live webcast
products, electronic documents or print products and so forth.
Experts seeking to use the systems and methods of the present
invention can search for and find additional training and/or
educational serves from other experts available through the service
in much the same way that clients seeking counseling can find
specific experts in a relevant field.
[0063] Some embodiments enable clients to access counseling
services when and where it is most convenient for them, and
increase the flexibility of counseling by offering 24-hour
availability for pay-per-minute or other pay-per-view sessions.
Some embodiments allow experts in any stage of their practice to
provide more support to existing clients and to procure new clients
regardless of geographical limitations.
[0064] In some embodiments, when scheduling an appointment, a
client logs in to the expert's website or other type of Internet
portal and accesses a scheduling calendar which displays the
available counseling sessions. According to some embodiments, the
expert has the ability to alter the calendar so that the view is
client-dependent. By way of example, in some embodiments the
calendar may be manipulated so that fewer "available" counseling
sessions are displayed for these clients. In some embodiments, one
or more discrete or otherwise independent clinics can also employ
the teachings or expert to expert consults disclosed herein to
interface and/or coordinate with one another to simplify
inter-office scheduling as well as streamlining other document
and/or record keeping as well as a host of services that can be
offered to a range of clients. In some embodiments, if an expert
finds himself or herself without any clients, e.g., due to
cancellations, the inability of clients to travel to the office due
to severe weather, etc., that expert can toggle an "available" icon
on the homepage so that clients desiring counseling know that they
can have immediate access without consulting the calendar.
[0065] In some embodiments, group counseling sessions can be given.
In some embodiments, all clients can see the expert and the expert
can see all of the clients at the same time on smaller images on
one screen. In such embodiments, the expert can assess the demeanor
of the clients as they interact. In some embodiments, the clients
will be able to see each other and/or hear each other. In some
embodiments, online group counseling can be augmented by occasional
private conversations. In some further embodiments, the client or
the expert may press a button sending an indication that they
desire a private conversation, the expert may then excuse himself
or herself from the group discussion and engage in a private
conversation shielded from the view and hearing of the other group
members. In some embodiments, a hold type button (or a type of
privacy button) is provided which allows the expert to pause or
temporarily suspend a particular session or to otherwise provide
the expert with an opportunity to put the session on hold without
actually ending the session. In this way, the expert has the
ability to interrupt the session with respect to him or herself
without affecting the session relative to other uses in order to
protect the client's privacy. Specifically, the expert has the
ability to pause the session on his or her end so that if something
in his or her environment changes, the expert can control
broadcasting such changes to either the expert and/or the other
members of the group, or rather has control in order to avoid such
a broadcast.
[0066] In various embodiments, a "take the floor" feature is
offered during a group counseling session. In some embodiments, an
expert offers a client the opportunity to lead the discussion by
illuminating an icon or reference on the screen in the appropriate
location. In some embodiments an "emergency" feature is offered to
clients who need emergency contact information for an expert and/or
an immediate counseling session with an expert.
[0067] In some embodiments, an expert or administrator can
designate an assistant who has access to the systems of the present
invention, including the portal. In some embodiments, for example,
an assistant may be a registered nurse or an expert assistant. In
such embodiments, the assistant is capable of meeting with and/or
pre-screening clients. Such embodiments further contemplate one or
more, including multiple, assistants, some of whom work out of
different clinics, working with any number of clients for, in
connection with or on behalf of a single practitioner. In this way,
one practitioner can be affiliated with multiple clinics and
provide counseling or other treatment to multiple clients
efficiently and effectively. In some embodiments, multiple
assistants associated with multiple clinics are associated with
multiple practitioners. In such embodiments, the assistants may
have limited access to client information to preserve various
privacy aspects and in some embodiments the assistants must be
licensed in order to provide assistance.
[0068] In some embodiments, an online counseling system is provided
according to some embodiments from which experts manage their
practice, business, clientele, etc., and/or provide counseling to
clients. Consistent with such embodiments, such experts or
practitioners have online access to the records of their
clientele.
[0069] In some embodiments, an expert may utilize a rules engine
that automatically assigns a client to an expert.
[0070] In various embodiments, experts use the online counseling
system as a means of managing their practice, business, clientele,
etc. In some embodiments, experts have the capacity to set the
rates they charge for their services. In various embodiments,
experts may use the online counseling system to record and/or post
a brief video introduction detailing their philosophy and
credentials for potential clients to review. In some embodiments,
experts can manage their schedules from within the system. In
various embodiments, secure billing is a feature of the online
counseling system. In some embodiments, experts can easily change
their billing rate and create and/or edit a customized web page
from the system's control center feature. In some embodiments, the
online counseling system provides a number of templates from which
experts can select to develop a personalized marketing web page
displayed from within the online counseling system.
[0071] In some embodiments, practitioners create customized virtual
waiting rooms for clients. In some embodiments, experts incorporate
multiple waiting rooms for use with specific issues, needs, wants,
disorders, etc., as a feature of the system. In some embodiments,
the system provides experts with an option to create individual
templates for particular clients. In some embodiments, after a
session, clients may return to a checkout page where they can
purchase products chosen by the expert to appear in their online
store. In various embodiments, clients have the ability to prepay
for a session, or be billed on a per-minute basis, depending on
their particular priority or issue. Experts can also decide to not
charge for a session. This feature is able to be set manually or
through a rule engine. In some embodiments, experts receive
receipts on a regular basis for all transactions, which may include
items such as monies received, services billed, fees charged and/or
collected, etc. In some embodiments, experts have access to current
accounting information, data regarding completed and upcoming
sessions, client information, and session notes, laboratory
information, medical background, legal history, as well as
biometric and/or biofeedback information configured to interface
with an associated network, mobile apps and/or portal to enhance
the efficacy and value of the remote counseling sessions as well as
to authenticate the identity of a given client.
[0072] In some embodiments, experts may schedule and/or change
client appointments and view their schedule via a calendar
interface or other easy-to-use interface. In some embodiments,
experts may synchronize their online counseling system calendars
with Outlook.TM., Gmail.TM., iCal.TM. and/or other suitable
calendaring programs. In further embodiments, experts may also
synchronize their online calendars with various mobile or handheld
devices, other suitable calendar platforms, and the like. In some
embodiments, when a client requests a particular time for a
counseling session, the system automatically sends that information
to the expert, who may either confirm, deny or request to schedule
the appointment at an alternative time. If confirmed, in some
embodiments, the appointment is automatically added to the expert's
calendar. According to some embodiments, experts can set reminders
for upcoming appointments via email, short message service (SMS)
(i.e. text message), other alerts, etc. In various embodiments, if
a client does not cancel a scheduled appointment within a pre-set
time frame, experts have the option to indicate their availability
for per-minute counseling.
[0073] Clients using some embodiments of the present invention have
access to a number of services and resources, including any
combination of: face-to-face meetings, video conferencing, phone
sessions, one-on-one email/text chat, avatar chat, group therapy,
message board/email/chat, online support groups, self-help tools,
assessment instruments, blogs, SMS, social networking sites,
personal websites/online journals, audio and/or video recordings,
relaxation and meditation programs, biofeedback, biometric devices,
testing devices or programs, and/or other communication or
counseling technologies.
[0074] In some embodiments, the online counseling system is
available up to 24 hours a day. In some embodiments, the online
counseling system is configured for use with selected experts
(including international experts) to ensure 24-hour consultation
availability for clients. In other embodiments, licensed assistants
may be employed to facilitate 24-hour availability for clients with
respect to certain services for which the assistant is
qualified.
[0075] In some embodiments, experts may choose, or be required, to
enter their qualifications, credentials, etc., in order to register
for and/or use or otherwise provide services through the online
counseling system. In some embodiments, the qualifications,
credentials, insurance, degree, work history, licensing
information, etc. that is entered by experts may be individually
verified through appropriate channels and/or third party sources.
For example, in some instances a medical doctor may register with
the online counseling system. Thereafter, his or her license to
practice medicine may be verified with state health department(s)
or other relevant organization(s) to ensure he or she has not been
suspended or that his or her license is not otherwise fraudulent or
subject to limitations. In various embodiments, an expert is
required to maintain licensure requirements, purchase liability
insurance, sign indemnity contracts, etc., before using the online
counseling system. For example, in some instances a psychotherapist
is required to maintain a license in good standing in order to
continue to provide counseling via some embodiments of the present
invention. In various embodiments, the online counseling system
will offer secure, encrypted methods by which the expert and/or the
client may enter his or her personal information.
[0076] In some embodiments, clients can grade, rate, provide
feedback, score, etc., the services they received. For example, in
some instances a user is allowed to submit a rating score after
they have spent a predetermined amount of time, e.g., at least 5
minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes
or an hour with an expert. In some embodiments, a certain number of
counseling sessions are required before a client is permitted to
rate or otherwise score and expert. In some embodiments, clients
can search for experts based on their ranking, location, areas of
practice, credentials, years of experience, education, and/or other
variables.
[0077] According to other embodiments, clients can purchase annual
memberships allowing them to use features not available to all
base-level users. In various embodiments, clients pay to use the
online counseling system. For example, in some embodiments, clients
pay an annual membership fee. In other embodiments, however, only
third party payers who license the portal pay a licensing fee. In
some embodiments, the portal will be given to an expert or other
general practitioners free of charge. In some embodiments, experts
or their respective organizations may purchase a monthly licensing
fee or purchase a block of session call time which may have an
expiration date if not used. However, in embodiments contemplating
additional training or education for experts or other
practitioners, experts seeking additional training and/or education
may be required to pay fees in connection therewith according to
some embodiments. In other embodiments, additional training and/or
educational services are provided free of charge to encourage or
entice experts to participate further in the system.
[0078] In some embodiments, clients pay a fee to the practitioner
as well as a fee associated with using the online services of the
present invention. In some embodiments, clients pay a percentage of
the expert's counseling session fees in order to use the online
counseling system. For example, in some embodiments, clients pay
5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or anything between 1% and 20% on top of what the
expert charges in order to use the online services of the present
invention. For purposes of illustration, and not by way of
limitation, if an expert charges a client $40 for an online
counseling session, then the client is required to pay $40 to the
expert and 10% of the expert's fee to the online service. As such,
in the foregoing example, the client's total bill is $44. In other
embodiments, the percentage collected by the online service may be
more or less than 10%. In some embodiments, clients are given a
discount or other incentives to begin using the online
services.
[0079] In other environments, a database may be queried to verify
an insurance carrier or deductible amount or co-payment that need
not be paid by the client. This process will then convey to the
client what they need to pay in order to proceed. In this scenario,
the above mentioned percentage added on top of the provider fee
does not apply.
[0080] In various embodiments, advertisers, product manufacturers,
private companies, insurance companies, government agencies, or
other entities pay money to support the online counseling system,
and services are provided to experts and/or users for free or for a
reduced price. In various embodiments, experts, clients, and/or
other entities can pay for various features, modules, levels,
aspects, services, functionalities, etc., of the online counseling
system. For example, in some embodiments an expert pays for a
monthly fee for a base-level package providing access to most
features provided by the online counseling session, and also pays a
one-time fee for a pre-designed virtual waiting room for his or her
clients. In some embodiments, general practitioners pay a onetime
fee. In other embodiments, however, there is no monthly fee for an
expert or other general practitioners. Likewise, in other
embodiments, there is no onetime fee for experts or other general
practitioners. In some embodiments, moreover, third party payers
who license the portal pay a licensing fee and provide hosting
and/or support for experts and/or practitioners.
[0081] In various embodiments, the online counseling system uses
secure, encrypted, or otherwise protected methods to exchange data.
In various embodiments, the online counseling system includes an
on-call system administrator, customer service representatives, or
other persons tasked to assist with technical questions and/or
handle client or expert inquiries.
[0082] In various embodiments, experts have the option to sell any
item(s) that they feel might be useful for their client(s). In some
embodiments, administrators of the online counseling system collect
a percentage, e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% 30% or anything between
0% and 30% of the cost of any, or select, products sold by experts
through the online counseling system or is charged at the end of
the session for items such as lab work or medication. In some
embodiments, experts can determine the shipping and handling costs
they wish to charge for items sold to clients within the online
counseling system. In some embodiments, sales processing is handled
by various service providers, e.g., Google Checkout, PayPal, and
other suitable service providers common to those of skill in the
art.
[0083] In some embodiments, experts can set their own billing
rates. For example, in some embodiments the expert chooses to
either bill a set amount for prescheduled sessions, and to bill
clients on a pay-per-minute (PPM) basis for immediate or emergency
services. In various embodiments, online counseling system
administrators can set the fees or rates charged to use the
service. For example, as mentioned above, in some embodiments,
clients pay 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or anything between 1% and 20% on top
of what the expert charges in order to use the online services of
the present invention. In other embodiments, the percentage
collected by the online service may be more or less than 20%. In
various embodiments, experts are responsible for their own taxes.
In various embodiments, online counseling system administrators
charge a fee for tax withholding and other services. In such
embodiments, provisions of tax withholding and other services are
explained in a terms and conditions document provided to experts
during registration with the online counseling system. In some
embodiments, experts may be employees and in other embodiments,
they may be independent contractors. In other embodiments, the
expert is licensing the technology.
[0084] In some embodiments, the online counseling system sends the
fees for completed sessions to experts on a daily, weekly,
bi-monthly, monthly, semi-annually and/or annual basis via wire
transfer, less the amount collected in connection with use of the
online services, i.e. the percentage on top of what the expert
charges for use of the online services, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%
or anything between 1% and 20% as discussed previously. In some
embodiments, additional fees collected for services and product
sales are also sent to experts on a daily, weekly, bi-monthly,
monthly, semi-annually and/or annual basis less the cost of any
higher-level services for which experts may opt or any additional
percentages which are owed to the online service. In some
embodiments, practitioners can change their options at any time.
When such options are changed, in some embodiments, the billing is
prorated when settings are changed in the middle of a billing
cycle. In some embodiments, experts can view their account for the
past year of services at any time and/or download digital
invoices.
[0085] In some embodiments, practitioners can designate in advance
the times that they are available for prescheduled sessions. In
various embodiments, practitioners can designate their availability
for on demand or per-minute services. In some embodiments, experts
can access a calendar maintained on their computer allowing them to
enter prescheduled appointments or designate their on demand or
per-minute availability. In various embodiments, the expert's
calendar can be synced with their profile to indicate available
remaining slots. In some embodiments, experts can choose the view
that the public sees of their calendar. For example, in some
embodiments the expert chooses to show only currently available
slots. In some embodiments, clients can submit a request to a
particular expert for a specified time slot. In such embodiments,
the request is automatically forwarded to the desired expert or to
an assistant designated to assist the expert with respect to the
individual client or a group of clients wherein the assistant can
confirm or deny the appointment. In some embodiments, if a request
for an appointment is confirmed, it automatically schedules a
counseling session on the expert's calendar and/or creates
automated reminders for the parties involved. In some embodiments,
any party can change the frequency of reminders they receive for a
particular appointment and/or for all appointments. In some
embodiments, if the expert denies a request for an appointment, the
client is notified and is given the opportunity to request a
different proposed time for a counseling session.
[0086] In some embodiments, experts can conduct individual sessions
via web cam and/or act as a moderator for group sessions. In
various embodiments, groups counseling sessions can consist of one,
two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,
twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen,
nineteen, twenty, or more clients. It is contemplated that group
sessions can consist of as many clients as the technology used by
the online counseling system allows. In some embodiments, the
online counseling system incorporates functionality that allows
experts to have digital zoom, enhancement, volume, analysis, or
other features or capabilities that assist in evaluating clients'
body language and/or state of mind.
[0087] However, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, a hold
type button (or a type of privacy button) is provided which allows
the client, expert or expert's staff to pause or temporarily
suspend a particular session or to otherwise provide the client,
expert or expert's staff with an opportunity to put the session on
hold without actually ending the session. In this way, the client,
expert or expert's staff has the ability to interrupt the session
with respect to him or herself without affecting the session
relative to other uses in order to protect the client's privacy.
Specifically, the client has the ability to pause the session on
his or her end so that if something in his or her environment
changes, the client can control broadcasting such changes to either
the expert and/or the other members of the group, or rather has
control in order to avoid such a broadcast.
[0088] In some embodiments, any client and/or expert can record any
portion of group counseling sessions (with the exception of control
afforded to individual client or expert participants in connection
with the privacy button discussed previously). In various
embodiments, recordings are downloaded directly to the recording
party's computer, and/or are stored remotely on the online
counseling sessions' hardware, and/or are stored on a third-party's
hardware. In some embodiments, as discussed with reference to FIGS.
1 and 2, cloud-based architectures are contemplated. In such
embodiments, recordings or other data stored in connection with any
given counseling session may also, or alternatively be stored on
the cloud. In some embodiments, storage is held on the cloud be
default. In some embodiments, group counseling sessions involving
multiple individuals in separate locations are not recordable by
client(s) and/or expert(s). In some embodiments, group counseling
sessions are recordable only by expert(s).
[0089] In various embodiments, calendaring tools are used to
facilitate scheduling counseling sessions. In various embodiments,
buttons and/or other interface objects providing calendaring
options are presented to the client and/or the expert that assist
them in scheduling counseling sessions. In some embodiments,
experts are given access to a "View Affected" button, a "View
Conditions" button, a "Restrictions" button, or something similarly
entitled, which permits an expert to view and/or place restrictions
on clients' ability to view and/or schedule appointments,
availability for appointments and/or private time. In some
embodiments, access is given to experts through the use of such
buttons, or similarly titled buttons, which permit the expert to
modify or otherwise alter certain components of client information,
including in some embodiments personal information, as well. For
example, in some embodiments an expert can limit the client to one
session per day, per week, etc., so as to prevent a client from
needlessly over-scheduling counseling sessions. In some
embodiments, the expert can restrict a client from viewing and/or
scheduling counseling sessions during specific times or dates. For
example, in some embodiments a client who has insurance that pays a
set fee or a low fee can be restricted to view and/or schedule only
off-peak hours or dates.
[0090] In other embodiments, when an expert is unable to be on-time
for a counseling session, the expert can press the "View Affected"
button, or something similarly titled, permitting the expert to see
which counseling sessions are affected and providing options
regarding what can be done to reschedule the affected counseling
sessions, or click on the name of the person in the waiting room
and redirect them to another expert either automatically or
manually. This can be done by the expert or expert's staff. In
various embodiments, clients are given access to an "Emergency"
button, a "Get Help Now" button, a "Hotline" button, or something
similarly entitled, which permits a client to receive counseling
immediately. An expert may also click on the name of the person in
the waiting room and redirect them to another expert either
automatically or manually. This can be done by the expert or
expert's staff. In some embodiments, pressing the "Emergency"
button, or similarly entitled button, sends an alert to available
experts. In such embodiments, an expert may confirm the alert and
begin a counseling session with the client who indicated they were
in emergent need. In various embodiments, clients are given access
to a "See Immediate" button, a "See Available" button, or something
similarly entitled, which allows clients to view and/or schedule
counseling sessions with experts who are currently available,
regardless of whether or not there is emergent need.
[0091] In various embodiments, dynamic tools are used to improve
counseling sessions. In various embodiments, buttons and/or other
interface objects providing dynamic abilities to mute, start, stop,
enhance, emphasize, record, remove, re-organize, delay, pause,
forward, rewind, and/or other dynamic abilities, are presented to
the client and/or the expert that improve the ability to provide
care during the counseling sessions. For example, in some
embodiments the expert uses a "Privacy" button, a "Go Private"
button, or other something similarly entitled, to speak, text, or
otherwise communicate in private with a subset of clients during a
group counseling session. In some embodiments, the effect would be
to reduce or mute the audio, text, video capabilities, and/or
restrict other forms of communication for the group member(s) who
were not invited to speak in private. In other embodiments,
similarly entitled buttons are available to a client to temporarily
pause a given counseling session so as to preserve his or her
privacy if the environment he or she is in during the session
changes and the client prefers not to broadcast his or her
environment for a period of time without ending the session
altogether. In such embodiments, the remaining members of the
session (i.e. experts and/or other clients) are permitted to
continue with the session in progress. In some embodiments, the use
of a dynamic tool has the effect of reducing or muting what the
clients can type, hear, see, and/or restrict other forms of
communication. In some embodiments, the use of a dynamic tool has
the effect of playing a predetermined text, audio track, video
clip, and/or other communicative presentation.
[0092] In some embodiments, the expert and/or client has access to
a "Take the Floor" button, an "I Hold the Conch" button, or
something similarly entitled, that allows only a subset of clients
to "take the floor," i.e., speak, type, or otherwise communicate
during a group counseling session without allowing others to speak,
type, or otherwise communicate. In some embodiments, only the
expert has the power to grant the ability to take the floor. In
some embodiments, the client has to request permission from the
expert and/or group before being able to take the floor. In some
embodiments, the client is allowed to take the floor only for a set
amount of time; in other embodiments, the client may receive the
right to take the floor for the full length of the counseling
session. In some embodiments, the person(s) who have taken the
floor are emphasized by some text, audio, or visual indication. For
example, in some embodiments a group counseling session that has
both audio and video feeds in which taking the floor has the effect
of increasing that client's volume and chat window size, while
reducing the other clients' volume and chat window size. In some
embodiments, for example, a digital zoom function is provided to
facilitate the emphasis of the individual taking the floor. The
expert may take back control at any time.
[0093] In some embodiments, when a client requests a specific
expert for a pay-per-minute session, and the expert does not
connect with the client for a session within a set time period, the
client has the option to send an email requesting that the expert
provide information about their next available time slot. In some
embodiments, clients can be redirected to a page listing
alternative experts currently online that meet the client's desired
criteria. Clients may also request an appointment that does not
have a specified end time. Experts can also send out an appointment
request or invitation to a session that does not have a specified
length of session time.
[0094] In some embodiments, an online counseling system allows
experts to design or import documents they deem necessary for
services provided to their clients. In some embodiments, files
created by experts for a particular client can be downloaded to the
expert's computer and/or the client's computer. In alternative
embodiments, such files and/or documents are made available in real
time via cloud architecture as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1
and 2. In various embodiments, the online counseling system enables
experts to integrate various client records with information from
other sources. For example, in some embodiments, records generated
during online counseling sessions can be integrated with records
obtained from a third-party. In various embodiments, the process of
generating records or other files and/or documents during an online
counseling session are created via an application integration
utility (AIU), API, ISON database connection/callback or other
interface.
[0095] In various embodiments, the online counseling system is used
for more than individualized and/or group counseling sessions, but
is also used for training programs and educational sessions. For
example, in some embodiments an online counseling system is used to
teach mental health classes, pre-nuptial classes, birthing classes,
shaken-baby training, anger-control training, language training,
diabetes education, cooking, exercise or physical therapy, etc. In
other embodiments, various educational and/or training programs are
provided with respect to specific fields of study in which students
are provided with supervised opportunities to practice or apply
certain teachings commensurate with learning such information or
shortly thereafter. In other words, some embodiments contemplate
the provision of hands-on experience with certain educational
features or subjects or otherwise contemplate the provision of a
practicum which enables students to apply theoretical knowledge
contemporaneously with the acquisition of such knowledge.
[0096] In various embodiments, the online counseling system is used
by experts fluent in various different languages. For example, in
some embodiments refugees are taught English classes by an expert
who speaks their native language which facilitates the language
instruction. In another non-limiting example, in some embodiments a
deaf individual may receive psychotherapy treatment using a
videoconferencing feature of the online counseling system from an
expert psychologist who speaks American Sign Language. In such
embodiments, such therapy, counseling and/or educational
information is provided in the first language of the client in
order to maximize the efficacy of such sessions.
[0097] In other embodiments, counseling and/or educational sessions
are also available via video counseling and associated technologies
for incarcerated persons, such as people in jail, prison, mental
institutions and other formats where clients are unable or
precluded from leaving a given facility but yet have access to
Internet or web-based services. In such embodiments, counseling
and/or education could be provided as a means of treating
incarcerated individuals or other persons with mental or emotional
challenges.
[0098] Various embodiments that use the online counseling system
described herein to provide counseling sessions may be called
"TruClinic." For example, in some embodiments psychotherapy
services are provided through an online counseling system called
TruClinic. Some embodiments include a control center for experts to
change any aspect of their marketing information and billing rate.
Some embodiments include a billing matrix/payment management system
that allows experts to charge whatever they choose, with a preset
minimum, such as the non-limiting example in which an expert
charges $1.00 per minute with a $25.00 minimum. In other
embodiments, there is no minimum charge; rather clients are
permitted to access the system and participate in a session on a
pay-per-minute basis while being allowed to terminate the session
at any time without incurring a minimum charge. In this way,
clients are not discouraged from trying the services for fear of
incurring a minimum charge.
[0099] In some embodiments, the present invention may be white
labeled to appear under the brand and style of the expert's
website.
[0100] Some embodiments include a module that allows experts to
record a brief introduction of themselves, as well as an overview
of the services they provide. Some embodiments of TruClinic include
a digital or virtual waiting room for which experts can set up
various wallpapers or backgrounds depending on the client they are
seeing. For example, in some embodiments the expert is working with
someone that has post-traumatic stress disorder, and can utilize a
pre-made or customized virtual waiting room populated with
questionnaires, articles, videos, and particular products for sale,
such as books about the disorder. In some embodiments, such
features may be managed from the expert's control center within the
online counseling system.
[0101] Some embodiments include regularly and/or immediately
updated accounting and statistical information regarding the
expert's practice. Some embodiments may include a scheduling and
client management system that will remind clients and/or experts of
appointments via email, text message, a computer alarm, social
networking such as Facebook, Twitter, as well as SMS, instant
messaging, etc. In some embodiments experts can synchronize their
calendar with various calendar programs as discussed
previously.
[0102] Some embodiments of the present invention include a module
that allows experts to record a session (starting at any point
during the session) without maintaining any records of
client/expert appointments or interactions. Embodiments of the
present invention are fully compliant with all internet protocols,
security standards, confidentiality standards, or other
requirements imposed on experts of businesses in various fields.
For example, in some embodiments some embodiments that provide
medical and/or psychotherapeutic counseling services are fully
compliant with the confidentiality and record-keeping standards
imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
of 1996 ("HIPAA"). In addition, embodiments of the present
invention are fully compliant with standards propagated,
established, maintained and/or enforced by Health Level Seven
International, the American Medical Association, the American
Psychological Association, the Telemedicine Association, CTEL and
Assessment & Treatment Alternatives clinic among other health
or services oriented organizations with regard to the
interoperability of health information technology and associated
protocols.
[0103] Some embodiments include allowing experts from the United
States, and/or experts from countries with similar standard-of-care
modalities as those in the United States to use the present
invention to provide online counseling services. In such
embodiments, internationally-based experts are required to meet
United States standards related to medical records, information,
confidentiality, etc. For example, in some embodiments experts from
Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, Australia,
France, Japan, and Canada are eligible to register and/or use such
embodiments because psychotherapy experts in those countries are
required to meet standards comparable to those imposed here in the
United States. The foregoing list of countries that may be
permitted to register and/or use various embodiments is merely
illustrative and may be reduced, supplemented, augmented or
otherwise modified according to various embodiment of the present
invention. Some embodiments conform to international or specific
countries by implementing the needed architecture to meet
additional rules or regulations.
[0104] The embodiments of online counseling systems provided herein
provide many advantages. Various embodiments ensure privacy and
confidentiality assuring clients they can express themselves
freely, which assists in the provision of effective counseling.
Various embodiments assist individuals to receive counseling at
critical times. Because of their worldwide reach, flexible
scheduling, and/or 24-hour availability, various embodiments make
effective counseling available at convenient times and places,
and/or at a price that is sustainable for many clients. For
example, such embodiments can provide important counseling for
veterans, military personnel, indigent, home-bound, in jail, or
other persons who cannot or are too far away to travel to a
traditional brick-and-mortar building to receive counseling, etc.
In various embodiments, because the technology is able to simulate
real-time, in-person interactions, experts can provide the same
kind of services they would be able to provide were they to meet
the client in-person, but do so in a manner that allows the client
to meet in a space of their choosing that is comfortable for them,
making them more likely to be at ease during the therapy session,
thus increasing the likelihood of effective communication and
effective therapy.
[0105] In various embodiments, the use of virtual or "digital"
waiting rooms help to put clients at ease and enable the expert to
further replicate the experience of in-person interactions. In
various embodiments, if a client cancels his or her counseling
session, experts can use the flexible scheduling features to recoup
time that would have otherwise been lost in a solely
brick-and-mortar practice. In various embodiments, the ranking and
feedback feature(s) provide clients with the ability to assess and
experiment with experts and to locate the expert(s) that perfectly
meet their needs on an immediate and/or long-term basis. In other
embodiments the client does not have this ability because the
platform is only being used by the client's expert and the client
may or may not have created an account in the system depending on
how the expert decides to use the tools that re available to
him.
[0106] Some embodiments of the present invention minimize or
eliminate much of the overhead associated with running a
traditional counseling office, e.g., such as rent, fees, utilities,
and staff. Some embodiments of the invention enable experts to
provide effective services to clients in any location, thus
increasing their potential client base and referral pool to a
worldwide scale. Some embodiments of the invention also enable
experts to work the hours they prefer, since clients can be in any
time zone. Some embodiments of the present invention create new
client and service opportunities for experts. Some embodiments of
the present invention allow experts who are just starting their
businesses to have a viable and economical alternative to the
high-cost structure of joining a group of other experts to start
building a client base. Some embodiments allow experts with an
established practice to expand their reach by offering existing
clients the option to use online consultations to supplement
regularly scheduled in-person appointments. Some embodiments allow
experts looking to scale back their practice for such reasons as
imminent retirement to continue to provide high-quality services to
select long-standing clients without the expense and stress
associated with maintaining a physical office environment. Other
counseling models may include concierge, fee for service or direct
to consumer counseling models.
[0107] In some embodiments of the present invention, entrance codes
can be provided to allow clients to enter a waiting room. For
example, when scheduling an appointment, a client can be provided
an entrance code that will allow him to enter the waiting room at
an appropriate time. In some embodiments, the expert or an
administrator of the system can deactivate an entrance code to
prevent the client from using it to enter the waiting room. Also,
in some embodiments, after a client has used an entrance code to
enter a waiting room, the expert or other administrator can remove
the client from the waiting room without deactivating the entrance
code used by the client to enter the waiting room. In this way, the
client can reenter the waiting room using the same entrance code at
a later time.
[0108] In some embodiments of the present invention, anonymous
entrance codes can be employed to allow a client to anonymously
enter an expert's waiting room to conduct an anonymous counseling
session. For example, the expert may email or otherwise transmit
anonymous entrance codes to clients.
[0109] The present invention can be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different medial fields including but
not limited to: Addiction Medicine, Adolescent & Young Adult
Medicine, Allergy/Immunology, Anatomic Pathology & Laboratory
Medicine, Anesthesiology, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine, Body
Imaging, Cardiology, Chemical Pathology, Child/Adolescent
Neurology, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Clinical Cardiac
Electrophysiology, Critical Care Medicine, Cytopathology,
Dermatology, Dermatopathology, Diagnostic Radiology, Diagnostic
Roentgenology, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Emergency Medical Services,
Emergency Medicine, Facial Plastic Surgery, Family Medicine and
OMT, Family Physicians, Female Pelvic Medicine/Reconstructive
Surgery, Forensic Pathology, Gastroenterology, General Vascular
Surgery, Geriatric Medicine, Geriatric Psychiatry, Gynecologic
Oncology, Hand Surgery, Hematology, Hematology-Pathology, Home
Health, Hospice, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Immunopathology,
In Vivo and In Vitro Nuclear Medicine, Infectious Disease, Internal
Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Laboratory Medicine, Maternal
and Fetal Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Medical Toxicology,
MOHS-Micrographic Surgery, Nephrology, Neurological Surgery,
Neurology, Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine & OMM, Neuropathology,
Neurophysiology, Neuroradiology, Nuclear Cardiology, Nuclear
Imaging and Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Radiology,
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology Surgery,
Occupational Medicine, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery,
Otolaryngic Allergy, Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic
Surgery, Pain Management, Pain Medicine, Palliative Medicine,
Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric
Radiology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Preventive Medicine,
Preventive Medicine/Aerospace Medicine, Preventive
Medicine/Occupational, Preventive
Medicine/Occupational-Environmental Medicine, Preventive
Medicine/Public Health, Proctology, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology,
Radiation Therapy, Radiology, Reproductive Endocrinology,
Rheumatology, Roentgenology, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine,
Surgical Critical Care, Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, Undersea
and Hyperbaric Medicine, Urological Surgery, and Vascular &
Interventional Radiology.
[0110] The present invention can also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different surgical sub-specialties
including but not limited to Amputations, Bariatrics, Cardiac
Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Eye Surgery, General Surgery,
Gynecological Surgery, Neurosurgery, Oral and maxillofacial
surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery,
Proctology, Surgical Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, Trauma surgery,
Urology, Vascular surgery, Abdominal Surgery, Cardiothoracic
surgery, Dental Surgery, Endoscopic Endonasal surgery,
Neurointerventional surgery, Orthognathic surgery, Pediatric
surgery, Shoulder surgery, and Urogynecology.
[0111] The present invention can also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different nursing sub-specialties
including but not limited to: Ambulatory care nursing, Advanced
practice nursing, Burn nursing, Camp nursing, Cardiac nursing,
Cardiac catheter laboratory nursing, Medical case management,
Community health nursing, Correctional nursing, Critical care
nursing, Emergency and trauma nursing, Environmental health
nursing, Faith community nursing, Flight nursing, Forensic nursing,
Gastroenterology nursing, Genetics nursing, Geriatric nursing,
Health visiting, Holistic nursing, Home health nursing, Hospice and
palliative care nursing, Hyperbaric nursing, Immunology and allergy
nursing, Intellectual disability nursing, Intravenous therapy
nursing, Infection control nursing, Infectious disease nursing,
Legal nursing, Learning disability nursing, Maternal-child nursing,
Medical-surgical nursing, Mental health or psychiatric nursing,
Military and uniformed services nursing, Neonatal nursing,
Neurosurgical nursing, Nursing informatics, Nursing management,
Nursing research, Nursing midwife, Obstetrical nursing,
Occupational health nursing, Oncology nursing, Orthopedic nursing,
Ostomy nursing, Pediatric nursing, Perianesthesia nursing,
Perioperative nursing, Private duty nursing, Psychiatric or mental
health nursing, Public health nursing, Pulmonary nursing, Quality
improvement, Radiology nursing, Rehabilitation nursing, Renal
nursing, School nursing, Space nursing, Sub-acute nursing,
Substance abuse nursing, Surgical nursing, Telenursing, Telephone
triage nursing, Transplantation nursing, Travel nursing, Urology
nursing, Utilization management, and Wound care.
[0112] The present invention can also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different mental health
specialties/sub-specialties including but not limited to: Abuse,
Academic, Addictions, Adjustment, Adolescents, Adoption, Adults,
AIDS/HIV, Alcohol Abuse, Alzheimer's/Dementia, Anxiety/Panic,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Autism Spectrum, Behavioral
Issues, Behavioral Medicine, Bipolar, Borderline Personality
Disorder, Brain Injury (TBI), Business Consultation,
Cancer/Terminal Illness, Caregiver Support, Child, Child Abuse,
Children of Alcoholics, Children of Mentally Ill, Chronic Pain or
Illness, Clinical, Codependency, Compulsive Gambling, Conduct
Disorder, Consultation--Liaison, Cultural Issues, Cyberbullying,
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Issues, Depression, Developmental Disorders,
Diabetic, Disability, Disaster Intervention & Recovery,
Dissociative, Divorce/Custody, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual
Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Elder Abuse, Elder/Geriatric,
Executive/Career/Life Coaching, Family Issues, Forensic, Gender
Identity Concerns, Grief, Holistic, Hospital, Impulse Control,
Individuals, Infants, Infertility, Integrative Medicine, Internet
Addiction, Intimacy Issues, Learning Disabilities, Legal Issues,
Life Transitions, Marital Counseling, Mediation/Collaboration,
Medication, Mens Issues, Mental Conditions, Mental Deficiency,
Military Issues, Mood Disorders, Narcissistic, Neuropsychiatry,
Neuropsychology, Obesity, Obsessive Compulsive, Occupational
Psychiatry, Oppositional Defiant, Organizational Psychology, Other,
Parenting Issues/Training, Personality Disorders, Phobias,
Pornography addiction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/PTSD,
Postpartum, Psychological Educational Consultations, Psychological
Testing, Psychological Trauma, Psychosomatic, Relationship Issues,
Reproductive, Schizophrenia/Psychosism, Self-Esteem Issues,
Self-Harm/Suicide, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Issues,
Sleep/Insomnia, Spiritual Concerns, Sports Psychology, Stalking,
Stress Management, Telepsychiatry/Telemedicine, Violent Offenders,
Women's Issues, Work Issues, and Workers Compensation.
[0113] The present invention may also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different veterinarian fields including
but not limited to: Alternative medicine, Anaesthesiology, Animal
behavior, Animal welfare, Birds (pet and ornamental), Bovine,
Canine, Cardiology, Chiropractic, Clinical pathology, Clinical
pharmacology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Diagnostic imaging, Equine,
Emergency and critical care, Exotics, Feline, Internal medicine,
Laboratory animal medicine, Microbiology, Neurology, Nutrition,
Oncology, Ophthalmology, Parasitology, Pathology, Poultry,
Preventive medicine, Radiology, Reptile and amphibian, Shelter
medicine, State veterinary medicine, Sports medicine, Surgery,
Theriogenology, Toxicology, Veterinary Surgery, and Zoo animals and
wildlife.
[0114] The present invention may also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different legal fields including but
not limited to: Administrative law, Admiralty law, Advertising law,
Agency law, Alcohol law, Alternative dispute resolution, Animal
law, Antitrust law, Appellate practice, Art law, Aviation law,
Banking law, Bankruptcy law, Bioethics, Bird law, Business law,
Business organizations law, Class action litigation/Mass tort
litigation, Communications law, Computer law, Conflict of law (or
private international law), Constitutional law, Construction law,
Consumer law, Contract law, Copyright law, Corporate law (or
company law), Corporate compliance law and corporate governance
law, Criminal law, Cryptography law, Cultural property law, Custom
law, Cyber law, Defamation, Derivatives and futures law, Drug
control law, Elder law, Employee benefits law (ERISA), Employment
law, Energy law, Entertainment law, Environmental law, Equipment
finance law, Evidence, Family law, FDA law, Financial services
regulation law, Firearm law, Food law, Franchise law, Gaming law,
Health law, Health and safety law, Health care law, Immigration
law, Insurance law, Intellectual property law, International law,
International trade and finance law, Internet law, Labor law, Land
use & zoning law, Litigation, Martial law, Media law, Mergers
and acquisitions law, Military law, Mining law, Juvenile law, Music
law, Mutual funds law, Nationality law, Native American law,
Obscenity law, Oil & gas law, Parliamentary law, Patent law,
Poverty law, Privacy law, Private equity law, Private funds
law/Hedge funds law, Procedural law, Product liability litigation,
Property law, Public health law, Railroad law, Real estate law,
Securities law/Capital markets law, Social Security disability law,
Space law, Sports law, Statutory law, Tax law, Technology law,
Timber law, Tort law, Trademark law, Transport law/Transportation
law, Trusts & estates law, Utilities Regulation, Venture
capital law, and Water law.
[0115] The present invention may also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many different dental fields including but
not limited to: Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and
Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics,
Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics.
[0116] The present invention may also be used by experts to provide
counseling sessions in many other fields including but not limited
to: Art, Music, Computers, Electronics, Cooking, Fashion &
Beauty, Fitness, Mechanics, Education, Programming, Nutrition, Home
& Garden, and Health & Wellness.
[0117] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described
with reference to FIG. 3. These embodiments relate to a client or
patient registration 200 with an exemplary system. In these
embodiments, a client and/or patient 202 may access the system
using a computing device such as a home computer, laptop, tablet,
cell phone or another computing device with a network interface.
Counseling services 203 may be implemented via an internet server
or cloud services platform that is connected to the internet or
some similar network. In some embodiments, a doctor or some other
professional or service provider 204 may also access the system via
a home computer, laptop computer, tablet, cell phone or some other
computing device. Typically, the client computing device 202 and
professional computing device 204 will access the counseling
services server 203 using a network connection such as a wireless
network connection or wired connection, which may utilize a TCP/IP
protocol or some other networking protocol.
[0118] In some embodiments, the client/patient computing device 202
and professional computing device 204 may employ a browser to
access content served up by the counseling services server 203. In
some embodiments, the client device 202 may access the internet or
similar network to connect to an initial web page offered up by the
counseling services server 203. This initial web page may be
accessible by a public facing universal resource locator (URL),
which may or may not be password protected. The initial web page
may offer registration options 200. These options may comprise an
option to register a new un-referred user, an option to register a
referred user with a one-time referral code, an option to register
a user with a long-term referral code, an option to proceed without
registration and/or other options.
[0119] An un-referred user may access the site via URL input, via a
search portal or by other methods. Once the site is accessed, the
un-referred user may register by selecting a registration option
and by inputting personal information, counseling needs data,
billing information, a username, a password and other information
as needed. The counseling server 203 may then filter participating
professionals' records and provide access to
expert/counselor/doctor/professional data for experts who match the
user's counseling needs. The user may then select an expert from
the filtered options.
[0120] A referred user with a one-time access code may access the
initial web page by various methods. This user may then enter the
one-time access code as optional input in the initial web page. The
one-time access code may have been issued by a specific
professional or by a specific group of professionals or by a
sponsor for a professional or group thereof. The one-time access
code may be associated with one or more professionals and, upon
entry, may link the user to those one or more professionals'
websites, calendars, scheduling system, availability data,
messaging center, document center or another connection. The
one-time access code may also be associated with the user's
personal information, which may have been input to the system by
the entity who issued the code. Accordingly, the referral code may
serve to automatically register the user without tedious personal
data input and may also serve to automatically link the user with
one or more experts.
[0121] A referred user with a long-term access code may access the
initial web page by various methods. This user may then enter the
long-term access code as optional input in the initial web page.
The long-term access code may have been issued by a specific
professional or by a specific group of professionals or by a
sponsor for a professional of group thereof. The long-term access
code may be associated with one or more professionals and, upon
entry, may link the user to those one or more professionals'
waiting room(s), websites, calendars, scheduling system,
availability data, messaging center, document center or another
connection. A long-term access code may be used multiple times to
access the same expert or group of professionals. The long-term
access code may also be associated with the user's personal
information, which may have been input to the system by the entity
who issued the code. Accordingly, the long-term referral code may
serve to automatically register the user without tedious personal
data input and may also serve to automatically link the user with
one or more experts. A long-term referral code may also be
associated with a user's billing information, another facility of
linked to a non-personal identification number.
[0122] In some embodiments, a user may access the initial web page
and proceed to some services offered thereon without completing a
full registration process. In these embodiments, a partial
registration may be completed or the registration process, or a
portion thereof, may be delayed until more information about
available professionals or services is obtained by a user, client
or potential client.
[0123] In some embodiments of the present invention, once a user is
registered (e.g., their personal and billing data is on file),
meaning that the personal and billing data may be hosted and stored
by a third party and a token is sent or approval of any charge
levied to the end user. In some embodiments, the vendor never sees
the account info, just an approval. Sub-accounts may be created
under the user's registration. For example, the dependents of a
user may create sub-accounts by entering the user's specified
personal data to link their sub-account to the user's initial
account. Accordingly, the sub-accounts may share authorization
data, billing data and other information and permissions while
preserving distinct information files such as medical records and
appointment schedules for each sub-account.
[0124] In some embodiments, once a user has input personal
information during a registration process 200 via a web site or
another data entry process, the personal information may be stored
in a client profile record 206. A client profile record 206, may
comprise a user's name, address, phone number, email address,
profile picture, social media identifiers, age, sex, marital
status, number of children, medical history, family medical
history, current medical, psychological or other counseling needs,
conditions, billing data, credit card data, bank account data and
other information described above and elsewhere.
[0125] In some embodiments, experts such as doctors, psychologists,
lawyers, counselors, realtors, professionals, service providers and
others 204 may also register to provide services to clients 202
through the counseling services platform 203. In some embodiments,
the expert 204 may access the same initial web page that a user may
use to register or a separate web page interface may be provided
for experts 204. In any case, an expert may access an expert
registration page that facilitates exchange of information between
the expert 204 and the counseling services platform 203. An expert
may input personal and business information, credit card data,
banking data and other information to facilitate business
transactions. An expert may also input 208 service descriptions,
payment terms and a calendar or schedule. This information may be
stored by the counseling services platform 203 as an expert or
professional profile and schedule 210.
[0126] This expert profile 210 may be accessed in search operations
to find a match between the needs of a user 202 and the services
offered by an expert 204. When a match occurs, a user 202 may be
connected with an expert 204 through the counseling services
platform 203. This can be automatically done via a software
algorithm or some other mechanism, or be done manually by a
customer/company's assigned representative.
[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, illustrated in
FIG. 4, a user 202 may log in 220 to the platform 203 through
typical methods using a username and password or by other methods.
When the user 202 logs in, the platform 203 may access the user's
profile 206 to determine the user's known service needs 222.
Additionally, the user 202 may be presented with a web page that
provides for input 224 relative to the user's currently-desired
services.
[0128] In some embodiments, the platform 203 may comprise a Role
and Permission based system with different functionality sets,
wherein different user types have access to different feature sets.
In some embodiments, data in the user's profile 206 may be accessed
and may be supplemented with current input to determine services
that are likely to be desired by the user. The expert profiles 210
may then be searched 226 to determine whether any experts 204 are
qualified and available to provide those services. In some
embodiments, expert calendars 228 may be accessed to determine
availability. In some embodiments, an expert may log in and
indicate current availability status, or hide their profile so they
are not searchable, except by internal staff.
[0129] If one or more matches are found, the list of available,
qualified experts 204 may be displayed 230 to the user. For
example, if a user's profile indicates that depression counseling
is desired, the platform 203 may link the user to a set of
counselors or psychologists who provide that service and whose
status is currently available. This can be done automatically or
manually. As another example, a user whose profile indicates a need
for a real estate transaction may be linked to a set of
professionals who can accomplish that task and whose status is
currently available.
[0130] In some embodiments, after log-in has occurred, a user 202
may be automatically or manually directed to a specific service
provider 204 based on perceived user needs indicated in the user
profile 206. In some cases a group of service providers may be
filtered to determine which providers are immediately available and
this filtered list may be offered to the user automatically upon
log-in. In some cases, a provider 204 with the shortest waiting
time may be referred when none are immediately available. In some
cases, a user 202 may have a preferred service provider who will be
connected with the user 202 upon log-in, however, another expert
204 may be referred if the preferred expert is not available.
[0131] When the user 202 is presented with a plurality of available
experts 230, the user may review the expert profile data of each
expert and make a selection 232. In some embodiments, the user 202
may then be directed 234 to a virtual waiting room associated with
the selected expert. The selected expert may also be notified 236
of the user's selection and their status in the waiting room. The
virtual waiting room may comprise a web page with links to online
chat with an expert or an associate, documents maintained by the
associated expert, email to the associated expert, facilities
related to the associated expert's services and other links and
data. When both the expert 204 and the user 202 have indicated
readiness, an online session 238 between the user 202 and the
expert 204 may be facilitated by the platform 203. This online
session 238 may comprise a videoconference, an audio conference, a
chat forum, virtual messaging, document exchange and other media
functions.
[0132] In some embodiments, a user 202 may be automatically or
manually redirected to an alternate expert when the selected expert
becomes unavailable or is found to be unable to resolve the user's
issue. In some embodiments, a first expert may generate a referral
for a user/client 202 to visit a referred expert when a need or
desire for another expert is discovered. In these embodiments, the
referral may comprise data identifying the first expert and the
referred expert as well as the client/user. The referral process
may automatically transfer a user's files, documents, history
and/or other data to the referred expert and may request user
authorization to accomplish this task.
[0133] In some embodiments, when a expert 204 or their associate
cannot provide a scheduled or on-demand service for client/user 202
who is in their waiting room, the expert or associate may move the
client 202 from their waiting room and place them in an alternate
expert's waiting room. This process may or may not require user
authorization. In some of these embodiments, the expert 204 may
access a dashboard or utility app provided by the platform 203.
This dashboard may comprise of a display with a list, icons or
other indicia representing alternative experts and similar but
distinct indicia representing clients 202 in the expert's waiting
room. The transfer may be accomplished by dragging and dropping or
other selection methods whereby the user 202 is transferred over to
the waiting room of the alternative expert. This can also be done
by selecting a provider through a list or other type of option
pool.
[0134] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
single common entrypoint virtual waiting room.
[0135] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
platform 203 with a network of connected virtual waiting rooms
associated with experts 204 who provide services through the
platform 203. These waiting rooms provide a launch point for
providing services to users 202 who have scheduled appointments for
services and who have indicated their readiness to receive services
by entering the virtual waiting room. Access to these users 202 may
be controlled by waiting room management methods whereby one or
more experts 204 may lend control of their waiting rooms to another
expert or experts. The expert dashboard or another interface may be
used by an expert to provide control of their waiting room to
another expert and to accept control of other expert's waiting
rooms. Using these methods, an expert may send one or more users in
their own waiting room to another expert's waiting room. This may
be performed when an expert's availability changes at the last
minute.
[0136] In some embodiments, a first expert 204 may assume control
of another expert's waiting room and users therein by an assignment
process completed by an administrator or the other expert. The
first expert may then access users in the other user's waiting room
and perform services as if the user was in their own waiting room.
The first expert may also redirect users in the other user's
waiting room as if the users were in the first expert's waiting
room.
[0137] In some embodiments, waiting room management methods may
allow an expert to send users/clients 202 in their own waiting room
to another waiting room associated with another expert. In some
cases, an expert will have ultimate control of their waiting room
such that control by other experts is only possible by express
grant of permissions.
[0138] In some embodiments, an expert or administrator may control
whether the waiting rooms they occupy can be manipulated by other
experts and/or staff. A user 202 may specify that they will only
deal with the experts with which they have expressly scheduled
appointments.
[0139] In some embodiments, an expert 204 who is with a client 202
in a session 238, an expert 204 who is not in a session, a client
202 who is in a session or a client 202 outside a session may
select another expert or be automatically or manually assigned
another expert to join in a waiting room or active session or be
included in an appointment.
[0140] In some embodiments, a client 202 can create a record using
expert services 203 and share that record with an expert 204
before, after or during a session. A client record can be created
without scheduling a session. For example, a client may create a
video record of responses to questions listed on a document and
send that record to an expert for evaluation before scheduling a
session. Experts may also share information with a client or with
another expert with whom they share an organization
affiliation.
[0141] In some embodiments, an expert 204 or client 202, during a
session, may invite one or more other experts 204 or clients 203 in
the session to participate in a social media network with
in-session links to social media functions. Using these features of
the platform 203, a session participant may select other session
participants, through a list, icon or other selection, to become
friends, associates, sponsors or other social media connections.
This could also be used in linking apps, i.e. an activity band
monitor, smart watch, Google glass apps that are also collecting
and/or sharing information.
[0142] In some embodiments, a client 202 using the platform 203 may
connect with experts 204 via a session 238 or outside a session and
share photos, test results or other information. If conditions
allow, a client 202 may receive immediate answers, treatment and/or
referrals in response to sharing this information.
[0143] In some embodiments, a client 202 may access, in an initial
web page, waiting room or at another virtual location on the
platform 203, a plethora of questions posed to clients 202 or other
persons. These questions may be indexed by client type, by age, by
client situation, by marital status, by gender, by physical
ailment, by psychological condition or by other conditions. In some
embodiments, a client 202 may also access questions posed by other
clients 202 in relation to using the platform 203. For example, a
system usage frequently-asked-questions (FAQ) database may be
accessible from platform pages.
[0144] In some embodiments, the services platform 203 may comprise
an automated or manual scheduler that can access the expert's
calendar to determine if an appointment is imminent and identify a
user scheduled for an appointment on the calendar. The scheduler
may also search a list of logged-in users to find the scheduled
user and admit that user into the expert's virtual waiting room
when the expert 204 has indicated a readiness to receive the user
202.
[0145] In some embodiments of the present invention, a client/user
202 may select an expert 204 from a list, search results or some
other selection format on an initial web page and share a text
file, audio file, video file, document file or some other digital
file with that expert.
[0146] In some embodiments, an expert 204 may request records
electronically from a user/client 202 via web pages of the platform
203. When the user 202 is registered in the system, the expert may
locate the user on a list or search results and send a request to
that user 202 wherein the request is sent to the user's registered
email or via an internal messaging system between registered users
202 and experts 204. When a user is not yet fully registered, but
contact information is available in the system, the expert 204 may
send an email, phone other message to the client 202 using the
client's contact information.
[0147] In some embodiments of the present invention, an expert 202
or staff member may access a calendar system implemented by the
services platform 203. Using the calendar system, the expert may
indicate availability by partial hours, hours, days, weeks and/or
months. The calendar can be customized for the times and session
lengths desired by the expert 204. The calendar system may provide
for booking appointments and may keep track of all appointments and
free time periods. A calendar may show all appointments scheduled
for online video sessions, online chat sessions, phone sessions and
office appointments. The calendar would not show booked
appointments that do not directly involve the client. The calendar
may be available for booking appointments by the expert 204 and
their staff and may further provide a user/client interface
allowing clients 202 to access the calendar and book
appointments.
[0148] In some embodiments, a calendar may be accessible by
registered users as well as non-registered users who may access the
calendar through a public facing portion of a website accessible to
the public.
[0149] In some embodiments, a client 202 may access a chat
interface in an initial web page, registered user page, expert's
waiting room or other locations provided by the platform 203. This
chat interface may connect any user 202 with any expert 204 for
consultation within parameters set by the expert 204 or
administrator. In some embodiments, a chat interface may comprise
the messaging functions for leaving a message for a user 202 or
expert 204 who is not currently available.
[0150] In some embodiments, an expert 204 or client 202 may lock or
unlock a session to prevent or allow other parties to enter the
session. A client 202 or expert 204 may ensure privacy during a
session with this feature or they can also password protect a
waiting room.
[0151] Some embodiments of the present invention provide for group
sessions, wherein a plurality of clients 202 and/or experts 204 can
participate in a single session. Typically a video or audio session
is used. In these embodiments, multiple participants may be shown
in individual windows on a participant's computer or mobile device
screen. Video and audio for each participant may be controlled
separately for each participant's window. Window size, orientation
and screen location may be customized by a user 202 or an expert
204 for each session.
[0152] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described
with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates embodiments comprising
an expert services platform 250 that is electronically and
communicatively connected to a network 240 (e.g., the internet,
business network, private or public LAN, etc.). In these
embodiments, a client or user 202 may gain access to the expert
services platform 250 by using a computing device 242 with a
wireless or wired internet connection or network connection 246,
such as an IEEE 802.11 a, b, e, g, n, Bluetooth or another
connection. A client may also gain access to some expert services
platform 250 functions from a mobile computing device 244, which
may also connect via a wired or wireless network connection, but
which may also connect using a wireless phone network connection
248 such as a cell phone service.
[0153] One or more experts 204 may also gain access to the expert
services platform 250 from their computing devices 252 with network
connections 256 or from their mobile computing devices 254 with
wireless network and/or phone network connections 258 that connect
via a network or internet 240.
[0154] Due to the various device types and connection types, some
embodiments of expert services platform 250 may comprise functions
for switching between connection types when a client 202 or expert
204 desires the mobility of a mobile device or the enhanced
functionality of a PC-type computer, such as Google Glass, next
generation communication tools like virtual reality, holograms or
brain implants.
[0155] In some embodiments, a client computing device 242 may
comprise an internal web camera 245. Some embodiments may also
comprise an alternative web camera 247. Client mobile computing
devices 244 may also comprise one or more cameras (not shown). Some
embodiments of the present invention may also comprise biometric
sensors or physiological sensors 249 which may measure
physiological characteristics of a client/user 202. These
physiological characteristics may be recorded locally on the client
computing device 242, 244, may be transmitted to the expert
services platform 250 for recording and storage or may be
transmitted directly to an expert for analysis, recording and/or
storage on an expert computing device 252 or to another software
platform, a network, another software platform or records system or
stored remotely.
[0156] In some embodiments of the present invention, an expert 204
may access their waiting room to connect with a client 202 for an
expert session. If the client 202 does not have access to their
computing device 242, but has access to a mobile device 244 with a
phone network connection 248, the client may dial-in using a cell
phone connection to an expert services dial-in service 260. The
expert services dial-in service 260 may then convert the call to an
internet protocol voice stream and forward the call through the
expert services platform 250 to connect with an expert 204 through
their expert computing device 252. Likewise, an expert 204 may also
connect to a client 202 by telephone 254 by calling into expert
services dial-in 260 and being routed to the expert services
platform 250 or accessing the session by land line.
[0157] If a client 202 or expert 204 needs to switch between a
telephone connection and an internet connection, the expert
services platform 250 may provide for options for switching to or
from a telephone call before or after a session or other
communication has begun.
[0158] In some embodiments, an expert dashboard feature may allow
an expert 204 to select a direct dial all feature that redirects
the voice or video feed of a session or group session to the
expert's phone or computing device. Accordingly, the direct dial
all will allow an expert 204 to transfer all voice feeds in a
session to the expert's phone through a phone network thereby
allowing an expert 204 to take a session mobile if a need
arises.
[0159] Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise
functions for control of multiple cameras 245, 247 or other devices
during a session or other communication. These functions may be
located in a user session control page and/or an expert dashboard
page or another location. These functions may allow a user to
control all cameras and/or other devices during a session and to
select which ones will be active during a session. These functions
may also allow a user to relinquish control of any cameras to an
expert so that an expert can remotely control the user's cameras
during a session or another communication. Using these functions,
an expert may be able to focus on and/or zoom into a user's facial
features during a session to gain insight into the user's
psychological or physical state during a session or other
communication. Other devices which may be remotely controlled are
biometric or biofeedback measuring devices, devices for
administering medication or for taking readings remotely through a
device such as a pulse oximeter.
[0160] The user access pages and/or expert dashboard pages of some
embodiments may further comprise soft buttons or other selection
methods allowing a user or expert to capture still images or
readings. These still images may be captured during an on-going
video session. The still images may be automatically sent through a
secure internet e-mail system, by encrypted file transfer or by
other methods. These still images or readings may be automatically
displayed to an expert for inspection during a session as part of a
web-based interface or by other methods. The still images may also
be manually or automatically uploaded to a cloud-based records
system maintained by the expert services platform 250.
[0161] Similarly to the cameras, a user computing device 242, 244
may comprise one or more audio capture devices (not shown). These
audio capture devices may be controlled by the user or the user may
relinquish control of those devices in the same manner as the
cameras thereby enabling an expert to control the audio capture
devices during a session or another communication.
[0162] In some embodiments, video and audio can be separately
controlled by the user and/or the expert so that a session or
communication may be set to audio-only, video-only, muted, video
paused and other settings in a video or audio conference.
[0163] In some embodiments of the present invention, a video or
audio conference session may be paused or muted to allow a
participant, user 202 or expert 204, to record an audio dictation
record. This audio recording may also be performed after a session.
This recording may then be automatically appended to a session
record and/or made available for use from the session page.
[0164] Some embodiments may comprise options in user 202's pages or
a waiting room that allows a user to control the amount of personal
information included in external notifications. In these
embodiments a user may access an interface that allows the user 202
to select specific categories of information that will be
transmitted to and accessible to each expert and that each expert,
staff member and client.
[0165] In some embodiments, a user 202 may be provided with
features, in a user page, a waiting room, a session page or another
location, that allow the user to upload files using a secure
intranet e-mail system implemented by expert services platform
250.
[0166] Some embodiments of the present invention may employ
biometric sensors, psychological characteristic sensors or
physiological characteristic sensors 249 to detect physiological or
psychological characteristics or indicators of a user 202 during a
session. This physiological or psychological data may be detected
and recorded independently of other data or may be detected during
and along with audio and/or video data in a session or displayed
during the session. Some embodiments may function as a pass through
for any data captured. The data may or may not be recorded. In an
exemplary embodiment, an expert 204 may interview a client 202 in a
video session while monitoring physiological or psychological data
during the session. In another exemplary embodiment, a session may
comprise monitoring physiological or psychological data while a
user 202 is sleeping and no audio or video data is collected, but
the data is uploaded in real time to an expert 204 for monitoring
and analysis purposes. In this manner, an expert 204 may use a
browser to access a web page of the expert services platform 250
that provides access to a client's biometric, biofeedback or other
physiological or psychological data in real time or playback of
recorded data.
[0167] Additionally, the physiological or psychological data
monitoring may be recorded in sync with video such that the
physiological or psychological data may be correlated with
questioning or prompts posed by an expert 204 and recorded as part
of the session. The data stream would be separately recorded and
linked to the session record.
[0168] In some embodiments, one or more experts 204 may initiate
communication with a client 202 and capture vital signs, diagnostic
data, images and other data while conducting a real-time video
conference consultation. In some cases, a store-and-forward
technique may be used with secure data. In some cases, persistent
vital sign data may be displayed throughout a session.
[0169] In some embodiments, a third party healthcare organization
may receive and analyze collected data to improve healthcare
delivery.
[0170] In some embodiments, synchronous video or audio consultation
can be performed while simultaneously streaming high-resolution
data such as EKG, general exam camera, ultrasound, otoscope, vital
signs and other data in real-time.
[0171] In some embodiments, an expert 204 via the expert dashboard
or another page, can share physiological or psychological data such
as a vital sign record, lab report, images, referrals,
prescriptions and discharge instructions with other authorized
experts in the system or through external communication
methods.
[0172] In some embodiments, after a consultation session, an expert
204 who is a doctor or medical specialist can write a prescription
and send that prescription, via the expert services platform 250,
to a participating expert pharmacist or to a non-participating
pharmacist via external communication methods. That pharmacist may
then send the prescription to the user 202. When all experts and
the user are linked in their respective systems, the provider can
write the prescription and then send it through an interface that
places the order with the pharmacist's ordering system. The
expert's service may be automatically billed to the user and the
pharmacist charges may be automatically billed to the user with the
proper authorizations. Accordingly, a paperless, efficient system
is created for remote administration of some healthcare
services.
[0173] In some embodiments of the present invention, an expert 204
can prepare treatment plans with the following features: diagnosis
descriptions, diagnosis axis codes, GAF scores with descriptions,
current risk assessments, concerns/issues, short-term and long-term
goals, treatment objectives, treatment strategy, interventions and
other features. These treatment plans may be communicated to users
202 and other experts 204 using system communication features or
external communication media.
[0174] In some embodiments, an expert 204 may create client
progress notes and maintained accurate and up-to-date progress
notes with the following features: diagnosis descriptions,
diagnosis axis codes, GAF scores with descriptions, current
assessments, symptom descriptions, treatment plan status, notes, a
plan of action with interventions and other features. These
progress notes may be recorded and linked with a user 202 and may
be made available through the expert dashboard during sessions with
the user 202. Notes could also be sent to an external records
system through API or other interface. The notes may also be
available after the session.
[0175] In some embodiments, an expert 204 can collect psychosocial
history data including presenting problems, current symptom
checklists, emotional/psychiatric history, family history, medical
history, substance use history, developmental history,
socio-economic history and other data. In some embodiments, this
data can be collected by making electronic forms available in the
expert's virtual waiting room. Data can be collected pre, during or
post session.
[0176] In some embodiments, an expert 204 can collect information
about difficulties due to health or mental health conditions. These
conditions may include diseases, illnesses, short-term and
long-term health problems, injuries, mental or emotional problems,
drug problems, alcohol problems and other issues.
[0177] In some embodiments of the present invention, a system
administrator or virtual system manager may compile, record and
analyze system statistics. These statistics may be recorded with
specific data for each user, each expert or for groups of user and
experts. Data may also be collected anonymously with no specific
identity information. This data may be reported to users, experts
or other parties with proper authorization. The data can be shared
or accessible with users with the appropriate privileges in the
system. Data can also be exported out by users with the appropriate
permission levels.
[0178] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described
with reference to FIG. 6. In these embodiments an expert services
platform 203 links clients 202 to experts 204. These embodiments
comprise biometric sensors or physiological or psychological
characteristic sensors 249, which may be attached 270 to a client's
body or in proximity to a client's body. These sensors may measure
or detect heart rate, pulse profile, respiration rate, temperature,
pupil dilation, stress level and other characteristics. Once the
sensors are attached 270, the client 202 may log in 272 to the
expert services website 203. To indicate a readiness to participate
in a session with an expert 204, the client 202 may enter the
expert's waiting room 274, by input in a web browser displaying
expert services web page data.
[0179] Entry into the waiting room by the client 202 will trigger a
notification 276 to the expert 204 that the client is ready for a
session. In some embodiments, the notification 276 may comprise a
notice regarding sensor data availability. In some embodiments,
sensor data may be detected at this point and normal sensor output
detection may be relayed to the expert 204. The expert 204, when
ready, may respond to notification 276 by indicating a mutual
readiness to commence by a readiness message 278 or by simply
entering the waiting room as well.
[0180] When both parties have indicated readiness, the expert
services platform may initiate 280 a session 282. In these
embodiments, a session 282 may be accomplished by connecting the
client 202 with the expert 204 over a network connection and may be
facilitated by hosting an expert services web page with pages
accessible by browser on the client's computer 242 and the expert's
computer 252. In some embodiments, audio, video and physiological
characteristic sensor outputs, or other sensor outputs, may be
transmitted 284 from the client's computer or computing device 252
over an internet or network connection to the expert services
server 203. At the expert services server 203, the audio, video and
sensor outputs may be recorded 288, correlated 290, analyzed,
converted and rerouted to associated web pages. In some
embodiments, a correlated video and sensor output stream may be
sent to an expert's computer 252 or other computing devices through
a web page as part of the session 282. In some embodiments, the
sensor outputs may be converted to a visual graphic display such as
a graph, a multimedia display (e.g., heartbeat sound with graphics,
pulse profile graph with oxygen saturation in color, etc.) These
graphics may be sent to and displayed on the expert's web page in
real time during the session 282.
[0181] During the session, simultaneously with the transmission
from client 202 to expert 204, video, audio and other data may be
transmitted 286 from the expert 204 to the client 202 via the
expert services platform 203. In some embodiments, audio and video
may be sent from a web cam aimed at the expert thereby enabling the
expert 204 to pose questions and maintain a dialog with the client
202 while monitoring the client's physiological or psychological
condition on the expert's display. In some embodiments, a recording
of the session may be stored on the expert services server 203 and
a link to that record may be sent 292 to the expert for analysis
and/or review. This data record may also be made available to the
client 202 and may be forwarded, at the request of the client 202,
to other experts in the system or outside the system by external
communication methods.
[0182] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described
with reference to FIG. 7. In these embodiments an expert services
platform 203 links clients 202 to experts 204. A client may log in
300 to gain access to expert services 203 web pages. After login,
the services platform 203 may access the client's profile and use
that data to customize a waiting room web page specifically for
that client 202. An expert or expert's staff could customize a
waiting room manually or it could be done automatically.
Customization could include but is not limited to customized forms
that must be completed before entering the session, or payment
terms or customized media for the client to view. This customized
waiting room may be served 302 to the client via the client's
browser. If an appointment is imminent, the entry of the client 202
into the waiting room may signify a readiness to commence a
session. Accordingly, the expert 204 may be notified 304 of the
client's presence in the virtual waiting room.
[0183] When the expert 204 signals 306 a readiness to commence the
session, the expert services platform 203 may initiate 308 a
session. Typically a session may comprise simultaneous exchange of
video and/or audio between client 202 and expert 204 in order to
enable video chat and/or audio dialog and effect counseling and/or
advice. During a session, an expert 204 may recommend one or more
products, write prescriptions, recommend action plans, make
reference to additional products or services that may benefit the
client 202. When the participants 202, 204 finish the session, the
session may be terminated 310.
[0184] After a session, or during a session, an expert 202 may
indicate 312 that a client may benefit from or desire specific
products or services that may be offered by vendors participating
in the expert services platform 203. During a session or
thereafter, the platform 203 may provide material 314 to the
client. This provision may comprise material displayed to the
client during the session or after the session. In some
embodiments, web store pages may be displayed to the client 202 or
links to web store pages may be sent to the client 202.
[0185] If a client desired to purchase a product or service offered
to the client 202, the client 202 may select the product or service
316 and initiate an online commercial transaction 318 via expert
services platform 203 web pages.
[0186] When a product or service is sold in response to an expert
recommendation, prescription, endorsement or other message, the
expert or organization may be compensated 320 with a percentage of
the transaction or some other compensation scheme.
[0187] After a purchase or sales interaction, the client 202 may
exit to the waiting room 322 and/or may schedule another
appointment 324 before exiting the system.
[0188] While the foregoing advantages of the present invention are
manifested in the detailed description and illustrated embodiments
of the invention, a variety of changes can be made to the
configuration, design and construction of the invention to achieve
those advantages. Hence, reference herein to specific details of
the structure and function of the present invention is by way of
example only and not by way of limitation.
[0189] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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