Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide improved information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs for prescription drugs or substitutes for prescription drugs. [Solution] In an information processing system in which a server device, a government terminal, and a client device transmit or receive various information from each other via a network, the processor of the server device includes a specific control unit and a display control unit. The specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical cost information relating to the amount required to acquire prescription drugs and pharmaceutical substitute information relating to prescription drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effect or efficacy as prescription drugs. The display control unit displays the variable information. The variable information is the amount that changes when purchasing the pharmaceutical substitute indicated by the pharmaceutical substitute information compared to acquiring prescription drugs, and is information that indicates the amount calculated from the pharmaceutical cost information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] According to one aspect of the prior art, "Regarding an online counseling system and an online counseling method, a patient terminal for patients receiving online counseling and an expert terminal for experts including at least a pharmacist are connected so as to be communicable in real time, and in an online counseling system for performing medication counseling on OTC pharmaceuticals for patients, it has means for performing food counseling such as supplements, acquires health diagnosis data of the patient, and performs the above-mentioned medication counseling and food counseling by referring to the acquired health diagnosis data of the patient" is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, technologies more improved with respect to medical pharmaceuticals or substitutes for medical pharmaceuticals have been demanded.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system comprising a specific control unit and a display control unit, wherein the specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical cost information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to a medical drug substitute that is expected to have the same effect or efficacy as the medical drug, and the display control unit displays fluctuation information, wherein the fluctuation information is an amount that changes when purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated by the medical drug substitute information compared to when acquiring the medical drug, and is information that indicates an amount calculated from the pharmaceutical cost information.

[0006] This disclosure provides an improved technology with respect to pharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical substitutes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a business model according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of Information Processing System 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of server device 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of government terminal 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of client device 4. [Figure 6] This is an example of a block diagram showing the functions implemented by the processor 21 of server device 2. [Figure 7] This is an example of a block diagram showing the functions implemented by the processor 31 of government terminal 3. [Figure 8] This is an example of a block diagram showing the functions implemented by the processor 41 of the client device 4. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a sequence diagram according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the administration screen 6. [Figure 11]This figure shows an example of the government database DB1. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the medication record database DB2. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 7. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the purchase screen 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0009] The program for implementing the software described in one embodiment may be provided as a computer-readable non-transitory computer-readable medium, or it may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client device (so-called cloud computing).

[0010] In one embodiment, "part" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by a circuit in a broad sense, and the information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In one embodiment, various types of information are handled, and these types of information may be represented, for example, by the physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, the high or low values ​​of signal values ​​as a set of binary bits composed of 0s or 1s, or by quantum superposition (so-called qubits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0011] A circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by appropriately combining at least a circuit (Circuit), circuitry (Circuitry), a processor (Processor), and a memory (Memory), etc. Also, the processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0012] In this specification, "A or B" includes A, B, and the combination of AB. "At least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of ABC.

[0013] In this specification, "A based on B" means that B is a factor that affects the determination of A, but it does not exclude the possibility that another element C also affects the determination of A in addition to B.

[0014] In this specification, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used as labels for the preceding nouns and do not indicate any kind of ordering (such as the order displayed to the user, the order of information processing, etc.).

[0015] (Overview of the business model) The components and information processing described in this specification are for explaining an example of the business model shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the business model according to this embodiment. Examples of the entities for each action in this business model include, but are not limited to, users, organizations operating each service, insurers, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, each service includes a My Number service, a tax service, a health management service, and an EC service.

[0016] The user uses the My Number service, the tax service, the health management service, and the EC service. Also, the user is enrolled in the medical insurance system of one of the insurers in Japan, which is a national health insurance system, but is not limited to this. In the embodiment, the user operates the client device 4 described later.

[0017] The My Number service is a service that enables administrative procedures linked to the My Number, and examples include, but are not limited to, the My Portal, etc. The My Number service is provided by the government terminal 3 described later functioning.

[0018] The tax service is a service for tax declaration provided by the government, and examples include, but are not limited to, e-Tax, ELTAX, etc. The tax service is provided by the government terminal 3 described later functioning.

[0019] The health management service is a service for managing the user's activities and health status. The health management service is provided by the server device 2 described later functioning.

[0020] The EC service is a service for selling medical drug substitutes online. For example, it provides an EC site where medical drug substitutes can be purchased. The EC service is provided by the server device 2 described later functioning.

[0021] Medical drugs are medicines intended for use by physicians or dentists, or supplied for use by such persons under a prescription or direction. Medical drugs are covered by health insurance, and medical expenses are used for prescription and dispensing.

[0022] Substitutes for prescription drugs are products that, when taken or ingested by a user in place of a prescription drug, are expected to produce effects or efficacy equivalent to or similar to those of a prescription drug. Substitutes for prescription drugs include at least one of the following: over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, quasi-drugs, and food products.

[0023] In this specification, "effect or efficacy" means that the active ingredient contained in a prescription drug or prescription drug substitute is expected to prevent, alleviate, treat, or improve a specific symptom, chronic disease, acute disease, or health risk.

[0024] OTC drugs are medicines that can be purchased by users without a prescription. OTC drugs are medicines that can be obtained at pharmacies, drugstores, etc. OTC drugs may also include the concept of general-use medicines, consisting of Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 medicines. Furthermore, the classification of OTC drugs is not limited to Category 1 to Category 3, and may include new classifications that arise after the filing date of this specification. Also, in this specification, OTC drugs do not necessarily include the concept of medicines that require guidance.

[0025] Quasi-drugs are products that contain active ingredients that are expected to have effects or benefits approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, etc., and are manufactured for the purpose of prevention or hygiene.

[0026] Food products are products that, when taken or consumed by the user, are expected to produce a predetermined effect or benefit. Food products include at least one of the following: foods for special dietary uses, foods with health claims, and general foods.

[0027] Foods for Special Dietary Uses are foods that are permitted to display a special use indication, such as being suitable for maintaining or restoring the growth or health of individuals requiring medical or nutritional considerations (e.g., infants, pregnant or lactating women, pregnant or lactating women, individuals with swallowing difficulties, sick individuals, etc.). The special use of a food for special dietary uses shall be within the scope of "effect or efficacy" as defined herein. Foods for special dietary uses include at least one of the following: foods for sick people, infant formula, infant formula for pregnant or lactating women, foods for individuals with swallowing difficulties, and foods for specified health uses. Foods for special dietary uses may also include concepts defined by voluntary laws such as the Health Promotion Act.

[0028] Foods with health claims are foods that broadly encompass all components of foods with functional properties, and which are required to have a certain level of scientific evidence to support their use. These foods are approved by the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency, etc., and are labeled as suitable for specific health purposes. The specific health uses of foods with health claims are within the scope of "effects or efficacy" as defined herein. Foods with health claims include at least one of the following: Foods for Specified Health Uses, Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, and Foods with Function Claims. Furthermore, foods with health claims may also include foods for which functionality can be displayed by any applicable law.

[0029] General foods may include health foods but not other general foods. Health foods are foods other than pharmaceuticals that, when taken orally, have an effect or efficacy that is particularly useful for maintaining or improving health. Health foods include at least one of the following: functional foods, nutritional supplements, health supplements, fortified foods, nutritional adjustment foods, and supplements. General foods may be limited to so-called supplements and other foods in tablet or capsule form that contain active ingredients expected to have a specific effect or efficacy. Functional foods, unlike health functional foods such as foods with functional claims, may not be foods that can display a functional claim.

[0030] The insurer is the entity responsible for bearing the user's medical expenses. The insurer of the medical insurance system a user joins differs for each user. Examples of insurers include, but are not limited to, health insurance societies, the National Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo), seamen's insurance, various mutual aid associations (national civil servant mutual aid, local civil servant mutual aid, private school teachers and staff mutual aid, etc.), local governments (national health insurance), and regional associations for medical care for the elderly. The term "insurer" may also include entities that newly arise after the filing date of this specification.

[0031] Medical expenses are fees paid to medical institutions or pharmacies for the purpose of treating illness or injury, preventing illness or injury, maintaining health, etc. Medical expenses are used, for example, as basic consultation fees, special consultation fees, dispensing fees, pharmaceutical management fees, drug fees, etc. Medical expenses are not limited to those listed and may be redefined in accordance with concepts that arise or disappear after the filing date of this specification.

[0032] A medical institution is a concept that includes facilities where doctors (which may also include dentists) examine patients and prescribe medical drugs, and encompasses hospitals, clinics, medical offices, etc.

[0033] Basic medical fees are a lump sum evaluation of the costs of basic medical procedures performed during initial or follow-up consultations and hospitalization. Examples include initial consultation fees, follow-up consultation fees, basic hospitalization fees, additional charges for basic hospitalization fees, and specific hospitalization fees.

[0034] Special medical fees are assigned points and evaluated individually for special medical procedures that are not appropriate to be paid as a lump sum under the basic medical fee. Examples include medical management, home medical care, examinations, diagnostic imaging, medication, injections, rehabilitation, specialized psychiatric therapy, treatment, surgery, anesthesia, radiation therapy, and pathological diagnosis.

[0035] The dispensing fee is a fee that arises based on an evaluation of the pharmacy's functions or system and the pharmacist's product-oriented work. The dispensing fee includes the basic dispensing fee and the drug preparation fee. The basic dispensing fee is a fee that arises based on an evaluation of the pharmacy's operational system or dispensing system. The drug preparation fee is a fee that arises based on an evaluation of the pharmacist's product-oriented work, such as drug preparation, drug selection, and final drug audit.

[0036] The pharmaceutical management fee is a fee that is charged based on the evaluation of the pharmacist's interpersonal services, such as managing medication history and providing medication guidance.

[0037] Drug costs are the price of the medicine itself and are calculated based on drug price standards, etc.

[0038] As an example of a business model, Figure 1 shows that it can be established through the actions of the user, each service, and the insurer, as follows. (1) The user authorizes the exchange of user information between the My Number Service and the Health Management Service (corresponding to S5 in Figure 9). (2) The insurer shall share medical expense information with the health management service. (3) The My Number Service shares medical expense information with the health management service (corresponding to S9-S10 in Figure 9). Note that the sharing of medical expense information only needs to be done by at least one of the insurer and the My Number Service. The health management service analyzes the user's medical expense information. The health management service also stores information on prescription drugs dispensed to the user as data in the medication record book. (4) The health management service displays alternatives to prescription drugs to the user (corresponding to S17 in Figure 9). (5) The user performs the operation to purchase a substitute for a prescription drug (corresponding to S18-S22 in Figure 9). (6) The EC service processes the delivery of the substitute for prescription drugs to the user (corresponding to S23 in Figure 9). (7) The e-commerce service transmits purchase information to the health management service. The health management service stores information on the purchased prescription drug substitutes as data in the medication record book (corresponding to S24 in Figure 9). (8) The health management service transmits to the insurer the amount of medical expenses that were reduced by purchasing alternatives to prescription drugs. (9) The insurer awards points to the user based on the amount of medical expenses that were reduced (corresponding to S25 in Figure 9). (10) If the health management service is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug substitute, it transmits the information of the OTC drug included in the purchase information to the tax service. The tax service collects the information of the OTC drug and processes it so that the user can apply for the self-medication tax deduction when filing their tax return (corresponding to S27-S28 in Figure 9). Note that the information of the OTC drug may be transmitted from the health management service to the tax service via the My Number service, or it may be transmitted from the health management service to the tax service without going through the My Number service.

[0039] In this specification, a medication record book is a means for recording and managing information about prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes that a user is taking or ingesting, and in this embodiment, it is described as being recorded as data on an electronic medium. In addition to information about dispensed prescription drugs, the medication record book may also record information about purchased prescription drug substitutes. The medication record book records at least one of the following pieces of information: the date the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute was obtained, the name of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute, the name of the active ingredient, the content of the active ingredient, the effect or efficacy of the active ingredient, the usage or dosage of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute, the number of days the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute was taken or ingested, details of the doctor, details of the medical institution, details of the pharmacist, details of the pharmacy, the shape of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute, the quantity of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute, precautions, the next scheduled visit, and medical instructions from the doctor or pharmacist. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the medication record book is described as recording and managing information on prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, quasi-drugs, and food products. However, it is also possible to record and manage information on prescription drugs, OTC drugs, quasi-drugs, and supplements, or to record and manage information on prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and quasi-drugs, excluding food products.

[0040] Points are rights that can be used to receive benefits. By using points, one can, for example, receive specific services, or acquire specific goods, electronic money, or gift certificates. The nature of the benefits received may vary depending on the amount of points used. Points are an example of a reward.

[0041] A reward is a benefit given to a user in proportion to the amount of medical expenses that are reduced. For example, in addition to the awarding of points as described in the embodiment, the reward may also be the awarding of electronic money, cash, discounts on goods or services, or the provision of goods or services free of charge.

[0042] The self-medication tax system is a tax incentive available to those who purchase eligible medicines exceeding a specified amount for themselves, their spouse, or other relatives who share a household with them during the year. The specified amount is, for example, 12,000 yen, but this may change due to legal revisions, etc.

[0043] (Configuration of Information Processing System 1) Figure 2 shows an example of the system configuration of Information Processing System 1. As shown in Figure 2, Information Processing System 1 includes a server device 2, a government terminal 3, and a client device 4. The server device 2, government terminal 3, and client device 4 can transmit and receive various information from each other via a network NW. Note that the server device 2, government terminal 3, and client device 4 are examples of information processing devices and are not limited to this embodiment. The government terminal 3 and client device 4 are computers, and may be composed of PCs (Personal Computers), tablet computers, smartphones, etc. Note that there is one or more of each of the server device 2, government terminal 3, and client device 4. Here, the system exemplified in Information Processing System 1 consists of one or more devices or components. Therefore, even a single server device 2, a single government terminal 3, or a single client device 4 is included in the system exemplified in Information Processing System 1.

[0044] (Hardware configuration of server device 2) Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of server device 2. As shown in Figure 3, server device 2 comprises a processor 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, and these components are electrically connected within server device 2 via a communication bus. The hardware of server device 2 may be configured separately for each health management service and EC service.

[0045] The processor 21 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the server device 2. The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 reads a predetermined program stored in the memory unit 22 and executes processing based on the program, thereby realizing various functions related to the server device 2, such as the processing shown in Figure 9, which will be described later. Note that the processor 21 is not limited to a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple processors 21 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The storage unit 22 stores various types of information as defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the server device 2 executed by the processor 21, or as memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The storage unit 22 stores various programs, variables, and data used by the processor 21 when it executes processing based on the programs related to the server device 2 executed by the processor 21. The storage unit 22 is an example of a storage medium.

[0047] The communication unit 23 preferably uses wired communication methods such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt®, and wired LAN network communication, but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as LTE / 3G / 4G / 5G, and Bluetooth® communication as needed. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of these multiple communication methods. That is, the server device 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 23.

[0048] (Hardware configuration of Government Terminal 3) Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of government terminal 3. As shown in Figure 4, government terminal 3 has a processor 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33, and these components are electrically connected within government terminal 3 via a communication bus. The hardware of government terminal 3 may be configured separately for My Number services and tax services. For details on the processor 31, storage unit 32, and communication unit 33 of government terminal 3, please refer to the processor 21, storage unit 22, and communication unit 23 of server device 2, respectively.

[0049] (Hardware configuration of client device 4) Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of client device 4. As shown in Figure 5, client device 4 has a processor 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and an output unit 45, and these components are electrically connected within client device 4 via a communication bus. For details on the processor 41, storage unit 42, and communication unit 43 of client device 4, please refer to the processor 21, storage unit 22, and communication unit 23 of server device 2.

[0050] The input unit 44 may be included in the housing of the client device 4 or it may be external. For example, the input unit 44 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the output unit 45. If it is a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. Of course, a switch button, mouse, QWERTY keyboard, etc. may be used instead of a touch panel. In other words, the input unit 44 receives input based on operations performed by the user. This input is transmitted as a command signal to the processor 41 via the communication bus, and the processor 41 can perform predetermined control or calculations as needed. The input unit 44 may be composed of a sensor capable of acquiring the user's fingerprint. The input unit 44 may also include a camera.

[0051] The output unit 45 can function as a display unit for the client device 4. The output unit 45 may be included in the housing of the client device 4, for example, or it may be externally mounted. The output unit 45 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. This is preferably done by using different display devices such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, and plasma display, depending on the type of client device 4.

[0052] (Functional configuration of server device 2) Figure 6 is an example block diagram showing the functions realized by the processor 21 of the server device 2. The processor 21 of the server device 2, which is an example of the information processing system 1, comprises an information transmission / reception unit 210, a user management unit 211, a display control unit 212, a storage control unit 213, a calculation control unit 214, a specific control unit 215, a product delivery unit 216, an assignment control unit 217, and a management control unit 218. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the processor 21, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 21. The processor 21 may perform the information acquisition step, information transmission step, user management step, display control step, storage control step, calculation control step, specific control step, product delivery step, assignment control step, and management control step.

[0053] The information transmission / reception unit 210 receives, receives, or acquires various types of information via the network NW and the communication unit 23. The information transmission / reception unit 210 transmits various types of information via the communication unit 23 and the network NW.

[0054] The user management unit 211 manages user information.

[0055] The display control unit 212 is configured to control the screen information displayed on the output unit 45 of the client device 4. The screen information may be the visual information itself that is generated in a manner that is visible to the user, such as a screen, image, icon, or text, or it may be rendering information for displaying visual information such as a screen, image, icon, or text on various terminals.

[0056] The memory control unit 213 controls the storage of information in the memory unit 22.

[0057] The calculation control unit 214 calculates various amounts based on various information.

[0058] The specific control unit 215 identifies information to be used for information processing.

[0059] The product delivery unit 216 executes the process for delivering products to users.

[0060] The granting control unit 217 grants or manages benefits in association with users.

[0061] The management control unit 218 manages user-related information for use by the government terminal 3 when filing tax returns.

[0062] (Functional configuration of Government Terminal 3) Figure 7 is an example block diagram showing the functions implemented by the processor 31 of the government terminal 3. The processor 31, which is an example of the information processing system 1, comprises an information transmission / reception unit 310, a cooperation processing unit 311, a memory control unit 312, and a tax processing unit 313. Information processing by software stored in the memory unit 32 is specifically implemented by the processor 31, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 31. The processor 31 may perform an information acquisition step, an information transmission step, a cooperation processing step, a memory control step, and a tax processing step.

[0063] The information transmission / reception unit 310 receives, receives, or acquires various types of information via the network NW and the communication unit 33. The information transmission / reception unit 310 transmits various types of information via the communication unit 33 and the network NW.

[0064] The linked processing unit 311 refers to the user's medical expense information.

[0065] The memory control unit 312 controls the storage of information in the memory unit 32.

[0066] The tax processing unit 313 performs processing for the user's tax return.

[0067] (Functional configuration of client device 4) Figure 8 is an example block diagram showing the functions implemented by the processor 41 of the client device 4. The processor 41, which is an example of the information processing system 1, comprises an information transmission / reception unit 410, an input reception unit 411, and a display control unit 412. Information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically implemented by the processor 41, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 41. The processor 41 may perform an information acquisition step, an information transmission step, an input reception step, and a display control step.

[0068] The information transmission / reception unit 410 receives, receives, or acquires various information via the network NW and the communication unit 43. The information transmission / reception unit 410 transmits various information via the communication unit 43 and the network NW.

[0069] The input receiving unit 411 receives or acquires various information or instructions through the functioning of the input unit 44.

[0070] The display control unit 412 is configured to control the screen information displayed on the output unit 45 of the client device 4.

[0071] (Information processing performed by Information Processing System 1) Next, an example of information processing performed by the information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram according to this embodiment. Note that the information processing is not limited to that shown in Figure 9, and any information processing may be omitted or the order may be changed. Also, although all information processing is shown as a continuous flow in Figure 9 for illustrative purposes, it is not necessary for all processing to be executed without interruption.

[0072] In this specification, various information transmitted and received via communication unit 23, communication unit 33, and communication unit 43 may be stored in storage unit 22, storage unit 32, and storage unit 42. In this case, the information shall be stored in the storage unit within the device having the communication unit used. For example, if communication unit 23 is used, the transmitted and received information shall be stored in storage unit 22.

[0073] In S1, the display control unit 412 of the client device 4 displays a screen on the output unit 45 that allows login to the health management service. The input reception unit 411 receives login information and a request to log in through the functioning of the input unit 44. Login is performed by any method. Login may include methods such as password authentication by entering an ID and passcode, single sign-on which allows automatic login to multiple linked services, biometric authentication using the user's physical characteristics such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris recognition, passcode authentication which requires the input of a predetermined number of digits, and two-factor authentication which requires a one-time password sent via SMS, email, etc. If biometric authentication is performed, the input unit 44 may include a sensor or a camera.

[0074] In S2, the information transmission / reception unit 410 of the client device 4 transmits login information to the server device 2. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 receives the login information from the client device 4.

[0075] In S3, the user management unit 211 of server device 2 performs authentication based on login information. If user authentication is successful, the user management unit 211 of server device 2 grants permission to log in to the health management service.

[0076] In S4, the display control unit 212 of the server device 2 generates screen information for the management screen 6 provided by the health management service. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 transmits the screen information for the management screen 6 to the client device 4. The information transmission / reception unit 410 of the client device 4 receives the screen information for the management screen 6 from the server device 2. The display control unit 412 displays the management screen 6 on the output unit 45 based on the screen information.

[0077] Figure 10 shows an example of the management screen 6. The management screen 6 shows an example of a screen in a health management service. The management screen 6 includes at least one of the following: a first status area 60, a second status area 61, a third status area 62, a fourth status area 63, a fifth status area 64, and a linking button 65.

[0078] The first status area 60 includes at least one of the following: the name of the insurer of the health insurance plan the user is enrolled in, the benefits granted to the user (e.g., the total number of points held), the user's health age, and the medical expenses paid for the user this year.

[0079] The second status area 61 is an area where the user's health status from various perspectives (blood pressure, blood sugar, liver function, etc.) can be visually identified.

[0080] The third status area 62 is an area where the user's overall health status can be visually identified.

[0081] The fourth status area 63 is the area that displays the discrepancy between the user's health age and their actual age, as well as a comparison of the user's estimated medical expenses for the current year with those of people in the same age group.

[0082] The fifth status area, 64, is an area where the distribution of healthy ages of users of the same age group is shown in diagrams such as bar graphs.

[0083] The linking button 65 is used to initiate the linking of the health management service and the My Number service. The information processing system 1 proceeds to process S5 in response to the pressing of the linking button 65.

[0084] In S5, the input receiving unit 411 of the client device 4 accepts input from the user via an operation on the management screen 6 to authorize the linkage between the server device 2 and the government terminal 3 (in the example of Figure 10, this is the pressing of the linkage button 65).

[0085] In S6, the information transmission / reception unit 410 of client device 4 sends a message to server device 2 granting permission for cooperation. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of server device 2 receives the message granting permission for cooperation from client device 4.

[0086] In S7, the user management unit 211 of the server device 2 manages the process of acquiring user medical expense information from the government terminal 3 so that it is performed repeatedly at arbitrary intervals. In other words, the information processing in S10 and S11, described later, is performed repeatedly at arbitrary intervals. Processing at arbitrary intervals may be batch processing (several hours, one day, one week, etc.), real-time processing, near real-time processing, on-demand processing, periodic processing (every day at 3 a.m., etc.), etc.

[0087] In the examples of S1-S7, the linkage between the health management service and the My Number service is initiated via the health management service, but it is also possible to initiate the linkage via the My Number service.

[0088] In S8, the information transmission / reception unit 210 of server device 2 sends a request to government terminal 3 to begin sharing medical expense information associated with the user. The information transmission / reception unit 310 of government terminal 3 receives the request from server device 2 to begin sharing medical expense information associated with the user.

[0089] In S9, the collaborative processing unit 311 of the government terminal 3 identifies the user who will access the medical expense information based on the request to begin sharing medical expense information. The collaborative processing unit 311 then accesses the medical expense information from the government database DB1 for the identified user.

[0090] Figure 11 shows an example of the government database DB1. The government database DB1 stores medical expense information. Medical expense information is information that can be used to identify medical expenses. The medical expense information may include at least one of the following: medical treatment statement information DB10, prescription statement information DB11, and electronic prescription information DB12. The information for each medical treatment statement, prescription statement, and electronic prescription may be recorded in association with each medical drug acquired by the user.

[0091] The Medical Treatment Statement Information DB10 contains information included in the medical treatment statement. The Medical Treatment Statement Information DB10 includes information indicating at least one of the following: medical treatment (e.g., "re-examination fee", "prescription fee", etc.), medical fees associated with the medical treatment (e.g., "73 points", "60 points", etc.), physician (e.g., "Physician Hanako Sato", etc.), name of medical institution (e.g., "Clinic A", etc.), contact information of medical institution (e.g., "03-1234-5678"), address of medical institution (e.g., "001-0001 Tokyo, etc."), and date the statement was issued (e.g., "May 20, 2024, etc.").

[0092] The dispensing details information DB11 is information included in the medical treatment details. The dispensing details information DB11 includes information indicating at least one of the following: dispensing act (e.g., "basic dispensing fee"), dispensing fee associated with the dispensing act (e.g., "26 points"), pharmacist (e.g., "Pharmacist Taro Suzuki"), pharmacy name (e.g., "Pharmacy B"), pharmacy contact information (e.g., "03-8765-4321"), pharmacy address (e.g., "001-0002 Tokyo..."), and the date the details were issued (e.g., "May 20, 2024").

[0093] The Electronic Prescription Information DB12 contains information included in an electronic prescription. The Electronic Prescription Information DB12 includes information indicating at least one of the following: the physician (e.g., "Dr. Hanako Sato"), the name of the prescribed medical drug (e.g., "Aller Tablets 60"), the name of the active ingredient contained in the medical drug (e.g., "Fexofenadine Hydrochloride"), the amount of the active ingredient contained in the medical drug (e.g., "60 mg"), the number of days the medical drug is to be taken (e.g., "30 days"), the total amount of the medical drug (e.g., "60 tablets"), the name of the medical institution (e.g., "Clinic A"), the contact information of the medical institution (e.g., "03-1234-5678"), the address of the medical institution (e.g., "001-0001 Tokyo..."), and the date the electronic prescription was issued (e.g., "May 20, 2024").

[0094] In S10, at any of the above timings, the information transmission / reception unit 310 of the government terminal 3 transmits medical expense information from the government database DB1 to the server device 2. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 receives the medical expense information from the government terminal 3.

[0095] Furthermore, the information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 may receive medical expense information from a computer managed by the insurer. In this case, it is assumed that the computer managed by the insurer records data equivalent to that of the government database DB1. Also, the receipt of medical expense information from the computer managed by the insurer may be performed at any time. In addition, the information processing in S5 to S10 may be omitted or may be performed in parallel with the processing of receiving medical expense information from the computer managed by the insurer.

[0096] In S11, the specific control unit 215 of the server device 2 identifies the dispensed medical drugs from the acquired medical expense information. For example, the specific control unit 215 may identify the dispensed medical drugs from the electronic prescription included in the medical expense information. Alternatively, the specific control unit 215 may identify the dispensed medical drugs from the medical treatment or dispensing treatment and its corresponding points included in the medical expense information. Furthermore, the specific control unit 215 may identify medical drugs that are dispensed regularly from the date and time information included in the medical expense information.

[0097] In S12, the memory control unit 213 of the server device 2 stores the medical expense information of the identified prescription drug in the medication record database DB2. The memory control unit 213 stores at least one of the following for each user and each prescription drug in the medication record database DB2 shown in Figure 12: acquisition date information DB20, name information DB21, active ingredient information DB22, efficacy information DB23, dosage information DB24, number of days information DB25, prescribing entity information DB26, drug provider information DB27, shape information DB28, quantity information DB29, and caution information DB30. The display control unit 212 may also display the data contained in the medication record database DB2 on the output unit 45 in response to instructions from the user. Furthermore, the display control unit 212 may also refer to the data contained in the medication record database DB2 in response to instructions from a computer operated by a medical institution or pharmacy. In this way, the medication record database DB2 functions as the user's medication record.

[0098] Figure 12 shows an example of a medication record database DB2. The medication record database DB2 functions like a medication record by storing information on prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes obtained by each user. The medication record database DB2 may reside on the storage unit 22 of the server device 2, or it may reside on a computer separate from the server device 2. As shown in Figure 12, the medication record database DB2 may include at least one of the following: acquisition date information DB20, name information DB21, active ingredient information DB22, efficacy information DB23, dosage information DB24, number of days information DB25, prescribing entity information DB26, drug provider information DB27, shape information DB28, quantity information DB29, and caution information DB30. In addition, the medication record database DB2 may further include information indicating the next scheduled medical visit and information indicating medical instructions from a doctor or pharmacist. In Figure 12, the first and second rows correspond to an example of purchasing a prescription drug.

[0099] The acquisition date information DB20 contains information indicating the date on which the user acquired a prescription drug or a prescription drug substitute. In the case of prescription drugs, the acquisition date information DB20 contains information indicating the date on which the prescription drug was dispensed, and in the example in Figure 12, the date is shown as "2024 / 5 / 22".

[0100] Name Information DB21 contains information indicating the names of prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes. In the example in Figure 12, "Fexofenadine Tablets 60mg" is shown as the product name. The names of prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes include the generic name or the product name.

[0101] The Active Ingredient Information DB22 contains information indicating the name and content of the active ingredient of a prescription drug or prescription drug substitute. In the example in Figure 12, the information indicates "fexonadine hydrochloride" as the name of the active ingredient and "60 mg" as the content of the active ingredient. The information indicating the name and content of the active ingredient may be stored in separate columns. The active ingredient is the component contained in a prescription drug or prescription drug substitute that produces the intended effect of that prescription drug or prescription drug substitute. The name of the active ingredient may be a chemical name or a generic name (for example, it may be "acetylsalicylic acid" as a chemical name or "aspirin" as a generic name).

[0102] The efficacy information DB23 contains information indicating the effects or efficacy of the active ingredient. In the example in Figure 12, it is shown that the ingredient has effects or efficacy against "allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and itching associated with skin diseases."

[0103] The Dosage and Administration Information DB24 contains information indicating the method or dosage. The method or dosage refers to the method and amount of use when using a prescription drug or over-the-counter (OTC) drug. More specifically, it indicates, for example, at least one of the following: the amount, timing, and frequency of taking or ingesting a prescription drug or prescription drug substitute. In the example in Figure 12, the Dosage and Administration Information DB24 shows "Twice a day, after breakfast and after dinner" as the timing and frequency. If the prescription drug substitute is a food product, the method or dosage may be an amount that is a guideline for daily or single intake.

[0104] The DB25 database contains information indicating the duration for which prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes (e.g., 7 days, 30 days) are taken or ingested.

[0105] The prescribing entity information DB26 contains information indicating at least one of the following: the name, address, or contact information of the medical institution that prescribed the prescription drug, and the name of the attending physician. In the example in Figure 12, "Clinic A (Physician Hanako Sato)" is shown as the name of the clinic and the name of the attending physician.

[0106] The Drug Provider Information DB27 contains information detailing the entities that provided the pharmaceuticals. In the case of prescription drugs, the Drug Provider Information DB27 includes information indicating at least one of the following: the name, address, or contact information of the pharmacy that dispensed the medication, and the name of the pharmacist in charge. In the example in Figure 12, "Pharmacy B (Pharmacist Taro Suzuki)" is shown as the name of the pharmacy and the name of the pharmacist in charge.

[0107] Shape information DB28 contains information indicating the type of prescription drug or prescription drug substitute (tablet, capsule, syrup, etc.).

[0108] Quantity Information DB29 contains information indicating the quantity of prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes, such as 60 tablets.

[0109] The cautionary information DB30 contains information regarding precautions for use, such as "Caution is required when taking this product with stomach medicines" in the example shown in Figure 12. Precautions for use may also include information on side effects, interactions with specific foods or other medications, etc.

[0110] In S13, the calculation control unit 214 of the server device 2 obtains the basic medical fee and special medical fee associated with the prescription drug from the medical treatment statement included in the medical expense information. The calculation control unit 214 may obtain only the medical procedures necessary when the prescription drug is prescribed again, and may, for example, exclude examinations, imaging diagnoses, etc. included in the special medical fee, but is not limited to this. In addition, if the basic medical fee includes an initial consultation fee, the calculation control unit 214 may replace it with a follow-up consultation fee for calculation. In parallel, the calculation control unit 214 obtains the dispensing fee, pharmaceutical management fee, and drug fee required for dispensing the prescription drug from the dispensing statement. If the dispensing statement contains information on multiple prescription drugs, the calculation control unit 214 may obtain the cost for each prescription drug. In addition, the calculation control unit 214 may obtain the cost for each prescription drug depending on factors that may change the basic dispensing fee, such as the size of the pharmacy used (pharmacy located near a hospital, large chain, etc.), region, whether the patient brings a medication record book, and whether it is after hours. This clarifies to the user how much their treatment with prescription medication is costing them.

[0111] In S14, the calculation control unit 214 of the server device 2 calculates drug cost information based on the acquired basic medical fees and special medical fees associated with the prescription drug, and the dispensing fees, pharmaceutical management fees, and drug costs required for dispensing the prescription drug. At this time, the calculation control unit 214 may also calculate the prescription drug information based on the basic medical fees and special medical fees that it determined in S13 would be necessary if the prescription drug were prescribed again. In other words, the drug cost information is information regarding the amount required to acquire the prescription drug. This makes it possible to calculate the costs required to acquire the prescription drug more appropriately.

[0112] In S15, the specific control unit 215 of the server device 2 acquires information on substitutes for prescription drugs. This information on substitutes for prescription drugs is information about substitutes for prescription drugs that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as prescription drugs. Alternatively, this information on substitutes for prescription drugs may also be information about over-the-counter (OTC) prescription drugs that have the same effects or efficacy as prescription drugs.

[0113] In this specification, "equivalent effects or efficacy" means that, when comparing the effects or efficacy of a prescription drug and a prescription drug substitute, they act on the same symptoms, chronic diseases, acute diseases, or specific health risks. It is sufficient that they act on the same symptoms, chronic diseases, acute diseases, or specific health risks with the same active ingredients, regardless of whether prevention, mitigation, treatment, or improvement is expected.

[0114] In addition to the combination of medical drugs and supplements shown in Figure 12, another example of a combination of a health food (supplement) containing equol and a hormone preparation (medical drug) containing estrogen or progesterone is also possible, which is expected to have equivalent effects or efficacy. An equivalent effect or efficacy expected from this combination of equol and estrogen is, for example, the suppression of bone density loss.

[0115] For example, the information on substitutes for prescription drugs includes information indicating specific substitutes for prescription drugs that are expected to have effects or efficacy equivalent to those of prescription drugs. The identification control unit 215 identifies information indicating specific substitutes for prescription drugs by any method. This method may include referring to a database owned by the company or another company, or identifying the information via the internet from an e-commerce site or a drugstore website, and the number of substitutes for prescription drugs identified here can be any number.

[0116] For example, the information on substitutes for prescription drugs includes information indicating the price of the substitutes for prescription drugs. The specific control unit 215 identifies the price of the substitutes for prescription drugs by any method. The arbitrary method is as described above.

[0117] In S16, the calculation control unit 214 of the server device 2 calculates fluctuation information based on the pharmaceutical price information and the pharmaceutical substitute information. The fluctuation information is the amount that changes when purchasing a pharmaceutical substitute indicated by the pharmaceutical substitute information compared to obtaining a pharmaceutical, and is information that shows the amount calculated from the pharmaceutical price information. In addition, the fluctuation information may be calculated under the same conditions for at least one of the following for pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical substitutes: the method of use or dosage and the number of days of taking or ingesting. This allows the user to refer to the amount that changes when purchasing a pharmaceutical substitute that is expected to have the same effect or efficacy as a pharmaceutical. Furthermore, the user can make purchasing decisions while referring to this fluctuation amount. In addition, it is possible to compare the case of obtaining a pharmaceutical with the case of purchasing a pharmaceutical substitute under more similar conditions. Two examples of fluctuation information are described below.

[0118] In the first example, the variable information may be information showing the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing alternatives to prescription drugs compared to purchasing prescription drugs, and may be the medical expenses shown in the reduction area 72 in Figure 13. Note that the amount of medical expenses that are not incurred is equal to the amount shown in the drug cost information.

[0119] In the second example, the variable information may be information showing the change in the amount the user has to pay due to the purchase of a substitute for a prescription drug compared to the purchase of a prescription drug, or it may be the amount displayed in the self-payment area 73 shown in Figure 13. That is, the information showing the change in the amount the user has to pay is calculated by multiplying the amount shown in the drug price information by the coefficient of the user's self-payment ratio and subtracting the amount of the substitute for a prescription drug. This amount the user has to pay can be either positive or negative.

[0120] In S17, the display control unit 212 of the server device 2 generates screen information for the presentation screen 7, including variable information. If a regularly prescribed medical drug is identified in S11, screen information may be generated that prioritizes the presentation of alternatives to that medical drug. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 transmits the screen information of the presentation screen 7 to the client device 4. The information transmission / reception unit 410 of the client device 4 receives the screen information of the presentation screen 7 from the server device 2. The display control unit 412 displays the presentation screen 7 on the output unit 45 based on the screen information. This allows the user to see the fluctuating price when purchasing alternatives to medical drugs that are expected to have similar effects or efficacy to the medical drug. Furthermore, the user can make purchasing decisions while referring to this fluctuating price. In addition, it is possible to encourage users without knowledge of medicine to purchase appropriate alternatives to medical drugs. Moreover, by encouraging users to use alternatives to medical drugs, it is expected that the workload on medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists will be reduced. Furthermore, promoting the use of alternatives to prescription drugs can reduce the medical expenses borne by insurers.

[0121] Figure 13 shows an example of the presentation screen 7. The presentation screen 7 is a screen that shows the economic effects of switching from prescription drugs to prescription drug substitutes. The presentation screen 7 includes at least one of the following: prescription drug area 70, prescription drug substitute area 71, reduction amount area 72, out-of-pocket expense area 73, and purchase procedure button 74.

[0122] The medical drug area 70 is the area where the names of medical drugs that the user has taken and that can be substituted with alternative medical drugs are displayed. In the example in Figure 13, the medical drug area 70 shows fexofenadine tablets 60mg as the name of the medical drug.

[0123] The prescription drug substitute area 71 is an area where prescription drug substitutes that can be substituted for prescription drugs taken by the user are displayed.

[0124] The reduction amount area 72 displays the medical expenses that would be avoided if prescription drugs were replaced with prescription drug substitutes. This allows users to see how much medical expenses could be saved by purchasing prescription drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as prescription drugs, and then consider purchasing them. In the example in Figure 13, the reduction amount area 72 shows that 3,794 yen can be saved.

[0125] The co-payment area 73 displays the change in the user's co-payment amount when a prescription drug is replaced with a prescription drug substitute. This allows users to see how much their financial burden will change by purchasing a prescription drug substitute that is expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the prescription drug, and then consider purchasing the substitute. In the example in Figure 13, the co-payment area 73 shows that a reduction of 328 yen can be achieved.

[0126] The purchase procedure button 74 is a button that transitions to the purchase screen 8 for purchasing a substitute for prescription drugs. The purchase procedure button 74 is an example of an object. Objects may consist of a button, a linked image, or text. This allows the user to see the fluctuating price when purchasing a substitute for prescription drugs that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as prescription drugs, and proceed directly to the purchase screen if they wish to make a purchase.

[0127] In addition, if multiple medical drug substitutes are identified in S15, the number of medical drug substitutes area 71, the reduction amount area 72, the out-of-pocket expense area 73, and the purchase procedure button 74 may be the same as the number of medical drug substitutes.

[0128] In S18, the input reception unit 411 of the client device 4 receives confirmation that the purchase procedure button 74 has been pressed.

[0129] In S19, the information transmission / reception unit 410 of the client device 4 transmits to the server device 2 that it has received confirmation that the purchase procedure button 74 has been pressed. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 receives confirmation from the client device 4 that it has received confirmation that the purchase procedure button 74 has been pressed.

[0130] In S20, the display control unit 212 of the server device 2 generates screen information for the purchase screen 8. The information transmission / reception unit 210 transmits the screen information for the purchase screen 8 to the client device 4. The information transmission / reception unit 410 of the client device 4 receives the screen information for the purchase screen 8 from the server device 2. The display control unit 412 displays the purchase screen 8 on the output unit 45 based on the screen information.

[0131] Figure 14 shows an example of the purchase screen 8. The purchase screen 8 is a screen that allows users to purchase alternatives to prescription drugs. The purchase screen 8 includes at least one of the following areas: product name area 80, image area 81, product information area 82, price area 83, points area 84, quantity area 85, add to cart button 86, summary area 87, and shipping information area 88. In the example in Figure 14, an over-the-counter (OTC) drug of Category 2 is shown as an alternative to prescription drugs.

[0132] The product name area 80 is the area where the name of the substitute for a prescription drug is displayed. In addition to the name of the substitute for a prescription drug, the product name area 80 may also display other information about the substitute for a prescription drug, such as the number of substitutes of prescription drug packaged.

[0133] Image region 81 is the region where images containing substitutes for medical drugs are displayed.

[0134] The product information area 82 is an area where a unique code that can identify a substitute for a prescription drug is displayed. This code may be a code assigned by each e-commerce service for identification within its own service, or it may be a product identification code such as a JAN code.

[0135] The price area 83 is the area that shows the price of the substitute for the prescription drug identified from the product name area 80, and in the example in Figure 14, it shows 964 yen.

[0136] Point area 84 is the area that shows the value of points awarded to the user for purchasing a substitute for a prescription drug, and in the example in Figure 14, it shows 8 points.

[0137] The quantity area 85 is an area configured to allow specifying the number of medical drug substitutes to add to the cart, and in the example in Figure 14, it is set to 1.

[0138] The "Add to Cart" button 86 allows the user to add the quantity specified in the quantity field 85 to their cart. The user can then purchase the quantity of prescription drug substitutes added to their cart.

[0139] The summary area 87 is the area where a summary of the alternative to prescription drugs is displayed. The summary may include information such as the effects or efficacy of the active ingredient, the amount to be taken or ingested at one time, the timing of administration or ingestion, the number of times to be taken or ingested per day, the content volume, and the manufacturer's name. In the example of the over-the-counter (OTC) drug in Figure 14, the summary includes information that it is effective against allergic symptoms and is expected to provide all-day relief when taken twice a day, with two tablets taken each time.

[0140] The shipping information area 88 is an area that shows the time until the substitute for the medical drug is shipped, and in the example in Figure 14, it is shown that it will be shipped within 3 to 6 business days.

[0141] Furthermore, if the substitute for prescription drugs is a Category 1 drug, the e-commerce service may include steps such as the user entering information into a questionnaire and the pharmacist verifying the questionnaire.

[0142] In S21, the input receiving unit 411 of the client device 4 receives an instruction to purchase a substitute for a medical drug via the user's operation of the input unit 44. After the operation of the purchase screen 8, a screen may be displayed for entering information such as the payment method (card, cash, online banking, etc.) and address, and the purchase of the substitute for a medical drug may be confirmed. At this time, the screen may be configured so that the points held by the user can be used at the time of purchase. Furthermore, the screen may be configured so that these points can be used for part or all of the purchase price of the substitute for a medical drug.

[0143] In S22, the information transmission / reception unit 410 of client device 4 transmits information about the purchase of a substitute for a medical drug to server device 2. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of server device 2 receives the information about the purchase of a substitute for a medical drug from client device 4. The information about the purchase of a substitute for a medical drug includes the user's name, the user's address, information identifying the purchased substitute for a medical drug, and the quantity of the substitute for a medical drug.

[0144] In S23, the product delivery unit 216 of server device 2 processes the delivery of the substitute for medical drugs to the user based on the purchase information. The product delivery unit 216, for example, secures inventory of the substitute for medical drugs and generates instructions to deliver the substitute for medical drugs to the user's address within the period indicated in the shipping information area 88. The information transmission / reception unit 210 transmits these instructions to the factories, warehouses, and organizations related to the delivery of the substitute for medical drugs.

[0145] In S24, the memory control unit 213 of the server device 2 further stores the purchase information in the medication record database DB2, which stores information on prescription drugs. Specifically, the memory control unit 213 stores at least one of the following for each prescription drug substitute purchased by each user in the medication record database DB2, as shown in Figure 12: name information DB21, active ingredient information DB22, efficacy information DB23, dosage information DB24, duration information DB25, shape information DB28, quantity information DB29, and caution information DB30.

[0146] In Figure 12, the third row corresponds to an example of purchasing an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, the fourth row corresponds to an example of purchasing an intestinal regulator (a quasi-drug), and the fifth row corresponds to an example of purchasing a health food supplement. In the case of a substitute for a prescription drug, the acquisition date information DB20 may record the purchase date or arrival date of the substitute instead of the date the prescription drug was dispensed. The purchase date or arrival date of the substitute will be based on information recorded in the EC service. Also, since no prescription is issued for substitutes, the prescribing entity information DB26 does not need to contain any information. Furthermore, in the case of substitutes for prescription drugs, the drug provider information DB27 may record information about the EC site operator or the pharmaceutical, chemical, or food manufacturer that manufactures the substitute for the prescription drug, instead of information about the pharmacy and pharmacist. In the example in Figure 12, "C Online" is shown as the EC site operator. This allows for the storage of information about prescription drugs and purchased prescription drug substitutes, similar to a medication record book. Furthermore, among the prescription drug substitutes, only information on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may be recorded in the medication record database DB2, or information on both OTC drugs and quasi-drugs may be recorded in the medication record database DB2.

[0147] In S25, the reward control unit 217 of the server device 2 grants rewards (points) to the user according to the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing alternatives to prescription drugs. For example, the reward control unit 217 may grant rewards to the user when medical expenses are saved by a certain amount or more. Alternatively, for example, the reward control unit 217 may grant rewards in proportion to the amount of medical expenses saved (e.g., 10 points for a 1,000 yen saving, 30 points for a 3,000 yen saving). Points are just one example of a reward. As a result, since rewards (points) are granted to the user according to the amount of medical expenses saved, the user's motivation to purchase alternatives to prescription drugs is likely to increase.

[0148] Furthermore, when implementing S25, benefits may be granted in response to transmitting information to a computer managed by the insurer indicating the amount of medical expenses reduced by the purchase of alternative medicines. In addition, benefits may be granted in response to receiving information from a computer managed by the insurer indicating that the amount of medical expenses reduced by the purchase of alternative medicines has been confirmed.

[0149] The information processing described next, in sections S26-S28, concerns over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among the substitutes for prescription drugs.

[0150] In S26, the management control unit 218 of server device 2 manages deduction information. Deduction information is information about over-the-counter (OTC) medicines purchased in the year that are necessary for a user to receive a deduction under the self-medication tax system. The deduction can be applied for, for example, by attaching a self-medication tax system statement to the user's tax return. Deduction information may change due to the enactment of new laws and amendments to related laws. For example, deduction information includes at least one of the following: the purchase price of the medicine, the name of the medicine purchased, the name of the pharmacy, drugstore, etc. where the medicine was purchased, and other relevant information (such as the amount reimbursed by insurance). This allows for the management of information necessary to receive a deduction under the self-medication tax system for purchased OTC medicines, and allows for retrieval as needed. Furthermore, in order to receive the self-medication tax system, users need to keep receipts from pharmacies, drugstores, etc., identify the products eligible for the deduction, and calculate the total amount. However, by managing the information on OTC medicines purchased in the year that are necessary for applying for the self-medication tax system deduction, the application for the self-medication tax system can be made seamlessly.

[0151] In S27, the information transmission / reception unit 210 of server device 2 transmits deduction information to government terminal 3. The information transmission / reception unit 310 of government terminal 3 receives the deduction information from server device 2.

[0152] In S28, the tax processing unit 313 of government terminal 3 creates data for a statement to be processed under the self-medication tax deduction based on the deduction information. The tax processing unit 313 also transmits or displays the data for the statement in response to instructions from the user. The tax processing unit 313 also allows the user to file their tax return with the statement attached.

[0153] The information processing in S25-S28 does not necessarily need to be performed and may be omitted.

[0154] In summary, this disclosure provides an improved technology with respect to pharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical substitutes.

[0155] [others] Regarding the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment described above, it may be a program that causes a computer to function as the processor 21 of the information processing system 1. Alternatively, it may be an information processing method executed by the information processing system 1.

[0156] In the embodiment, alternatives to prescription drugs were displayed via a health management service; however, in the modified version, the e-commerce service may display alternatives to prescription drugs without going through the health management service. In that case, the display screen 7 shall be provided by the e-commerce service. Furthermore, the management screen 6 may be omitted or provided by the e-commerce service as needed.

[0157] In this embodiment, a government terminal 3 is introduced, but in the modified version, it does not need to be a government terminal 3; any entity possessing medical expense information will suffice. In that case, medical expense information may be obtained from a computer that replaces the government terminal 3. In the modified version, the computer having this function may be configured with the same hardware as the server device 2, in which case the information processing (S8, S10, S27) performed between the server device 2 and the government terminal 3 is omitted.

[0158] Server device 2 may be on-premises or in a cloud environment. In the case of a cloud-based server device 2, for example, it may provide the above-mentioned functions and processing in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service) or cloud computing.

[0159] Furthermore, the following embodiments may also be provided.

[0160] (1) An information processing system comprising a specific control unit and a display control unit, wherein the specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical cost information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to a medical drug substitute that is expected to have the same effect or efficacy as the medical drug, and the display control unit displays variable information, wherein the variable information is an amount that changes when purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated by the medical drug substitute information compared to when acquiring the medical drug, and is information that indicates an amount calculated from the pharmaceutical cost information.

[0161] (2) An information processing system as described in (1) above, wherein the variable information includes information indicating the amount of medical expenses that can be reduced by purchasing a substitute for the medical drug compared to the case in which the medical drug is purchased, and information indicating the change in the amount borne by the user.

[0162] (3) An information processing system as described in (2) above, further comprising a grant control unit, wherein the grant control unit grants benefits to the user in proportion to the amount of medical expenses reduced by the purchase of the substitute for medical drugs.

[0163] (4) An information processing system as described in (1) to (3) above, wherein the display control unit displays an object that transitions to a purchase screen together with the variable information, and the purchase screen is a screen that allows the user to purchase the substitute for the medical drug.

[0164] (5) An information processing system as described in (1) to (4) above, further comprising a memory control unit, wherein the memory control unit stores for each user the name, the name of the active ingredient, the quantity of the active ingredient, the method of use or dosage, and the effect or efficacy of each of the medical drug and the purchased medical drug substitute.

[0165] (6) The information processing system described in (1) to (5) above further comprises a management control unit, The aforementioned management control unit is an information processing system that manages information on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs included in the information on prescription drug substitutes purchased in a given year, which is necessary for a user to receive a deduction under the self-medication tax system.

[0166] (7) An information processing system as described in (1) to (6) above, comprising a calculation control unit, wherein the calculation control unit calculates the drug price information based on the basic medical fee and special medical fee required for issuing a prescription for the medical drug, and the dispensing fee, pharmaceutical management fee and drug fee required for dispensing the medical drug.

[0167] (8) An information processing system described in (1) to (7) above, wherein the variable information is calculated by keeping the usage or dosage and the number of days of taking or ingesting the medical drug and the medical drug substitute the same.

[0168] (9) An information processing method to be performed by an information processing system, comprising each process performed by a functional unit of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0169] (10) A program that causes a computer to function as a functional unit of any one of the information processing systems described in (1) to (8) above.

[0170] Of course, this is not always the case.

[0171] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1: Information Processing System 2: Server device 21: Processor 210: Information transmission and reception unit 211: User Management Department 212: Display Control Unit 213: Memory Control Unit 214: Calculation Control Unit 215: Specific Control Unit 216:Product Delivery Department 217: Assignment Control Unit 218: Management and Control Unit 22: Storage section 23: Communications Department 3: Government terminals 31: Processor 310: Information transmission and reception unit 311: Interoperability Processing Unit 312: Memory Control Unit 313: Tax Processing Department 32: Storage section 33: Communications Department 4: Client device 41: Processor 410: Information transmission and reception unit 411: Input Reception Section 412: Display Control Unit 42: Storage section 43: Communications Department 44: Input section 45: Output section 6: Management screen 60: First status area 61: Second Status Area 62: Third Status Area 63: Fourth Status Area 64: Fifth Status Area 65: Link button 7: Presentation screen 70: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices 71: Area of ​​Substitutes for Medical Drugs 72:Reduction area 73: Self-pay amount area 74: Purchase Procedure Button 8: Purchase screen 80:Product name area 81: Image area 82:Product information area 83: Price Range 84: Point area 85: Quantity area 86: Add to Cart button 87 :Summary area 88: Shipping Information Area DB1: Government Database DB10:Medical statement information DB11: Dispensing details information DB12: Electronic prescription information DB2: Medication Record Database DB20: Acquisition date information DB21: Name information DB22: Active ingredient information DB23: Efficacy and Benefit Information DB24: Usage and dosage information DB25: Days Information DB26: Prescribing Information DB27: Drug Provider Information DB28: Shape Information DB29:Quantity information DB30: Warning Information NW: Network

Claims

1. An information processing system, It comprises a specific control unit and a display control unit, The specified control unit acquires pharmaceutical cost information relating to the amount required to acquire the medical drug, and medical drug substitute information relating to medical drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effect or efficacy as the medical drug. The display control unit displays the fluctuation information, The aforementioned fluctuation information represents the amount that changes when purchasing the aforementioned substitute for the medical drug, as indicated in the aforementioned substitute for the medical drug information, compared to the case where the medical drug is obtained, and is information that represents the amount calculated from the aforementioned drug price information. Information processing system.

2. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The aforementioned change information includes information indicating the amount of medical expenses that can be reduced by purchasing the medical drug substitute compared to purchasing the medical drug, and information indicating the change in the amount borne by the user. Information processing system.

3. In the information processing system described in claim 2, The granting control unit is further provided, The granting control unit grants benefits to the user in proportion to the amount of medical expenses reduced by the purchase of the substitute for the medical drug. Information processing system.

4. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The display control unit displays an object that transitions to the purchase screen along with the variable information, and the purchase screen is a screen that allows the user to purchase the substitute for the medical drug. Information processing system.

5. In the information processing system described in claim 1, It further includes a memory control unit, The memory control unit stores, for each user, the name, the name of the active ingredient, the quantity of the active ingredient, the method of use or dosage, and the effect or efficacy of each of the medical drug and the purchased medical drug substitute. Information processing system.

6. In the information processing system described in claim 1, It further includes a management control unit, The aforementioned management control unit manages information on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs included in the information on prescription drug substitutes purchased in a given year, which is necessary for the user to receive deductions under the self-medication tax system. Information processing system.

7. In the information processing system described in claim 1, Equipped with a calculation control unit, The calculation control unit calculates the drug price information based on the basic medical fee and special medical fee required for issuing a prescription for the medical drug, and the dispensing fee, pharmaceutical management fee, and drug fee required for dispensing the medical drug. Information processing system.

8. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The aforementioned variation information is calculated by ensuring that at least one of the following conditions—the method of use or dosage and the number of days of administration or intake—is the same for the medical drug and the medical drug substitute. Information processing system.

9. Information processing method, An information processing method comprising a computer and each process performed by the functional unit of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. It is a program, A program for causing a computer to function as a functional unit of an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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