Multi-path electronic prescription processing system

Abstract

An electronic prescription processing system which is capable of direct two-way electronic communication between the physician and the pharmacist, in one example, uses a multi-path clearinghouse between the physician's office practice management system and a pharmacy computer system. In one example, the multi path electronic prescription processing system allows a physician to create electronic prescriptions using an electronic signature, and using the multi-path clearinghouse, allow for interface with the pharmacy computer system such that an image of an electronic prescription and prescription information are directly auto-populated into an entry screen of the pharmacy computer system.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 337,422 filed Dec. 17, 2008 which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 014,218 filed Dec. 17, 2007, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field relates to electronic prescription systems.BACKGROUND[0003]Currently, many pharmacists or technicians contact the physician directly through telephone or facsimile, if they have questions with a particular prescription but such a process is time consuming and can be expensive.[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,370, describes how the physician writes a prescription by entering the prescription into a computer which prints out a bar-coded prescription that may be taken by the patient to the pharmacy, or a future modem path, which would enable the physician to send the prescription directly to a particular pharmacy computer. However, the pharmacist would hav...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes an electronic prescription processing system that connects physician offices and pharmacies through a network. The system allows doctors to enter electronic prescriptions and have them automatically populated into the pharmacy system's database. The system also uses a clearinghouse to allow pharmacies to quickly and easily resolve questions about the prescription without needing to speak with the doctor. The system also integrates with drug files and sends information about preferred drug switches to the doctor to help them make informed decisions. Overall, the system streamlines the prescription process and makes it more convenient for doctors and pharmacies.

Problems solved by technology

Currently, many pharmacists or technicians contact the physician directly through telephone or facsimile, if they have questions with a particular prescription but such a process is time consuming and can be expensive.

Prior art systems, such as the one described in this reference, do not provide for seamless, automated two-way communications between a prescriber and a pharmacist, however.

The system does not provide for seamless, automated two-way communications between a prescriber and a pharmacist, and the system has no way of notifying a prescriber if a particular drug in a drug formulary is available at a pharmacy or the price of the drug or the cost of the drug to the patient and / or the patient's insurance company.

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