Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience for one or both healthcare providers and patients in medical services. [Solution] The information processing system is an information processing system that allows patients to pay for medical services they have received and to deliver prescription drugs to their homes, and comprises: a billing data acquisition unit that acquires billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution; a billing information acquisition unit that acquires individual billing information included in the billing data based on the billing data; a notification unit that notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount of the billing based on the billing information; a settlement processing unit that executes settlement by the payment method specified by the patient at a first timing based on the billing information; a prescription information acquisition unit that acquires prescription information of the patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered to their homes; and a prescription information display unit that displays the prescription information and cooperates with a dispensing pharmacy that is responsible for delivering prescription drugs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics, patients need to settle medical fees as the price for medical services. In addition, patients take prescriptions issued by medical institutions to pharmacies for acceptance and receive dispensed prescription drugs, resulting in a lot of waiting time until the settlement of fees at each medical institution.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a prescription output system including an information reception unit capable of receiving an input of post-payment intention display information indicating that a medical service user has the intention to pay the service price requested by a medical service provider later, an information acquisition unit capable of acquiring settlement status information of the service price, a prescription information generation unit for generating prescription information for the medical service user, and a print processing unit for printing information. The print processing unit prints the prescription information when the information reception unit has received the input of the post-payment intention display information and the information acquisition unit has acquired information indicating that the service price has been settled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, while Patent Document 1 allows for delaying payment for medical services, there may still be a waiting period before the patient receives their prescription. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 is merely a mechanism designed to improve convenience for medical institutions, specifically to prevent the risk of failing to collect payment for medical services. Moreover, Patent Document 1 does not consider the convenience of the patient after the medical institution has issued the prescription. Therefore, there was a problem in that the convenience of medical institutions and patients, or both, was not sufficient in the medical services.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program that can improve the convenience of either or both medical institutions and patients in medical services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system, which is:

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system that allows a patient to pay for medical services received and delivers prescription drugs to the patient, comprising: a billing data acquisition unit that acquires billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution; a billing information acquisition unit that acquires individual billing information included in the billing data based on the billing data; a notification unit that notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount of the billing based on the billing information; a settlement processing unit that executes settlement by a settlement method specified by the patient at a first timing based on the billing information; a prescription information acquisition unit that acquires prescription information of the patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered to the patient; and a prescription information display unit that displays the prescription information and cooperates with a dispensing pharmacy that is responsible for delivering prescription drugs.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that allows a patient to pay for medical services received and delivers prescription drugs to the patient, comprising: a billing data acquisition unit that acquires billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution; a billing information acquisition unit that acquires individual billing information included in the billing data based on the billing data; a notification unit that notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount of the billing based on the billing information; a settlement processing unit that executes settlement by a settlement method specified by the patient at a first timing based on the billing information; a prescription information acquisition unit that acquires prescription information of the patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered to the patient; and a prescription information display unit that displays the prescription information and cooperates with a dispensing pharmacy that is responsible for delivering prescription drugs.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for deferring payment for medical services received by a patient and for delivering prescription drugs, the method comprising: a billing data acquisition process in which a computer acquires billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution; a billing information acquisition process in which a computer acquires individual billing information contained in the billing data based on the billing data; a notification process in which a computer notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount for the payment based on the billing information; a settlement processing process in which a computer performs settlement using a payment method specified by the patient at a first timing based on the billing information; a prescription information acquisition process in which a computer acquires prescription information for the patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered; and a prescription information display process in which a computer displays the prescription information and cooperates with a dispensing pharmacy that is responsible for delivering prescription drugs.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that allows a patient to pay for medical services received and to deliver prescription drugs to their home, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: a billing data acquisition step of acquiring billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution; a billing information acquisition step of acquiring individual billing information included in the billing data based on the billing data; a notification step of notifying the patient of the planned settlement amount of the payment based on the billing information; a settlement processing step of executing settlement by a payment method specified by the patient at a first timing based on the billing information; a prescription information acquisition step of acquiring prescription information of the patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered to their home; and a prescription information display step of displaying the prescription information and coordinating with a dispensing pharmacy that is responsible for delivering prescription drugs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] As described above, the present invention can improve convenience for either or both medical institutions and patients in medical services. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the patient terminal device 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical institution terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This sequence diagram shows an example of processing in the SYS information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This sequence diagram shows another example of processing in the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]It is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing in the information processing system SYS according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing in the information processing system SYS according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing in the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another example of the information processing in the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing another example of the information processing in the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing another example of the information processing in the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The information processing system SYS is an information processing system that pays the price for the medical services received by the patient later. It acquires the billing data for the price of the medical services received by the patient at the medical institution, and based on the billing data, acquires the individual billing information included in the billing data. Based on the billing information, it notifies the patient of the scheduled payment amount for the settlement of the price, and based on the billing information, it executes the settlement by the payment method designated by the patient at the first timing. The information processing system SYS will be described in more detail.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system SYS comprises a patient terminal device 100, a medical institution terminal device 200, and an information processing device 300. The patient terminal device 100, the medical institution terminal device 200, and the information processing device 300 are connected to each other via a network NW so that they can communicate with one another.

[0017] The patient terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC used by the patient. The patient terminal device 100 performs various processes by running web services or applications. The patient terminal device 100 has the function of managing the patient's medical card information for each medical institution. The patient terminal device 100 has the function of accepting the patient's choice of having prescribed medicines delivered to their home or picked up at a pharmacy, and whether or not to pay for medical services and / or prescribed medicines at the medical institution later. In addition, the patient terminal device 100 has the function of presenting various notifications to the patient (user).

[0018] The medical institution terminal device 200 is a terminal device or server device used in medical institutions (e.g., pharmacies, hospitals, etc.). The medical institution terminal device 200 has the function of registering patients for medical treatment by reading patient card information. The medical institution terminal device 200 has the function of issuing prescriptions to patients. The medical institution terminal device 200 has the function of generating billing data based on the cost of medical services, such as medical fees. The medical institution terminal device 200 has the function of managing appointment lists, such as patient appointments. The medical institution terminal device 200 has the function of managing income and expenses at medical institutions, such as payments for medical services. Here, the compensation for medical services includes medical fees, dispensing fees, etc.

[0019] The prescription may be a paper prescription, an electronic prescription, or identification information such as prescription identification information for identifying the prescription.

[0020] The information processing device 300 is a server device. The information processing device 300 acquires prescription information from the patient terminal device 100. The information processing device 300 has a function to compare user information with patient information and register users. The information processing device 300 has a function to acquire the reservation list for the next day and to check (verify) whether each user (patient) included in the reservation list can use a payment method (e.g., credit card). When the information processing device 300 acquires billing data, it has a function to perform payment processing by referring to the individual billing information included in the billing data. Payment processing is a process to secure a credit limit on a credit card if the billing amount is above a predetermined amount (e.g., 50,000 yen). The information processing device 300 has a function to notify the patient of the planned payment amount. The information processing device 300 has a function to execute payment at a first timing after notifying the patient of the planned payment amount, for example, after a predetermined number of days. The information processing device 300 has a function to notify the patient that payment has been completed at a second timing after payment is completed, for example, after payment is completed at a predetermined time such as 10:00 a.m.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the patient terminal device 100 will be explained in detail.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the patient terminal device 100 according to this embodiment. The patient terminal device 100 is comprised of a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, an output unit 130, a control unit 140, and a storage unit 150.

[0023] The communication unit 110 has the function of communicating with other devices in the SYS information processing system via a network. The communication unit 110 outputs various information and signals received from other devices to the control unit 140. The communication unit 110 also transmits various information and signals output from the control unit 140 to other devices.

[0024] The input unit 120 consists of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, power button, and settings button.

[0025] The output unit 130 is an output device such as a display unit or a speaker.

[0026] The control unit 140 has the function of controlling the patient terminal device 100. The control unit 140 is comprised of a registration unit 141, a patient information management unit 142, and a notification unit 143.

[0027] The registration unit 141 has the function of registering users to utilize the deferred payment system for medical services. The registration unit 141 will be described in more detail below. The registration unit 141 includes a payment selection unit 1411, a service selection unit 1412, and a personal information acquisition unit 1413.

[0028] The payment selection unit 1411 accepts the user's selection regarding whether or not to use deferred payment. The payment selection unit 1411 outputs the selection result (whether or not to use deferred payment) to the service selection unit 1412.

[0029] The service selection unit 1412 accepts the user's selection regarding whether or not to use the home delivery dispensing service. Home delivery dispensing is a service in which prescribed medications are delivered to the patient's home without the patient having to go to a pharmacy. The service selection unit 1412 outputs the selection result regarding whether or not to use home delivery dispensing to the personal information acquisition unit 1413.

[0030] The personal information acquisition unit 1413 acquires personal information entered by the user, such as the patient's name, date of birth, gender, address, email address, patient's medical card number, and credit card information. If the patient uses the home delivery prescription service, the personal information acquisition unit 1413 further acquires the patient's health insurance card information as personal information. The personal information acquisition unit 1413 transmits the personal information to the information processing device 300 as user information.

[0031] The patient ID card information management unit 142 has the function of managing patient ID card information for each medical institution and for each patient. The patient ID card information management unit 142 accepts patient ID card information input in response to user operation and stores the patient ID card information as patient ID card information 151 in the storage unit 150. The patient ID card information management unit 142 reads the patient ID card information 151 from the storage unit 150 in response to user operation and outputs the patient ID card information 151 to the output unit 130.

[0032] The notification unit 143 has the function of notifying the user of various information. These various information include, for example, user registration completion notifications, deferred payment ineligible notifications, billing amount notifications, payment completion notifications, receipts, medical fee statements, and various error notifications.

[0033] The memory unit 150 stores the patient ID card information 151. The patient ID information 151 includes at least patient ID identification information (patient ID number).

[0034] Next, the configuration of the medical institution terminal device 200 will be explained.

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical institution terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The medical institution terminal device 200 is comprised of a communication unit 210, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, a control unit 240, and a storage unit 250.

[0036] The communication unit 210 has the function of communicating with other devices in the SYS information processing system via the network. The communication unit 210 outputs various information and signals received from other devices to the control unit 240. The communication unit 210 also transmits various information and signals output from the control unit 240 to other devices.

[0037] The input unit 220 consists of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, power button, and settings button.

[0038] The output unit 230 consists of output devices such as a display unit and a speaker.

[0039] The control unit 240 has the function of controlling the medical institution terminal device 200. The control unit 240 is comprised of a user registration unit 241, a medical consultation reception unit 242, a prescription registration unit 243, a cost registration unit 244, a payment processing unit 245, an issuance unit 246, and a reservation confirmation unit 247.

[0040] The user registration unit 241 transmits connection information, which is registration destination information, to the patient terminal device 100 of a patient who is newly using the deferred payment service for medical services. The connection information may be provided by having the patient terminal device 100 read a two-dimensional code, or by notifying the patient of a connection destination URL, etc. When the user registration unit 241 receives a user registration request from the information processing device 300, it stores information indicating that user registration is complete in the storage unit 250, associating it with the patient information.

[0041] The medical reception department 242 acquires patient card information from the patient terminal device 100 and performs medical reception for the patient corresponding to the acquired patient card information.

[0042] The prescription registration unit 243 stores the prescription information entered by the physician in the storage unit 250.

[0043] The expense registration unit 244 accepts registration of expense information as payment for medical services from medical professionals and others. The expense registration unit 244 stores the expense information as expense information 253 in the storage unit 250. The expense registration unit 244 generates billing data including expense information for each patient on the day of treatment and transmits it to the information processing device 300 at a predetermined time, for example, at night on the day of treatment. The expense registration unit 244 reads the expense information from the storage unit 250 in response to a request from the information processing device 300. The expense registration unit 244 transmits the read expense information as billing information to the information processing device 300.

[0044] When the payment processing unit 245 receives a payment completion notification from the information processing unit 300 based on the completion of settlement of payment for medical services, it sends a response to the information processing unit 300.

[0045] Based on the response sent by the payment processing unit 245, the issuing unit 246 issues receipts, medical fee statements, etc., and transmits them to the patient terminal device 100.

[0046] Receipts and medical fee statements may be submitted electronically or on paper.

[0047] The reservation confirmation unit 247 reads the patient's reservation information for the next business day from the storage unit 250. The reservation confirmation unit 247 transmits the patient's reservation information for the next business day as a reservation list to the information processing device 300.

[0048] The memory unit 250 stores patient information 251, prescription information 252, cost information 253, and reservation information 254.

[0049] Patient information 251 includes at least the patient's name, date of birth, and gender. Prescription information 252 is prescription information for each patient. Cost information 253 is cost information for each patient. Reservation information 254 is information about a medical appointment.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 300 will be explained.

[0051] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 300 is comprised of a communication unit 310, an input unit 320, an output unit 330, a control unit 340, and a storage unit 350.

[0052] The communication unit 310 has the function of communicating with other devices in the SYS information processing system via a network. The communication unit 310 outputs various information and signals received from other devices to the control unit 340. The communication unit 310 also transmits various information and signals output from the control unit 340 to other devices.

[0053] The input unit 320 consists of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, power button, and settings button.

[0054] The output unit 330 consists of output devices such as a display unit and a speaker.

[0055] The control unit 340 has the function of controlling the information processing device 300. The control unit 340 is comprised of an information acquisition unit 341, an information verification unit 342, a reservation list acquisition unit 343, a payment verification unit 344, a prescription acquisition unit 345, a prescription verification unit 346, a dispensing request unit 347, a processing unit 348, and a notification unit 349.

[0056] The information acquisition unit 341 acquires user information related to user registration from the patient terminal device 100. Based on the acquisition of user information, the information acquisition unit 341 requests patient information corresponding to the medical card information included in the user information from the medical institution terminal device 200. In response to the request, the information acquisition unit 341 acquires patient information from the medical institution terminal device 200. The information acquisition unit 341 outputs the user information and patient information to the information matching unit 342.

[0057] When user information and patient information are input, the information matching unit 342 matches (determines) whether the date of birth and gender in the user information match the date of birth and gender in the patient information. If the date of birth and gender in the user information match the date of birth and gender in the patient information, the information matching unit 342 stores the user information in the storage unit 350. If the date of birth and gender in the user information do not match the date of birth and gender in the patient information, the information matching unit 342 sends an error notification to the patient terminal device 100.

[0058] Furthermore, the processing in the information acquisition unit 341 and the information verification unit 342 only needs to be performed during the initial registration when the patient uses the deferred payment service for medical services.

[0059] The reservation list acquisition unit 343 acquires the reservation list for the next day's medical treatment from the medical institution terminal device 200. The reservation list acquisition unit 343 outputs the reservation list to the payment verification unit 344.

[0060] The payment verification unit 344 reads the user information of each patient included in the reservation list from the storage unit 350. The payment verification unit 344 verifies whether the payment method (e.g., credit card) included in the user information of each patient is valid. The payment verification unit 344 transmits the patient's medical card information for patients whose payment method included in the user information is not valid to the medical institution terminal device 200 as a credit card unusable notification.

[0061] Furthermore, the credit card payment failure notification may also be a notification prompting the user to update their information. In this case, the credit card payment failure notification may be sent to the patient terminal device 100 instead of, or in addition to, the medical institution terminal device 200.

[0062] The prescription acquisition unit 345 acquires prescription information from the medical institution terminal device 200. This prescription information includes at least patient ID information. The prescription acquisition unit 345 outputs the prescription information to the prescription verification unit 346.

[0063] The prescription matching unit 346 reads user information corresponding to the patient ID number included in the prescription information from the storage unit 350. The prescription matching unit 346 checks whether the patient ID number in the user information matches the date of birth in the user information, the gender in the user information, the patient ID number in the prescription information, the date of birth in the prescription information, and the gender in the prescription information. If the patient ID number in the user information matches the date of birth in the user information, the gender in the user information, the patient ID number in the prescription information, the date of birth in the prescription information, and the gender in the prescription information, the prescription matching unit 346 transmits a matching result indicating a mismatch to the medical institution terminal device 200. If the patient ID number in the user information matches the date of birth in the user information, the gender in the user information, the patient ID number in the prescription information, the date of birth in the prescription information, and the gender in the prescription information, the prescription matching unit 346 refers to the user information to confirm whether the patient is covered by public funds. If the patient is covered by public funds, the prescription matching unit 346 transmits a matching result indicating that the patient is covered by public funds to the medical institution terminal device 200.

[0064] The dispensing request unit 347 requests dispensing by transmitting prescription information of patients whose prescriptions are not covered by public funds to a terminal device (not shown) at the dispensing pharmacy.

[0065] The processing unit 348 includes a billing data acquisition unit 3481, a billing information acquisition unit 3482, and a settlement processing unit 3483.

[0066] The billing data acquisition unit 3481 acquires billing data from the medical institution terminal device 200.

[0067] The billing information acquisition unit 3482 requests individual billing information included in the billing data from the medical institution terminal device 200 and acquires the billing information as a response.

[0068] The payment processing unit 3483 determines whether the amount indicated by the billing information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, 50,000 yen). If the amount indicated by the billing information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, 50,000 yen), the payment processing unit 3483 refers to the user information 351 and secures the credit limit for the credit card. If the amount indicated by the billing information is not equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, 50,000 yen), or if the credit limit on the credit card has been secured, the settlement processing unit 3483 will settle the amount indicated by the billing information from the credit card at a predetermined first timing (for example, two days later, three days later, etc.) after sending the billing amount notification.

[0069] If the payment processing unit 3483 fails to secure the credit limit on the credit card, the notification unit 349 sends a notification to the medical institution terminal device 200 indicating that the credit limit was not secured. If the amount indicated by the billing information is not equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (e.g., 50,000 yen), or if the credit limit on the credit card is secured, the notification unit 349 sends the amount indicated by the billing information to the patient terminal device 100 as a billing amount notification. Based on the completion of the payment, the notification unit 349 sends a payment completion notification to the patient terminal device 100 at a predetermined second timing (e.g., 9:00 a.m.). Based on the completion of the payment, the notification unit 349 sends a deposit completion notification to the medical institution terminal device 200.

[0070] The memory unit 350 stores user information 351.

[0071] Next, we will explain the processing flow in the SYS information processing system.

[0072] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 5 is an example of the process related to registering for a deferred payment service for medical services. In step ST101, the medical institution terminal device 200 transmits connection destination information to the patient terminal device 100. The patient terminal device 100 then executes the process in step ST102.

[0073] In step ST102, the patient terminal device 100 connects to the destination indicated by the connection destination information and accepts the user's input of personal information. The patient terminal device 100 transmits the personal information as user information to the information processing device 300. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step ST103.

[0074] In step ST103, the information processing device 300 sends a patient information request to the medical institution terminal device 200 requesting patient information corresponding to the medical card number included in the user information. The medical institution terminal device 200 then executes the process in step ST104.

[0075] In step ST104, the medical institution terminal device 200 transmits the requested patient information to the information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 then executes the process in step ST105.

[0076] In step ST105, the information processing device 300 compares the user information with the patient information to confirm whether the date of birth and gender match. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step ST106.

[0077] In step ST106, the information processing device 300 sends a user registration request to the medical institution terminal device 200 based on the fact that the date of birth and gender in the user information and the patient information match. The medical institution terminal device 200 then executes the process in step ST107.

[0078] In step ST107, the medical institution terminal device 200 sends a response to the information processing device 300 as a response to the user registration request. The information processing device 300 then executes the process in step ST108.

[0079] In step ST108, the information processing device 300 sends a user registration completion notification to the patient terminal device 100 indicating that user registration has been completed. Then, the process shown in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0080] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing another example of processing in the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 6 illustrates a process for verifying the validity of a credit card based on the appointment list for the following day. In step ST201, the medical institution terminal device 200 transmits the appointment list for the next day's medical services to the information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 then executes the process in step ST202.

[0081] In step ST202, the information processing device 300 refers to the user information of each patient included in the reservation list and verifies whether the credit card is valid. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step ST203.

[0082] In step ST203, the information processing device 300 sends a credit card invalidation notification to the medical institution terminal device 200 for patients whose credit cards are not valid. The medical institution terminal device 200 then executes the process in step ST204.

[0083] In step ST204, the medical institution terminal device 200 sends a response to the information processing device 300 in response to the credit card unusable notification. Next, the patient terminal device 100 performs the processing in step ST205.

[0084] In step ST205, the patient terminal device 100 performs medical registration using the patient's medical card information. Next, the medical institution terminal device 200 executes the process in step ST206.

[0085] In step ST206, the medical institution terminal device 200, based on the fact that a patient who has received a credit card payment rejection notice has been registered for medical treatment, sends a post-payment rejection notice to the patient terminal device 100 indicating that post-payment for medical services is not available. Subsequently, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0086] Note that the processing in steps ST205 and ST206 may be performed at a different time than the processing up to step ST204.

[0087] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing another example of processing in the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 7 illustrates how to handle a situation where a patient has selected home delivery of their medication at the time of registration. In step ST301, the patient terminal device 100 sends a home delivery prescription request to the medical institution terminal device 200, according to the user's selection. The medical institution terminal device 200 then executes the process in step ST302.

[0088] In step ST302, the medical institution terminal device 200 transmits prescription information to the information processing device 300 based on the fact that prescription information for the patient has been registered by the physician. The information processing device 300 then executes the process in step ST303.

[0089] In step ST303, the information processing device 300 verifies whether the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the prescription information match the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the user information. Then, it terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0090] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing another example of processing in the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 8 illustrates how payment for medical services is processed after a patient returns home from a medical institution. In step ST401, the medical institution terminal device 200 accepts registration of expense information as payment for medical services by medical professionals. Next, the medical institution terminal device 200 executes the process in step ST402.

[0091] In step ST402, the medical institution terminal device 200 transmits the billing data to the information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 then executes the process in step ST403.

[0092] In step ST403, the information processing device 300 sends a billing information request to the medical institution terminal device 200, requesting billing information for each patient included in the billing data. The medical institution terminal device 200 then executes the process in step ST404.

[0093] In step ST404, the medical institution terminal device 200 transmits billing information to the information processing device 300 as a response to the billing information request. The information processing device 300 then executes the process in step ST405.

[0094] In step ST405, the information processing device 300 performs settlement processing, such as securing a credit limit if the amount indicated by the billing information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Next, the information processing device 300 performs the processing in step ST406.

[0095] In step ST406, the information processing device 300 sends a billing amount notification to the patient terminal device 100. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step ST407.

[0096] In step ST407, the information processing device 300 settles the amount indicated by the billing information from the credit card at a predetermined first timing after sending the billing amount notification. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step ST408.

[0097] In step ST408, the information processing device 300 sends a payment completion notification to the patient terminal device 100 indicating that the payment has been completed. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step ST409.

[0098] In step ST409, the information processing device 300 sends a payment completion notification to the medical institution terminal device 200 based on the completion of the payment. The medical institution terminal device 200 then executes the process in step ST410.

[0099] In step ST410, the medical institution terminal device 200 sends a response to the information processing device 300 as a response to the payment completion notification. Next, the medical institution terminal device 200 executes the process of step ST411.

[0100] In step ST411, the medical institution terminal device 200 issues a receipt and a medical fee statement and sends them to the patient terminal device 100. Then, the process shown in Figure 8 is completed.

[0101] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing in the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 9 is an example of the process related to registering for a deferred payment service for medical services. In step S101, the information processing device 300 obtains user information from the patient terminal device 100. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S102.

[0102] In step S102, the information processing device 300 obtains patient information corresponding to the patient's medical card information from the medical institution terminal device 200. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S103.

[0103] In step S103, the information processing device 300 determines whether the date of birth and gender of the user information and the patient information match. If the date of birth and gender of the user information and the patient information match (step S103 YES), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S104. If the date of birth and gender of the user information and the patient information do not match (step S103 NO), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S106.

[0104] In step S104, the information processing device 300 transmits a user registration request to the medical institution terminal device 200. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S105.

[0105] In step S105, the information processing device 300 sends a user registration completion notification to the patient terminal device 100. Then, the information processing device 300 terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0106] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing another example of information processing in the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 10 illustrates a process for verifying the validity of a credit card based on the appointment list for the following day.

[0107] In step S201, the information processing device 300 obtains the reservation list from the medical institution terminal device 200. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S202.

[0108] In step S202, the information processing device 300 checks whether the credit card is valid by referring to the user information of each patient included in the reservation list. If the credit card is valid (step S202 YES), the information processing device 300 terminates the process shown in Figure 10. If the credit card is not valid (step S202 NO), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S203.

[0109] In step S203, the information processing device 300 sends a notification to the medical institution terminal device 200 that the credit card is invalid for patients whose credit cards are not valid. Then, the information processing device 300 terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0110] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing another example of information processing in the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 11 illustrates how to handle a situation where a patient has selected home delivery of their medication at the time of registration. In step S301, the information processing device 300 obtains prescription information from the medical institution terminal device 200. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S302.

[0111] In step S302, the information processing device 300 checks whether the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the prescription information match the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the user information. If the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the prescription information match the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the user information (step S302 YES), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S303. If the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the prescription information do not match the patient information, date of birth, and gender in the user information (step S302 NO), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S305.

[0112] In step S303, the information processing device 300 checks whether the patient is covered by public funds by referring to the user information. If the patient is covered by public funds (step S303 YES), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S306. If the patient is not covered by public funds (step S303 NO), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S304.

[0113] In step S304, the information processing device 300 requests dispensing by transmitting prescription information to a terminal device (not shown) at the dispensing pharmacy. Then, the process shown in Figure 11 is terminated.

[0114] In step S305, the information processing device 300 notifies the medical institution terminal device 200 that it is unavailable. Then, the process shown in Figure 11 is terminated.

[0115] In step S306, the information processing device 300 notifies the medical institution terminal device 200 that the patient is covered by public funds. Then, the process shown in Figure 11 is terminated.

[0116] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of information processing in the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 12 illustrates how payment for medical services is processed after a patient returns home from a medical institution. In step S401, the information processing device 300 obtains billing data from the medical institution terminal device 200. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S402.

[0117] In step S402, the information processing device 300 sends a billing information request to the medical institution terminal device 200, requesting billing information for each patient included in the billing data. The medical institution terminal device 200 then performs the processing in step S403.

[0118] In step S403, it is determined whether the amount indicated by the billing information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. If the amount indicated by the billing information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S403 YES), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S404. If the amount indicated by the billing information is not equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S403 NO), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S405.

[0119] In step S404, the information processing device 300 refers to the user information 351 and secures a credit limit for the credit card. If the credit limit is secured (step S404 YES), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S405. If the credit limit cannot be secured (step S404 NO), the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S409.

[0120] In step S405, the information processing device 300 transmits the amount indicated by the billing information to the patient terminal device 100 as a billing amount notification. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S406.

[0121] In step S406, the information processing device 300 settles the amount indicated by the billing information from the credit card at a predetermined first timing after sending the billing amount notification. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S407.

[0122] In step S407, the information processing device 300 transmits a payment completion notification to the patient terminal device 100 at a predetermined second timing based on the completion of the payment. Next, the information processing device 300 executes the process in step S408.

[0123] In step S408, the information processing device 300 sends a payment completion notification to the medical institution terminal device 200 based on the completion of the payment. Then, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0124] In step S409, if the information processing device 300 fails to secure the credit limit for the credit card, it sends a notification to the medical institution terminal device 200 indicating that it failed to secure the credit limit. Then, it terminates the process shown in Figure 12.

[0125] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 300 will be described.

[0126] Figure 13 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 300 is comprised of a CPU 301, a drive unit 302, a storage medium 303, an input unit 304, an output unit 305, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 306, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 307, an auxiliary storage unit 308, and an interface unit 309.

[0127] The CPU 301, drive unit 302, input unit 304, output unit 305, ROM 306, RAM 307, auxiliary storage unit 308, and interface unit 309 are interconnected via a bus. In this context, CPU301 refers to processors in general, and includes not only devices commonly known as CPUs in the narrow sense, but also, for example, GPUs and DSPs. Furthermore, CPU301 is not limited to being implemented by a single processor, but may be implemented by combining multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0128] The CPU 201 controls the information processing device 300 by reading and executing programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 308, ROM 306, and RAM 307, and by reading various data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 308, ROM 306, and RAM 307 and writing various data to the auxiliary storage unit 308 and RAM 307. The CPU 301 also reads various data stored in the storage medium 303 via the drive unit 302 and writes various data to the storage medium 303. The storage medium 303 is a portable storage medium such as a magneto-optical disk, flexible disk, or flash memory, and stores various data. The drive unit 302 is a device that reads and writes to storage media 303 such as optical disc drives, flexible disc drives, and flash memory.

[0129] The input unit 304 includes input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, power button, settings button, and infrared receiver. The output unit 305 is an output device such as a display unit or speaker. ROM 306 and RAM 307 store programs and various data necessary to operate each functional unit of the information processing device 300.

[0130] The auxiliary storage unit 308 is a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc., and stores programs and various data for operating each functional unit of the information processing device 300. The interface unit 309 has a communication interface and is connected to other devices in the network NW or information processing system SYS by wired or wireless means.

[0131] For example, in the functional configuration of the information processing device 300 in Figure 4, the communication unit 310 corresponds to the interface unit 309 in Figure 13, the input unit 320 in Figure 4 corresponds to the input unit 304 in Figure 13, the output unit 330 in Figure 4 corresponds to the output unit 305 in Figure 13, the control unit 340 in Figure 4 corresponds to the CPU 301 in Figure 13, and the storage unit 350 in Figure 4 corresponds to the storage medium 303, ROM 306, RAM 307, and auxiliary storage unit 308 in Figure 13.

[0132] As described above, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment is an information processing system SYS that allows patients to pay for medical services they have received and to deliver prescription drugs to their homes, and comprises: a billing data acquisition unit 3481 that acquires billing data for medical services received by patients at a medical institution; a billing information acquisition unit 3482 that acquires individual billing information included in the billing data based on the billing data; a notification unit 349 that notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount based on the billing information; a settlement processing unit 3483 that executes settlement using the payment method specified by the patient at the first timing based on the billing information; a prescription information acquisition unit (prescription acquisition unit 345) that acquires prescription information of patients who wish to have prescription drugs delivered to their homes; and a prescription information display unit (dispensing request unit 347) that displays prescription information and cooperates with dispensing pharmacies that are responsible for delivering prescription drugs.

[0133] This approach improves patient convenience because patients do not have to wait to pay after their consultation. Furthermore, healthcare professionals can extend the processing time for accounting tasks, from calculating to collecting medical fees, and distribute accounting work during this period. This reduces the burden on healthcare professionals and improves convenience. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience for one or both healthcare providers and patients in medical services.

[0134] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0135] Furthermore, the program that operates in the information processing device 300 in one aspect of the present invention may be one or more programs that control processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) (programs that make a computer function) in order to realize the functions shown in the above embodiments and modifications relating to one aspect of the present invention. The term "computer" here includes quantum computers. The information handled by each of these devices is temporarily stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as flash memory and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and may be read, modified, and written by the CPU or the like as needed.

[0136] Furthermore, some or all of the pharmacy database 3 in each of the embodiments and modifications described above may be implemented using a computer equipped with one or more processors. In that case, the program for implementing this control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed.

[0137] In this context, "computer system" refers to the computer system built into the information processing device 300, including hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems.

[0138] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, as well as those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, and may also be a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0139] Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device 300 in each of the embodiments and modifications described above may be implemented as an LSI, which is typically an integrated circuit, or as a chipset. Also, each functional block of the information processing device 300 in each of the embodiments and modifications described above may be individually chipped, or some or all of them may be integrated into a chip. In addition, the method of implementing the integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits and / or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, it is also possible to use an integrated circuit based on that technology.

[0140] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings as one aspect of this invention, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and includes design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this invention. Furthermore, various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims for one aspect of this invention, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this invention. In addition, configurations in which elements described in the above embodiments and modifications that produce similar effects are substituted for each other are also included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0141] SYS Information Processing System 100 Patient terminal devices 110 Communications Department 120 Input section 130 Output section 140 Control Unit 141 Registration Department 1411 Payment Selection Section 1412 Service Selection Section 1413 Personal Information Acquisition Department 142 Medical Card Information Management Department 150 Storage section 200 Medical Institution Terminal Devices 210 Communications Department 220 Input section 230 Output section 240 Control Unit 241 User Registration Section 242 Medical Reception Department 243 Prescription Registration Department 244 Expense Registration Department 245 Deposit Processing Department 246 Publishing Department 247 Reservation Confirmation Department 250 Storage section 251 Patient Information 252 Prescription Information 253 Cost Information 254 Reservation Information 300 Information Processing Devices 301 CPU 302 Drive Unit 303 Storage medium 304 Input section 305 Output section 306 ROM 307 RAM 308 Auxiliary storage 309 Interface section 310 Communications Department 320 Input section 330 Output section 340 Control Unit 341 Information Acquisition Department 342 Information Verification Unit 343 Reservation List Acquisition Section 344 Payment Verification Department 345 Prescription Acquisition Department 346 Prescription Verification Unit 347 Dispensing Request Department 348 Processing Unit 3481 Billing Data Acquisition Department 3482 Billing information acquisition department 3483 Payment Processing Unit 350 Storage section 351 User information

Claims

1. This is an information processing system that allows patients to pay for medical services they have received in arrears, and also delivers prescription drugs to their homes. A billing data acquisition unit that acquires billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution, A billing information acquisition unit acquires individual billing information included in the billing data based on the aforementioned billing data, A notification unit that notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount of the consideration based on the aforementioned billing information, A settlement processing unit that, based on the aforementioned billing information, executes payment using the payment method specified by the patient at the first timing, A prescription information acquisition unit that acquires prescription information of the aforementioned patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered, A prescription information display unit that displays the aforementioned prescription information and collaborates with pharmacies that handle the delivery of prescription drugs, Equipped with, Information processing system.

2. The aforementioned settlement processing unit, If the aforementioned planned settlement amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a credit line will be secured. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned notification unit, The patient will be notified at a second time that the aforementioned payment has been completed. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. A reservation list acquisition unit that acquires a list of patient reservations for the next day of consultation at the aforementioned medical institution, Based on the aforementioned reservation list, a payment verification unit verifies whether each patient's payment method is valid, Furthermore, The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. An information processing device that allows patients to pay for medical services they have received in arrears, and further delivers prescription drugs to their homes. A billing data acquisition unit that acquires billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution, A billing information acquisition unit acquires individual billing information included in the billing data based on the aforementioned billing data, A notification unit that notifies the patient of the planned settlement amount of the consideration based on the aforementioned billing information, A settlement processing unit that, based on the aforementioned billing information, executes payment using the payment method specified by the patient at the first timing, A prescription information acquisition unit that acquires prescription information of the aforementioned patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered, A prescription information display unit that displays the aforementioned prescription information and collaborates with pharmacies that handle the delivery of prescription drugs, Equipped with, Information processing device.

6. An information processing method that allows patients to pay for medical services they have received in arrears, and furthermore, delivers prescription drugs to their homes, using a computer. A process for acquiring billing data to obtain billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution, A billing information acquisition process that acquires individual billing information contained in the billing data based on the aforementioned billing data, A notification process in which the patient is notified of the planned settlement amount of the consideration based on the aforementioned billing information, A settlement processing process that, based on the aforementioned billing information, executes payment using the payment method specified by the patient at the first timing, The prescription information acquisition process involves obtaining prescription information from the aforementioned patient who wishes to have their prescription medication delivered, A prescription information display process that displays the aforementioned prescription information and collaborates with pharmacies responsible for home delivery of prescription drugs, Having, Information processing methods.

7. A program that allows patients to pay for medical services they receive in arrears, and also delivers prescription drugs to their homes, using a computer. A billing data acquisition step involves obtaining billing data for the medical services received by the patient at a medical institution, and A billing information acquisition step, based on the aforementioned billing data, acquires individual billing information included in the aforementioned billing data. A notification step of notifying the patient of the planned settlement amount of the consideration based on the aforementioned billing information, A payment processing step that, based on the aforementioned billing information, executes payment using the payment method specified by the patient at the first timing, A prescription information acquisition step to obtain prescription information of the aforementioned patient who wishes to have prescription drugs delivered, A prescription information display step that displays the aforementioned prescription information and collaborates with pharmacies that handle the delivery of prescription drugs, A program to execute.

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