System and method for communicating over a network with a medical device

Abstract

A device is provided for connecting a medical apparatus to a network. The device collects data from the medical apparatus and performs a variety of processing functions, such as trending, protocol translation, generating reports, etc. related to the collected data. The device then transmits the collected data over a network to interested parties. In some implementations, the device can transmit the collected data as an email message.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 004,799, filed Jan. 11, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 296,390, filed Jan. 19, 2010, and U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 376,019, filed Aug. 23, 2010, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The present disclosure relates to computer systems for communicating over a network with a medical device.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The sharing of patient data between medical institutions and health care providers presents a variety of challenges. These challenges may include privacy, expense, accessibility, etc.[0006]In 1996, President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Among other things, this law (i) ensures the continuity of healthcare coverage for individuals changing jobs; (ii) includes a provision...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Facilitates secure and efficient transfer of medical data across networks, allowing healthcare providers to access medical device data from outside the institution without reconfiguring the device, reducing costs and improving data accessibility while maintaining security compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Problems solved by technology

The sharing of patient data between medical institutions and health care providers presents a variety of challenges.

These challenges may include privacy, expense, accessibility, etc.

These regulations impact all healthcare organizations that electronically create, store and / or transmit healthcare data.

However, VPNs and T1 lines can be cost prohibitive in many situations.

Among other things, hospital firewalls will typically block outside attempts to access any medical data on their internal medical devices.

Outside access to such devices, even if they included an embedded server as described, is typically blocked by medical institutions.

Unfortunately, in many situations, it can be important for a healthcare provider to have access to the medical data on internal medical devices outside the healthcare institution.

In circumstances such as these, the aforementioned security systems for storing and transmitting electronic healthcare data can impede the electronic transfer of the data.

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