Prescription processing device, prescription processing system, and prescription processing method

Abstract

To provide a prescription processing device, a prescription processing system and a prescription processing method capable of smoothly providing the prescription to a patient while unitarily managing the electronic prescription by a server.SOLUTION: A settlement terminal 10 (prescription processing device) includes: a first delivery part 101a for performing the process for delivering an electronic prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to a user; a second delivery part 101b for performing the process for delivering the prescription corresponding to the medical treatment in a form other than an electronic prescription to the user; and a selection execution part 101c for selectively executing either the first delivery part 101a or the second delivery part 101b to issue the prescription.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prescription processing device for providing prescriptions related to medical treatment, a prescription processing system, and a prescription processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] When a patient receives medical treatment at a medical institution, a prescription for medication is issued as appropriate according to the medical treatment. Conventionally, prescriptions are issued at the counter of the medical institution. For example, when the medical fee is paid at a payment terminal, a voucher for receiving the prescription is output from the payment terminal. The patient receives the prescription by presenting this voucher at the counter. The patient then takes the issued prescription to a dispensing pharmacy and receives the medication.

[0003] Recently, the practice of digitizing prescriptions has been adopted. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes recording electronic prescription information on the patient's My Number card. In this case, the patient can receive medication by presenting their My Number card to a dispensing pharmacy.

[0004] Furthermore, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has issued guidelines for the operation of electronic prescriptions using electronic prescription servers. In this system, computerized prescriptions (electronic prescriptions) are registered on the server from the medical institution's medical record system via an external network. During this registration, the server issues management information (access code and confirmation number) to the medical record system prior to registering the electronic prescription. The medical record system then sends the received management information along with an electronic prescription corresponding to the medical treatment details to the server. In response, the server registers the received electronic prescription, linking it to the received management information. This completes the registration of the electronic prescription on the server.

[0005] The medical institution provides the management information received from the server to the patient at a counter or other location. The patient then presents the provided management information to the dispensing pharmacy. The pharmacy staff accesses the server via a terminal within the pharmacy and obtains an electronic prescription using the presented management information. The staff then provides the patient with medication based on the obtained electronic prescription. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-144682 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the above-mentioned system, there are cases where an electronic prescription is not registered on the server due to an unexpected communication failure, etc. In such cases, the user cannot immediately obtain the management information and must wait at the medical institution, etc. until the communication failure, etc. is resolved.

[0008] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a prescription processing device, a prescription processing system, and a prescription processing method that enable electronic prescriptions to be centrally managed on a server while smoothly providing prescriptions to patients. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a prescription processing device. The prescription processing device according to this aspect includes a first issuing unit that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user, and a second issuing unit that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to the user in a form other than the electronic prescription. Determine whether the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit will be used to deliver the prescription based on a predetermined selection condition. and a selection execution unit. The selection execution unit executes a process of accepting from the user whether the prescription will be delivered by the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit, and the selection conditions include a condition that delivery be carried out by the delivery unit selected by the user from the first delivery unit and the second delivery unit.

[0010] According to the prescription processing device of this aspect, since the prescription processing device has a second issuing unit in addition to the first issuing unit, if the electronic prescription cannot be registered in the server due to an unexpected communication failure or the like, the second issuing unit can issue a prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to the user instead of the electronic prescription. Therefore, electronic prescriptions can be centrally managed on the server and prescriptions can be smoothly provided to patients. In addition, because the user can select whether to have the prescription delivered by the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit, the user can receive the prescription in the format they prefer. For example, if the user is unfamiliar with receiving medication via electronic prescription, they can receive their prescription in a format other than electronic prescription by selecting delivery via the second delivery unit. This allows the user to smoothly proceed with subsequent medication delivery.

[0011] In addition, "forms other than electronic prescriptions" can broadly include forms other than issuing electronic prescriptions via a server, such as issuing prescriptions on paper, issuing prescriptions via email, or storing prescription information in the memory section of a My Number card.

[0013] In the prescription processing device according to this aspect, The selection condition may include a condition that firstly executes delivery by the first delivery unit, and then switches to delivery by the second delivery unit if delivery by the first delivery unit fails.

[0014] This configuration prioritizes delivery of electronic prescriptions, allowing for widespread adoption of electronic prescriptions and promoting paperless systems. Furthermore, if delivery of an electronic prescription is not possible due to an unexpected communication failure, a prescription will be delivered in a form other than electronic. This allows users to receive their prescriptions quickly and reliably, facilitating the smooth delivery of medications.

[0017] Alternatively, the selection execution unit may be configured to execute a process of receiving settings of the selection conditions from an administrator, and select either the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit based on the received selection conditions.

[0018] With this configuration, the administrator of the facility where the prescription management device is installed can arbitrarily set the selection conditions for whether to use the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit, depending on the user's situation, the facility's operational status, etc. For example, if the administrator determines that elderly users are more likely to have problems with the delivery of medication via electronic prescription, the administrator can set the selection conditions so that prescriptions are delivered by the second issuing unit to users over a certain age. This allows for smoother delivery of prescriptions at the facility.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a prescription processing device. The prescription processing device according to this aspect includes a first issuing unit that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user, a second issuing unit that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment in a form other than the electronic prescription to the user, a selection execution unit that selectively executes either the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit to issue a prescription, and an information registration unit that performs processing to transmit electronic prescription information related to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit to a server that manages electronic prescriptions, based on the selection execution unit having executed issuance of the prescription by the second issuing unit. The information registration unit may be configured to execute a process for transmitting additional information to the server to prevent the server from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit.

[0022] According to this configuration, even if the second issuing unit issues a prescription in a form other than an electronic prescription because the electronic prescription cannot be registered in the server due to a communication failure or the like, the electronic prescription information corresponding to the prescription is registered in the server after the prescription is issued. Therefore, electronic prescriptions can be more reliably managed centrally in the server. In addition, since additional information is sent to the server, After a prescription has been issued by the second issuing unit, it is possible to prevent an electronic prescription for the same medical treatment from being reissued from the server.

[0023] The electronic prescription information for the prescription issued by the second issuing unit may be transmitted to the server, for example, when communication with the server is restored. Alternatively, the transmission may be performed at a predetermined timing after communication with the server is restored, for example, when the prescription processing device is shut down.

[0024] The present invention 3 The present invention relates to a prescription processing system that can communicate with a server that manages electronic prescription information via an external communication network. The present embodiment includes a first delivery unit, a second delivery unit, and a selection execution unit similar to those of the first embodiment. A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a prescription processing system capable of communicating with a server that manages electronic prescription information via an external communication network. The prescription processing system according to this aspect includes a first issuing unit, a second issuing unit, a selection execution unit, and an information registration unit similar to those of the second aspect.

[0025] Third and fourth According to the prescription processing system according to the embodiment, and the second The same effect as in the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0026] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a prescription processing method for automatically issuing a prescription to a user. The prescription processing method according to this aspect includes a first issuing step for executing a process for issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user, a second issuing step for executing a process for issuing a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user in a form other than the electronic prescription, and a second issuing step for selecting a prescription to be issued in the first issuing step based on a predetermined selection condition. process and the second delivery process and a selection execution step of determining which of the first delivery method is to be used. process and the second delivery process The process of accepting from the user which of the following conditions is used to issue the prescription is performed, and the selection condition is process and the second delivery process The grant selected by the user process This includes the condition that the delivery will be carried out by the A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a prescription processing method for automatically issuing a prescription to a user. The prescription processing method according to this aspect includes: a first issuing step for issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to the user; a second issuing step for issuing a prescription corresponding to medical treatment in a form other than the electronic prescription to the user; a selection execution step for selectively executing either the first issuing step or the second issuing step to issue a prescription; and an information registration step for executing a process for transmitting electronic prescription information related to the prescription issued by the second issuing step to a server that manages electronic prescriptions, based on the issuance of the prescription by the second issuing step in the selection execution step. The information registration step also executes a process for transmitting additional information to the server to prevent the server from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuing step.

[0027] 5th and 6th According to the prescription processing method according to the embodiment, and the second The same effect as in the above embodiment can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prescription processing device, a prescription processing system, and a prescription processing method that are capable of centrally managing electronic prescriptions on a server and smoothly providing prescriptions to patients.

[0029] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic prescription management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal and the medical system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic prescription database constructed in a server according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of prescription management information stored in a medical system according to embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Fig. 4(a) is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the control unit of the medical system when registering electronic prescription information in the server according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4(b) is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the server when registering electronic prescription information in the server according to embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a prescription issuing process executed by the control unit of the payment terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the server when it receives dispensed information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are flowcharts showing the processing performed by the control unit and the server of the medical system when a paper prescription is issued at the payment terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal and a medical system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit of the payment terminal when the payment terminal issues a paper prescription according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a prescription issuing process executed by the control unit of the payment terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing a reception screen for receiving from a user whether the prescription is to be issued by the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit according to embodiment 3. Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing a notification screen for notifying a user that issuance of a prescription by electronic prescription has failed according to embodiment 3. [Figure 12] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are flowcharts showing the processing performed in the payment terminal and medical system when a user selects delivery by the second delivery unit and a paper prescription is delivered, respectively, according to embodiment 3. [Figure 13] Fig. 13(a) is a flowchart showing a process for setting selection condition 3 according to embodiment 4. Fig. 13(b) is a flowchart showing a prescription delivery process executed by a control unit of a payment terminal according to embodiment 4. [Figure 14] Fig. 14(a) is a flowchart showing a prescription issuing process executed by the control unit of the payment terminal according to embodiment 1. Fig. 14(b) is a flowchart showing a prescription copy issuing process according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] In the following embodiments, a payment terminal 10 is shown as an example of a prescription processing device. However, the prescription processing device is not limited to the payment terminal 10, and may be, for example, a dedicated machine specialized for issuing prescriptions that does not have a payment function.

[0033] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic prescription management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic prescription management system 1 includes a payment terminal 10, a medical system 20, a server 30, and a pharmacy terminal 40. The payment terminal 10 and the medical system 20 are installed in a medical institution such as a hospital, and are communicably connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) installed within the medical institution. Multiple payment terminals 10 are installed in the medical institution. Although two payment terminals 10 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of payment terminals 10 installed is not limited to this.

[0035] The settlement terminal 10 is used by users such as patients to settle medical expenses and other costs incurred from using a medical institution. The medical system 20 is used to manage settlement information such as patient information, medical record information for each patient, prescription information for medications according to medical treatment, and medical expenses. The medical system 20 does not necessarily have to be composed of a single device, but may be composed of a combination of multiple personal computers and servers. The settlement terminal 10 and the medical system 20 make up a prescription processing system 2 for processing prescriptions.

[0036] The settlement terminal 10 and the medical system 20 are each connected to an external communication network 50 via a router 60. The external communication network 50 is composed of the Internet, a dedicated line, a public line, etc. A server 30 and a pharmacy terminal 40 are connected to the external communication network 50.

[0037] The server 30 manages information related to electronic prescriptions (hereinafter referred to as "electronic prescription information"). The server 30 has a database for storing electronic prescription information received from the medical-record system 20. Medical-record systems other than the medical-record system 20 shown in FIG. 1 are also connected to the external communication network 50. The server 30 similarly manages electronic prescription information received from these other medical-record systems. A program for managing electronic prescriptions is installed in the memory unit of the server 30.

[0038] The pharmacy terminal 40 is installed in a facility such as a dispensing pharmacy that provides medication to patients based on prescriptions. The pharmacy terminal 40 is an information processing terminal such as a personal computer or tablet. In this case, a program for issuing prescriptions using the electronic prescription management system 1 is installed in the memory of the information processing terminal. The pharmacy terminal 40 may be a dedicated terminal for managing medication dispensing. The pharmacy terminal 40 accesses the server 30 to obtain electronic prescription information for the patient and displays the obtained electronic prescription information. A staff member such as a pharmacist dispenses medication based on the displayed electronic prescription information and provides the dispensed medication to the patient.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal 10 and the medical system 20. As shown in FIG.

[0040] The settlement terminal 10 comprises a control unit 101, a memory unit 102, a banknote processing unit 103, a coin processing unit 104, a card processing unit 105, an operation display unit 106, a voice output unit 107, a printing unit 108, a barcode reader 109, and a communication unit 110. Note that the banknote processing unit 103 and the coin processing unit 104 may be separate units from the settlement terminal 10.

[0041] The control unit 101 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit according to a program stored in the storage unit 102. The storage unit 102 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores the programs executed by the control unit 101 and various data. The storage unit 102 is also used as a work area when the control unit 101 performs control.

[0042] The banknote processing unit 103 includes a banknote storage unit for storing banknotes of each denomination and a transport unit for transporting banknotes, and transports banknotes between the banknote storage unit and the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit under the control of the control unit 101. The coin processing unit 104 includes a coin storage unit for storing coins of each denomination and a transport unit for transporting coins, and transports coins between the coin storage unit and the coin deposit / withdrawal unit under the control of the control unit 101.

[0043] The card processing unit 105 reads card information such as the card number from a card (such as a patient registration card or credit card) inserted through the card insertion slot. The operation display unit 106 displays predetermined information and accepts operations from the user. The operation display unit 106 is configured, for example, with a touch panel equipped with a liquid crystal display. The audio output unit 107 includes audio output means such as a speaker, and outputs predetermined audio in response to control from the control unit 101.

[0044] The printing unit 108 sends out a copy of the user's receipt when payment is made by credit card, etc. The printing unit 108 also sends out a receipt when payment of medical fees is made, and sends out a medical statement when an operation to issue the medical statement is performed on the operation display unit 106. In addition, the printing unit 108 prints out various information such as information related to prescriptions.

[0045] Barcode reader 109 reads the barcode printed on the form for settling medical expenses. For example, a barcode for settling medical expenses is printed on a numbered ticket issued by a reception machine for accepting patients for medical treatment. Patients can use this barcode to settle their medical expenses.

[0046] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for communicating with the medical system 20 and the external communication network 50. The communication unit 110 is connected to the communication unit 205 of the medical system 20 via a LAN. The communication unit 110 is also connected to the external communication network 50 via a router 60. When a user such as a patient settles a bill using a credit card, the control unit 101 communicates with a card information processing center (not shown) via the external communication network 50 and processes the card payment.

[0047] The medical system 20 includes a control unit 201 , a storage unit 202 , an operation display unit 203 , a printing unit 204 , and a communication unit 205 .

[0048] The control unit 201 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each unit according to a program stored in the memory unit 202. The memory unit 202 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores programs executed by the control unit 201 and various data. The memory unit 202 is also used as a work area when the control unit 201 performs control. The memory unit 202 stores medical data including information such as patient information, the patient's medical history and dispensing history, and the patient's medical fee billing information. The memory unit 202 also stores prescription management information for managing the issuance of prescriptions.

[0049] The operation display unit 203 displays predetermined information and accepts operations from the user. The operation display unit 203 is configured, for example, with a touch panel equipped with a liquid crystal display. The printing unit 204 outputs printed materials such as prescriptions under the control of the control unit 201.

[0050] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for communicating with the settlement terminal 10 and the external communication network 50. The communication unit 205 is connected to the communication unit 110 of the settlement terminal 10 via a LAN. The communication unit 205 is also connected to the external communication network 50 via a router 60. The control unit 201 performs a process of registering electronic prescription information generated in accordance with medical treatment in the server 30 via the external communication network 50.

[0051] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic prescription database constructed in the server 30.

[0052] The electronic prescription database has a structure in which access codes and confirmation numbers are associated with prescription information, prescription IDs, dispensed flags, dispensed flags, and dispensing results.

[0053] The access code and confirmation number are management information for managing electronic prescription information. The access code and confirmation number are issued by the server 30 in response to a request from the medical system 20.

[0054] The prescription information is electronic prescription information received from the medical system 20. The electronic prescription information is, for example, an electronic version of a print image of a prescription. For example, the electronic prescription information is text data of the contents of a prescription, such as the type of medication, the amount, and the timing of administration. The electronic prescription information may also be data indicating the contents of a prescription.

[0055] The prescription ID is identification information for the prescription received from the medical system 20. When a prescription corresponding to medical treatment is generated, the medical system 20 issues a unique prescription ID and manages the prescription using the prescription ID. When registering electronic prescription information in the server 30, the medical system 20 transmits the prescription ID linked to the electronic prescription information to the server 30.

[0056] The issued flag is a flag that indicates that a prescription has been issued in a form other than an electronic prescription. When a new row of information is added to the electronic prescription database, the issued flag is set to 0, and when a notification that a prescription has been issued in a form other than an electronic prescription is sent from the medical system 20 to the server 30, the issued flag is set to 1.

[0057] The dispensed flag is a flag indicating that the drug corresponding to the electronic prescription information has been dispensed to the patient. If the drug has been dispensed, the dispensed flag is set to 1, and if the drug has not been dispensed, the dispensed flag is set to 0. The dispensed flag is changed from 0 to 1 in response to receiving the dispensing result from the pharmacy terminal 40. The dispensing result is information indicating the dispensing result of the drug based on the prescription. The dispensing result is transmitted from the pharmacy terminal 40 to the server 30 in conjunction with providing the drug to the patient.

[0058] Here, the information regarding electronic prescriptions managed by the server 30 has a database structure, but this information does not necessarily have to have a database structure, as long as each piece of information is linked to each other and managed.

[0059] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of prescription management information stored in the storage unit 202 of the medical system 20. As shown in FIG.

[0060] As described above, the prescription management information is information for managing the issuance of prescriptions. The prescription management information is configured by associating a prescription ID, prescription information, access code, confirmation number, registered flag, and issued flag.

[0061] As described above, the prescription ID is identification information for managing the issuance of a prescription. The prescription information is information indicating the contents of a prescription according to medical treatment. This prescription is digitized into electronic prescription information, which is transmitted from the medical system 20 to the server 30 and managed by the server 30 as the prescription information shown in FIG. 3(a). As described above, the access code and confirmation number are management information for managing the electronic prescription information. The medical system 20 receives the access code and confirmation number from the server 30, associates them with the corresponding prescription ID, and stores them in the memory unit 202.

[0062] The registered flag is a flag indicating that the electronic prescription information has been registered in the server 30. When the electronic prescription information is registered in the server 30, the registered flag is changed from 0 to 1. The issued flag is a flag indicating that the prescription corresponding to the prescription ID has been issued to the patient. When the prescription corresponding to the prescription ID has been issued to the patient, the issued flag is changed from 0 to 1.

[0063] When a doctor creates a prescription for a medical examination, the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 issues a new unique prescription ID and adds one line of information to the prescription management information in Figure 3(b). As a result, the created prescription is managed using the newly issued prescription ID. At this time, the access code and confirmation number associated with the prescription ID are left blank, and the registered flag and issued flag are each set to 0.

[0064] Thereafter, when the prescription information corresponding to the prescription ID is registered in the server 30, the access code and confirmation number received from the server 30 are stored in association with the prescription ID, and the registered flag is changed to 1. Furthermore, when the prescription of the prescription information corresponding to the prescription ID is issued to the patient as an electronic prescription or in a form other than an electronic prescription (for example, a paper medium), the issued flag is changed to 1.

[0065] In this way, the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 manages the issuance status of each prescription using prescription management information.

[0066] In addition, the medical system 20 stores medical treatment management information for managing medical treatment in the storage unit 202. The medical treatment management information is configured by associating medical treatment information indicating the content of the medical treatment, identification information for the medical treatment, identification information for the patient who received the medical treatment, and a prescription ID corresponding to the medical treatment, etc.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a program stored in the storage unit 102 of the settlement terminal 10 provides the control unit 101 with the functions of a first issuing unit 101a, a second issuing unit 101b, and a selection execution unit 101c.

[0068] The control unit 101 executes a process for issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to the user using the function of the first issuing unit 101a. Furthermore, the control unit 101 executes a process for issuing a prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to the user in a form other than an electronic prescription using the function of the second issuing unit 101b. Here, the prescription corresponding to the medical treatment is issued to the user on paper using the function of the second issuing unit 101b. Furthermore, the control unit 101 executes a process for issuing a prescription by selectively executing either the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b using the function of the selection execution unit 101c.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 is provided with the function of an information registration unit 201a by a program stored in the storage unit 202. When a prescription is issued by the second issuing unit 101b, the control unit 201 executes processing for transmitting electronic prescription information related to the prescription to the server 30 using the function of the information registration unit 201a. That is, when a prescription that has not been registered in the server 30 is issued by the second issuing unit 101b on the payment terminal 10 side, the control unit 201 transmits electronic prescription information related to the prescription to the server 30 using the function of the information registration unit 201a. As a result, the electronic prescription information related to the prescription is registered in the electronic prescription database of the server 30, and electronic prescription information is managed centrally and without omission by the server 30.

[0070] In the electronic prescription management system 1 configured as described above, there are cases where the electronic prescription information is not registered in the server 30 due to an unexpected communication failure or the like. In this case, if the prescription is issued only by electronic prescription, the user such as a patient cannot immediately obtain the management information (access code and confirmation number) and must wait at the medical institution or the like until the communication failure or the like is restored.

[0071] In order to prevent such problems, in this embodiment, in addition to the first issuing unit 101a that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to the user, a second issuing unit 101b that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to the user in a form other than an electronic prescription (for example, paper medium), is provided, and if the first issuing unit 101a cannot issue a prescription, the prescription is issued by the second issuing unit 101b.

[0072] Fig. 4(a) is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 when registering electronic prescription information in the server 30. Fig. 4(b) is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the server 30 when registering electronic prescription information in the server 30.

[0073] Referring to Figure 4(a), when the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 adds prescription information created by a doctor or the like to the prescription management information along with the prescription ID, it starts the process of registering the prescription information in the server 30 at a predetermined timing (S101: YES).

[0074] First, the control unit 201 transmits a request for issuing management information (access code, confirmation number) for registering electronic prescription information to the server 30 via the communication unit 205 together with the prescription ID of the prescription (S102). Thereafter, the control unit 201 waits to receive a response including the management information (access code, confirmation number) from the server 30 (S103).

[0075] Referring to Figure 4(b), when the server 30 receives an issuance request from the medical system 20 (S201: YES), it sends a response including the newly issued management information and the received prescription ID to the sending medical system 20 (S202).

[0076] 4(a), when the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 receives a response to the management information issuance request within a predetermined time (S103: YES), it transmits electronic prescription information, which is the computerized version of the prescription to be registered, to the server 30 together with the prescription ID of the prescription (S104). On the other hand, when the control unit 201 does not receive a response to the management information issuance request within a predetermined time, or when the response is not properly received, for example, when the response is received within the predetermined time but there is an abnormality in the received data (S103: NO), the control unit 201 ends the registration process of the electronic prescription information.

[0077] 4(b), when the server 30 receives the electronic prescription information and the prescription ID from the medical-banking system 20 (S203), it associates the electronic prescription information and the prescription ID with the management information (access code, confirmation number) sent in step S202 and registers them in the electronic prescription database (S204). Then, the server 30 transmits a response indicating that the electronic prescription information has been registered to the medical-banking system 20, which is the sender, together with the prescription ID received together with the electronic prescription information (S205), and ends the registration process of the electronic prescription information.

[0078] 4(a), when the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 receives a response to the transmission of the electronic prescription information within a predetermined time (S105: YES), the control unit 201 registers the management information (access code, confirmation number) received in step S102 in the prescription management information in association with the prescription ID received together with the response, and further changes the registered flag associated with the prescription ID to 1 (S106), and ends the processing. On the other hand, when the control unit 201 does not receive a response to the transmission of the electronic prescription information within a predetermined time, or when the response was received within the predetermined time but was not properly received due to an abnormality in the received data, for example (S105: NO), the control unit 201 ends the registration processing of the prescription information.

[0079] If the determination in either step S103 or S105 in FIG. 4(a) is NO, the management information (access code, confirmation number) is not registered in the prescription management information in FIG. 3(b), and the registered flag remains 0. The third line in FIG. 3(b) shows this state. If the determination in either step S103 or S105 in FIG. 4(a) is YES, the management information (access code, confirmation number) is registered in the prescription management information, and the registered flag is changed to 1, as shown in the first and second lines in FIG. 3(b).

[0080] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the prescription delivery process executed by the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10.

[0081] Among the processing steps in Fig. 5, steps S302 and S303 are performed by the functions of the selection execution unit 101c shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, steps S304 and S305 are performed by the functions of the first issuing unit 101a and the second issuing unit 101b shown in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0082] Steps S302 and S303 constitute selection condition 1 that determines whether the first dispensing unit 101a or the second dispensing unit 101b is to be used to dispense a prescription.

[0083] When the settlement of medical expenses is completed (S301: YES), the control unit 101 first executes the issuance of the prescription by the first issuing unit 101a (S302). Then, if the issuance by the first issuing unit 101a has not failed (S303: NO), the control unit 101 executes the issuance by the first issuing unit 101a and issues the prescription (S304). On the other hand, if the issuance by the first issuing unit 101a has failed (S303: YES), the control unit 101 executes the issuance by the second issuing unit 101b (S305).

[0084] In step S301, the control unit 101 executes the following process.

[0085] First, it is determined whether or not transaction processing for the settlement of medical fees has started. For example, the control unit 101 determines that transaction processing for the settlement of medical fees has started when, after accepting an operation for settlement via the operation display unit 106, the card processing unit 105 reads the patient card, or the barcode reader 109 reads the barcode printed on the form for settling medical fees.

[0086] When the settlement transaction is started in this way, the control unit 101 sends a settlement start notice including identification information for specifying the medical fee (identification information on the patient registration card or billing information obtained from barcode information) to the medical system 20 via the communication unit 110. As a result, the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 references the identification information included in the notice and sends medical information corresponding to the identification information to the settlement terminal 10 that sent the notice. This medical information includes information regarding the medical fee and medical details.

[0087] The control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 displays the received medical information on the operation and display unit 106 and accepts the settlement of medical expenses. In response, when the patient settles the medical expenses by cash or credit card, the control unit 101 causes the printing unit 108 to output a receipt, medical details, and patient copy, and ends the settlement process. As a result, the control unit 101 determines YES in step S301.

[0088] In steps S302 and S303, the control unit 101 executes the following processes.

[0089] First, in step S302, the control unit 101 transmits a request to send management information (access code, confirmation number) to the medical-record system 20 together with identification information (identification information or barcode information on the patient registration card) for specifying the medical fee.

[0090] As a result, the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 identifies the prescription ID corresponding to the identification information in the prescription management information, and determines whether management information (access code, confirmation number) associated with the identified prescription ID exists in the prescription management information. If management information associated with the prescription ID exists in the prescription management information, the control unit 201 transmits a first response including the management information, the identification information, and the prescription ID to the payment terminal 10 that sent the response. On the other hand, if management information associated with the prescription ID does not exist in the prescription management information, the control unit 201 transmits a second response including information indicating that management information does not exist, and the identification information and prescription ID to the payment terminal 10 that sent the response.

[0091] In step S302, instead of a request to send management information, a notification of settlement completion may be sent together with the identification information to the medical system 20. In this case, this triggers the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 to execute the above process and send the first or second response to the settlement terminal 10 that sent the response.

[0092] When the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 receives the first response from the control unit 201 of the medical system 20, the control unit 101 determines NO in step S303. On the other hand, when the control unit 201 receives the second response from the control unit 201 of the medical system 20, the control unit 201 determines YES in step S303.

[0093] In step S304, the control unit 101 causes the printing unit 108 to output a sheet on which the management information (access code, confirmation number) and prescription ID included in the first response received from the control unit 201 of the medical-care system 20 are printed. This process is an example of a prescription issuance process by the first issuing unit 101a. This completes the process of step S304. The patient can receive their medication by bringing the output sheet to a dispensing pharmacy and presenting it.

[0094] In step S305, the control unit 101 transmits a request to send exchange voucher information for receiving the prescription at the medical institution's counter, together with the prescription ID, to the medical-banking system 20. In response, the control unit 201 of the medical-banking system 20 issues exchange voucher information for issuing the prescription associated with the received prescription ID. The control unit 201 then transmits the issued exchange voucher information, together with the above-mentioned identification information and prescription ID, to the payment terminal 10 that sent the information.

[0095] The control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 causes the printing unit 108 to output an exchange voucher on which the received exchange voucher information and prescription ID are printed. This process is an example of a prescription issuance process by the second issuing unit 101b. This ends the process of step S305. The patient presents the output exchange voucher at the counter to receive the prescription. This prescription has the prescription information shown in FIG. 3(b) and the prescription ID printed on it. The patient can then bring the received prescription to a dispensing pharmacy and present it to receive their medication.

[0096] The voucher information may be included in the second response. In this case, in step S305, the control unit 101 causes the printing unit 108 to output a voucher on which the voucher information included in the second response is printed.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above process, a prescription exchange ticket is issued in step S305, but instead, a paper prescription may be issued directly from the settlement terminal 10. In this case, prescription information and a prescription ID, instead of exchange ticket information, are sent from the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 to the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10. The control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 causes the printing unit 108 to output a paper prescription on which the received prescription information and prescription ID are printed.

[0098] In steps S304 and S305, the control unit 101 further transmits a notification that the prescription has been issued, together with the prescription ID of the prescription, to the medical-banking system 20. As a result, the control unit 201 of the medical-banking system 20 changes the issued flag associated with the received prescription ID to 1 in the prescription management information.

[0099] Next, a process executed in the electronic prescription management system 1 after a prescription is issued to a patient will be described.

[0100] The patient hands the sheet issued in step S304 of Fig. 5 or the paper prescription issued based on the processing of step S305 to a person in charge at the dispensing pharmacy. When the person in charge receives the sheet from the patient, the person in charge accesses the server 30 via the pharmacy terminal 40 and sends a request to the server 30 to send electronic prescription information together with the management information (access code, confirmation number) printed on the sheet.

[0101] The server 30 confirms that the issued flag corresponding to the received management information is not 1 (the prescription has not yet been issued). If the issued flag is not 1, the server 30 extracts the electronic prescription information corresponding to the received management information from the electronic prescription database and transmits the extracted electronic prescription information to the pharmacy terminal 40. As a result, a prescription based on the electronic prescription information is displayed on the pharmacy terminal 40. The person in charge at the dispensing pharmacy dispenses the medicine according to the displayed prescription and issues it to the patient.

[0102] On the other hand, when a paper prescription is received from a patient, the pharmacy staff dispenses the medicine according to the paper prescription and issues it to the patient.

[0103] Furthermore, after dispensing the medication to the patient, the person in charge transmits dispensing information (dispensing result) indicating the contents of the dispensed medication to server 30 via pharmacy terminal 40. When dispensing medication based on electronic prescription information, the person in charge performs an operation to send the prescription ID printed on the sheet together with the dispensing information to server 30. On the other hand, when dispensing medication based on a paper prescription, the person in charge performs an operation to send the prescription ID printed on the paper prescription together with the dispensing information to server 30. Through these operations, the dispensing information and the prescription ID are transmitted from pharmacy terminal 40 to server 30.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the server 30 when dispensing information is received.

[0105] When the server 30 receives the dispensing information from the pharmacy terminal 40 (S211: YES), it determines whether the prescription ID received together with the dispensing information has already been registered in the electronic prescription database (S212). If the determination in step S212 is YES, the server 30 stores the received dispensing information in the dispensing result associated with the received prescription ID (S213), and further changes the dispensing flag associated with the prescription ID to 1 (S214). This causes the server 30 to end the processing of FIG. 6.

[0106] On the other hand, if the determination in step S212 is NO, the server 30 adds one new row of information to the electronic prescription database based on the received prescription ID (S215). The server 30 then stores the received dispensed information in the dispensing result of the added row (S216), and further changes the dispensed flag associated with the prescription ID to 1 (S217). This causes the server 30 to terminate the processing of FIG. 6.

[0107] When the processing of steps S215 to S217 in Figure 6 is performed, the access code, confirmation number, and prescription information shown in Figure 3(a) are not registered in the row newly added to the electronic prescription database, and only the prescription ID, dispensed flag, and dispensing result are registered. Also, in this case, the delivered flag in Figure 3(a) is set to 1. The third row in Figure 3(a) shows this state. Thereafter, the medical system 20 sends prescription information and prescription ID for an unregistered prescription to the server 30, and the access code, confirmation number, and prescription information are registered in this row.

[0108] 7(a) and (b) are flowcharts showing the processing performed by the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 and the server 30 when a paper prescription is issued at the payment terminal 10. The processing in FIG. 7(a) is performed by the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 using the function of the information registration unit 201a.

[0109] 7(a), the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 determines whether or not the timing for transmitting unregistered electronic prescription information to the server 30 has arrived (S111). Here, the transmission timing can be set, for example, to the timing when communication with the server 30 is restored after the paper prescription is issued, or a predetermined timing after communication with the server 30 is restored (for example, the timing when the medical system 20 is shut down).

[0110] When the transmission timing arrives (S111: YES), the control unit 201 transmits to the server 30 unregistered information including electronic prescription information, a prescription ID, and additional information indicating that the prescription has been issued (S112). In step S112, the control unit 201 refers to the prescription management information in FIG. 3(b) and identifies prescription information for which the registered flag is 0 and the issued flag is 1. Then, the control unit 201 transmits to the server 30 electronic prescription information obtained by digitizing the identified prescription information, the prescription ID associated with the prescription information, and unregistered information including the above-mentioned additional information.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 7(b), when the server 30 receives unregistered information from the medical system 20 (S221: YES), it determines whether the prescription ID included in the unregistered information already exists in the electronic prescription database (S222).

[0112] For example, when the processes of steps S215 to S217 in FIG. 6 are performed, the determination in step S222 becomes YES.

[0113] Alternatively, if the prescription ID and electronic prescription information are registered in the electronic prescription database of the server 30 through the processing of Figure 4(b), but a response indicating this does not reach the medical system 20 due to a communication failure or the like, the judgment in step S222 will be YES.

[0114] Specifically, even if the electronic prescription information is registered in the electronic prescription database in step S204 of FIG. 4(b), if the response sent in step S205 is not received by the medical system 20 due to a communication failure or the like, the determination in step S105 of FIG. 4(a) will be NO. In this case, the prescription management information in FIG. 3(b) will maintain the registered flag as 0, as shown in the third line, and the access code and confirmation number will be blank. In this case, even though information corresponding to the prescription ID exists in the electronic prescription database on the server 30 side, the registered flag corresponding to the prescription ID in the prescription management information on the medical system 20 side will be maintained as 0. Therefore, in step S112 of FIG. 7(a), unregistered information related to the prescription ID will be sent to the server 30. In such a case, the determination in step S222 of FIG. 7(b) will also be YES.

[0115] Furthermore, if the transmission in step S102 in Figure 4(a) does not reach the server 30 due to a communication failure or the like, resulting in a NO judgment in step S103, and if in step S211 in Figure 6 the server 30 has not yet received the dispensed information corresponding to the prescription ID from the pharmacy terminal 40, the judgment in step S222 in Figure 7(b) will be NO.

[0116] If the determination in step S222 is YES, the server 30 determines whether the electronic prescription information corresponding to the prescription ID included in the received unregistered information has already been registered in the electronic prescription database (S223). If the electronic prescription information has not yet been registered (S223: NO), the server 30 registers the received electronic prescription information in association with the prescription ID (S224). Furthermore, based on the additional information included in the received unregistered information, the server 30 sets the issued flag associated with the prescription ID to 1 (S225), and transmits a response including management information (access code, confirmation number) corresponding to the prescription ID to the medical-records system 20 that sent the response (S226).

[0117] On the other hand, if the electronic prescription information corresponding to the prescription ID included in the received unregistered information is already registered in the electronic prescription database (S223: YES), the server 30 skips step S224 and sets the issued flag associated with the prescription ID to 1 based on the additional information included in the received unregistered information (S225).Then, the server 30 transmits a response including management information (access code, confirmation number) corresponding to the prescription ID together with the prescription ID to the medical system 20 that sent the response (S226).

[0118] In step S226, the server 30 first determines whether management information associated with the prescription ID exists in the electronic prescription database. For example, if a row is added to the electronic prescription database by the processing of steps S215 to S217 in Figure 6, no management information exists for this row in the electronic prescription database. On the other hand, as described above, if the prescription ID and electronic prescription information are registered in the electronic prescription database of the server 30 by the processing of Figure 4(b), but a response indicating this does not reach the medical-receive system 20 due to a communication failure or the like, management information associated with the prescription ID exists in the electronic prescription database.

[0119] In step S226, if there is no management information corresponding to the prescription ID included in the received unregistered information, the server 30 issues new management information and sends a response including the issued management information together with the prescription ID to the medical system 20. In this case, the server 30 also registers the newly issued management information (access code, confirmation number) in its own electronic prescription database in association with the prescription ID.

[0120] Also, in step S226, if there is management information corresponding to the prescription ID included in the received unregistered information, the server 30 sends a response including the management information to the medical system 20 together with the prescription ID.

[0121] If the determination in step S222 is NO, the server 30 adds a new row to the electronic prescription database based on the received prescription ID (S227). The server 30 then registers the electronic prescription information included in the unregistered information for the added row (S224) and sets a delivery flag (S225). The server 30 then issues new management information (access code, confirmation number) for this row and sends a response including the issued management information together with the prescription ID to the medical-report system 20 (S226). In this case, too, the server 30 registers the newly issued management information (access code, confirmation number) for this row.

[0122] 7(a), when the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 receives a response from the server 30 (S113: YES), it associates the management information (access code, confirmation number) included in the response with the prescription ID received together with the response and registers it in the prescription management information (S114). Furthermore, the control unit 201 sets the registered flag associated with the prescription ID to 1 (S115), and ends the process.

[0123] On the other hand, if a response has not been properly received from the server 30 (S113: NO), the control unit 201 ends the process without registering the management information (S114) or setting the registered flag (S115). In this case, the management information will be registered (S114) and the registered flag will be set (S115) at the next transmission timing.

[0124] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10 (prescription processing device) has the functions of a first issuing unit 101a for issuing a prescription by electronic prescription, a second issuing unit 101b for issuing a prescription in a form other than an electronic prescription, and a selection execution unit 101c for selectively executing either the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b to issue a prescription. Therefore, if an electronic prescription is not registered in the server 30 due to an unexpected communication failure or the like, the second issuing unit 101b can issue a prescription corresponding to the medical treatment to a user such as a patient instead of the electronic prescription. Therefore, prescriptions can be smoothly provided to patients while electronic prescriptions are centrally managed by the server 30.

[0126] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 101, through the function of the selection execution unit 101c, determines whether to use the first delivery unit 101a or the second delivery unit 101b to deliver the prescription based on predefined selection condition 1.

[0127] Specifically, selection condition 1 is set to first execute delivery by the first delivery unit 101a (S302), and then switch to delivery by the second delivery unit 101b if delivery by the first delivery unit 101a fails (S303: YES).

[0128] With this configuration, electronic prescriptions are given priority, which allows for widespread use of electronic prescriptions and promotes paperless systems. Furthermore, if an unexpected communication failure or other issue prevents the issuance of an electronic prescription, a prescription will be issued in a form other than electronic (here, paper). This allows users, such as patients, to receive their prescriptions quickly and reliably, facilitating the smooth issuance of medications.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 constituting the prescription processing system 2 has the function of an information registration unit 201a for registering unregistered electronic prescription information in the server 30 in the server 30. Then, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the control unit 201, using the function of the information registration unit 201a, executes processing (S112) for transmitting electronic prescription information (unregistered information) related to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit 101b to the server 30 that manages electronic prescriptions, based on the fact that the control unit 101 (selection execution unit 101c) of the settlement terminal 10 has issued a prescription by the second issuing unit 101b.

[0130] According to this configuration, even if the second issuing unit 101b issues a prescription in a form other than an electronic prescription (here, a paper medium) because the electronic prescription cannot be registered in the server 30 due to a communication failure or the like, after the prescription is issued, the electronic prescription information corresponding to the prescription is registered in the server 30. Therefore, electronic prescriptions can be more reliably managed centrally in the server 30.

[0131] In this case, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the control unit 201 (information registration unit 201a) transmits additional information to the server 30 to prevent the server 30 from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit 101b (S112). This makes it possible to prevent the server 30 from reissuing an electronic prescription for the same medical treatment after the prescription has been issued by the second issuing unit 101b.

[0132] <Embodiment 2> In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the function of the information registration unit 101d is assigned to the control unit 201 of the medical system 20. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the function of the information registration unit 101d is assigned to the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10.

[0133] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement terminal 10 and the medical system 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0134] 8, in the second embodiment, the control unit 101 is provided with the functions of a first issuing unit 101a, a second issuing unit 101b, and a selection execution unit 101c, as well as the function of an information registration unit 101d, by a program stored in the storage unit 102. The processing of the control unit 101 based on the functions of the first issuing unit 101a, the second issuing unit 101b, and the selection execution unit 101c is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0135] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 when the settlement terminal 10 issues a paper prescription. The processing performed in parallel with this processing in the server 30 is the same as that shown in Figure 7(b). The processing in Figure 9 is performed by the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 using the function of the information registration unit 101d.

[0136] The control unit 101 determines whether or not the transmission timing for transmitting unregistered electronic prescription information to the server 30 has arrived (S311). The transmission timing is set in the same manner as in step S111 in FIG. 7(a).

[0137] When the transmission timing arrives (S311: YES), the control unit 101 performs processing to acquire the unregistered prescription information and the prescription ID linked to the prescription information from the medical-business system 20 (S312). Specifically, the control unit 101 transmits a transmission request for this information to the medical-business system 20. In response to this, the control unit 201 of the medical-business system 20 identifies a prescription ID in the prescription management information for which the registered flag is 0 and the issued flag is 1, and transmits the identified prescription ID and the prescription information associated with the prescription ID to the settlement terminal 10.

[0138] The control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10 digitizes the received prescription information to generate electronic prescription information, and transmits the generated electronic prescription information, the prescription ID received from the medical system 20, and unregistered information including the same additional information as above, to the server 30 via the communication unit 110 (S313). In response to this, when a response including management information (access code, confirmation number) is received from the server 30 (S314: YES), the control unit 101 transmits the received management information and prescription ID to the medical system 20 (S315) and ends the processing. The control unit 201 of the medical system 20 associates the received management information (access code, confirmation number) with the received prescription ID and registers it in the prescription management information.

[0139] On the other hand, if a response including management information (access code, confirmation number) is not properly received from the server 30 (S314: NO), the control unit 101 terminates the processing without sending any information to the medical system 20.

[0140] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be achieved by the functions of the first issuing unit 101a, the second issuing unit 101b, and the selection executing unit 101c.

[0141] In the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the information registration unit 201a in the first embodiment can be achieved by the function of the information registration unit 101d.

[0142] That is, for example, even if the second issuing unit 101b issues a prescription in a form other than an electronic prescription because the electronic prescription is not registered in the server 30 due to a communication failure or the like, after the prescription is issued, the electronic prescription information corresponding to the prescription is transmitted from the settlement terminal 10 (prescription processing device) to the server 30 (S313) and registered in the server 30. Therefore, electronic prescriptions can be more reliably managed centrally by the server 30.

[0143] At this time, together with the electronic prescription information, additional information for preventing the server 30 from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit 101b is transmitted from the settlement terminal 10 (prescription processing device) to the server 30 (S313). This makes it possible to prevent the server 30 from reissuing an electronic prescription for the same medical treatment after the prescription has been issued by the second issuing unit 101b.

[0144] <Embodiment 3> In the above-described embodiment 1, which of the first delivering unit 101a and the second delivering unit 101b is to be used to deliver a prescription is specified by the selection condition 1 shown in Fig. 5. In contrast to this, in embodiment 3, selection condition 2 is set together with selection condition 1, and which of the first delivering unit 101a and the second delivering unit 101b is to be used to deliver a prescription is specified.

[0145] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a prescription issuing process executed by the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0146] Of the processing steps in Fig. 10, steps S302, S303, S321, and S322 are performed by the functions of the selection execution unit 101c shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, steps S304 and S305 are performed by the functions of the first issuing unit 101a and the second issuing unit 101b shown in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0147] Compared to FIG. 5, steps S321 and S322 have been added in FIG. 10. The processing in steps other than steps S321 and S322 is the same as the processing in the corresponding steps in FIG. 5. Steps S321 and S322 constitute selection condition 2, which determines whether the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b will be used to issue a prescription. As in the first embodiment, steps S302 and S303 constitute selection condition 1. In FIG. 10, selection condition 2 is executed before selection condition 1.

[0148] In selection condition 2, the control unit 101 (selection execution unit 101c) executes a process to receive from the user whether the prescription will be delivered by the first delivery unit 101a or the second delivery unit 101b (S321), and executes delivery by the delivery unit selected by the user from the first delivery unit 101a or the second delivery unit 101b (S322).

[0149] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing a reception screen 300 displayed on the operation display unit 106 in step S321 of FIG.

[0150] Reception screen 300 includes message 301 and buttons 302 and 303. Message 301 normally notifies the user that the prescription will be issued electronically, and asks the user whether or not to switch the issuance method to a paper prescription. If the user wishes to switch to a paper prescription, the user operates button 302, and if there is no problem with the electronic prescription, the user operates button 303.

[0151] Returning to FIG. 10, if button 302 is operated on reception screen 300 in FIG. 11(a), the determination in step S322 is NO. On the other hand, if button 303 is operated on reception screen 300, the determination in step S322 is YES. If the determination in step S322 is YES, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S302 and executes the same process as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the determination in step S322 is NO, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S305 and executes delivery processing by the second delivery unit 101b, that is, processing for delivering a prescription on paper.

[0152] 11(a) on the reception screen 300, even if the user operates the button 303 to request issuance of an electronic prescription (step S322: YES in FIG. 10), if the first issuing unit 101a fails to issue the electronic prescription (S303: YES), the second issuing unit 101b will issue a paper prescription (S305). Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to notify the user that a paper prescription will be issued because the electronic prescription could not be issued in step S305.

[0153] In this case, in step S305, the control unit 101 causes the operation display unit 106 to display, for example, a notification screen 310 shown in FIG. 11(b). As shown in FIG. 11(b), the notification screen 310 includes a message 311 and a button 312. The message 311 notifies the user that the medicine cannot be dispensed based on the electronic prescription, and urges the user to pick up a paper prescription at the counter because a prescription exchange ticket will be printed. The user refers to the message 311 and then operates the button 312. This causes the control unit 101 to print the exchange ticket in the printing unit 108, as in the first embodiment. Instead of operating the button 312, the printing unit 108 may be controlled to print the exchange ticket after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0154] In addition, in the processing of Figure 10, if the user selects delivery by the second delivery unit 101b and a paper prescription is delivered, further processing is performed to prevent an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription from being re-delivered from the server 30.

[0155] 12(a) and 12(b) are flowcharts showing the processing performed in the payment terminal 10 and the medical system 20 when the user selects delivery by the second delivery unit 101b and a paper prescription is delivered.

[0156] The process of Fig. 12(a) is performed by the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 using the function of the selection execution unit 101c. The process of Fig. 12(b) is performed by the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 using the function of the information registration unit 201a.

[0157] 12(a), when the user selects delivery by the second delivery unit 101b in the process of FIG. 10 and performs the process of delivering a paper prescription (S331: YES), the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 transmits delivered information indicating this to the medical system 20 together with the prescription ID of the prescription (S332). When the determination of step S322 in FIG. 10 is NO and the process of step S305 is performed, the determination of step S311 in FIG. 12(a) is YES.

[0158] 12(b), when the control unit 201 of the medical system 20 receives issued information from the payment terminal 10 (S121: YES), it determines whether or not the registered flag associated with the prescription ID received together with the issued information is 1 (S122). If the registered flag is 1 (S122: YES), the control unit 201 transmits the additional information together with the prescription ID to the server 30 (S123). In response to this, if the issued flag associated with the received prescription ID in the electronic prescription database is not 1, the server 30 sets the issued flag to 1.

[0159] When the server 30 receives a request to send an electronic prescription from the pharmacy terminal 40, even if the electronic prescription information associated with the management information (access code, confirmation number) included in the request exists in the electronic prescription database, if the issued flag is 1, the server 30 refuses to send the electronic prescription to the pharmacy terminal 40. This prevents the server 30 from reissuing an electronic prescription corresponding to a paper prescription issued by the second issuing unit 101b at the user's request.

[0160] In addition, in embodiment 3, the processes of Figures 4(a), (b), Figure 6, and Figures 7(a), (b) in embodiment 1 are executed in the same manner. Also in embodiment 3, as in embodiment 2, the function of the information registration unit may be provided to the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10.

[0161] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be achieved by the functions of the first issuing unit 101a, the second issuing unit 101b, and the selection executing unit 101c.

[0162] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to selection condition 1, selection condition 2 is included, so that the effect of selection condition 2 can be further achieved. That is, selection condition 2 allows the user to select whether the prescription will be delivered by the first delivering unit 101a or the second delivering unit 101b, so that the user can receive the prescription in the format desired. For example, if the user is unfamiliar with receiving medication via an electronic prescription, the user can receive their prescription in a format other than an electronic prescription (here, a paper prescription) by selecting delivery by the second delivering unit 101b. This allows the user to smoothly proceed with subsequent medication delivery.

[0163] <Embodiment 4> In the above-described embodiment 3, selection condition 2 is set together with selection condition 1 to specify which of the first delivering unit 101a and the second delivering unit 101b is to be used to deliver the prescription. In contrast, in embodiment 4, selection condition 3 is set together with selection condition 1 to specify which of the first delivering unit 101a and the second delivering unit 101b is to be used to deliver the prescription.

[0164] Here, the selection condition 3 is a selection condition set by an administrator who manages the prescription processing system 2. The selection condition 3 is set by the administrator by determining whether it is preferable to issue a prescription from the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b, depending on, for example, the age of the patient, the day, time zone, day of the week, etc., when the payment terminal 10 is used, the operational status of the facility, and the usage status of the patient.

[0165] For example, if the administrator determines that elderly users (patients) are more likely to have problems with dispensing medicines via electronic prescriptions, the administrator sets an age threshold as selection condition 3. Then, the administrator sets the system so that if the patient's age is equal to or greater than the threshold, the prescription is to be issued to the patient in a form other than an electronic prescription (here, a paper prescription), and in all other cases the prescription is to be issued to the patient via electronic prescription.

[0166] In this case, the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10, using the function of the selection execution unit 101c, obtains the age of the patient to whom the prescription is to be issued from the medical system 20, and uses either the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b to issue the prescription based on whether the obtained age is above the above threshold.

[0167] If the settlement terminal 10 is equipped with a camera, the control unit 101 may estimate the age of the user from a facial image of the user acquired by the camera using an age estimation engine, and compare the estimated age with the threshold value.

[0168] Alternatively, the administrator may set selection condition 3 based on the operational status of the facility so that prescriptions are delivered by the second delivering unit 101b on dates, times, and days of the week when prescription processing is less frequent, and delivered by the first delivering unit 101a on other dates, times, and days of the week. For example, selection condition 3 may be set so that prescriptions are delivered by the first delivering unit 101a during busy periods such as the New Year holidays, and delivered by the second delivering unit 101b during times when there are fewer patients, such as late at night.

[0169] In this case, the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10 uses the function of the selection execution unit 101c to obtain the date, time, and day of the week at the time of prescription issuance processing from its own calendar function, and uses either the first issuance unit 101a or the second issuance unit 101b to issue the prescription based on whether the obtained date, time, and day of the week match the selection condition 3 for date, time, and day of the week selected by the administrator.

[0170] Conditions other than those mentioned above may be used as selection condition 3. Alternatively, a default condition may be set in advance as selection condition 3, and the administrator may change this condition as appropriate.

[0171] 13(a) is a flowchart showing the process for setting selection condition 3. This process is performed by the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 using the function of the selection execution unit 101c.

[0172] When the administrator performs an operation on the operation display unit 106 to set selection condition 3 (S341: YES), the control unit 101 causes the operation display unit 106 to display a reception screen for accepting the setting of selection condition 3 (S342). The reception screen includes various items for setting selection condition 3, such as the user's age, the date and time of the prescription issuance process, and the day of the week, as described above. The administrator sets selection condition 3 by arbitrarily inputting information into these items. Thereafter, when the administrator performs an operation to complete the setting on the reception screen (S343: YES), the control unit 101 stores the set conditions as selection condition 3 in the storage unit 102 (S344). This causes the control unit 101 to terminate the setting process of selection condition 3.

[0173] FIG. 13(b) is a flowchart showing a prescription issuing process executed by the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0174] Of the processing steps in Fig. 13(b), steps S302, S303, S351, and S352 are performed by the functions of the selection execution unit 101c shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, steps S304 and S305 are performed by the functions of the first issuing unit 101a and the second issuing unit 101b shown in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0175] Compared to Figure 5, steps S351 and S352 have been added in Figure 10. The processing in steps other than steps S351 and S352 is the same as the processing in the corresponding steps in Figure 5. Steps S351 and S352 constitute the above-mentioned selection condition 3. As in the above-mentioned first embodiment, steps S302 and S303 constitute selection condition 1. In Figure 10, selection condition 3 is executed before selection condition 1.

[0176] When the payment process is completed (S301: YES), the control unit 101 determines the relationship between the current prescription issuance process and selection condition 3 (S351), and determines whether the first issuance unit 101a or the second issuance unit 101b is to be selected for the current prescription issuance based on the determination result (S352). If the first issuance unit 101a is selected based on selection condition 3 (S352: YES), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S302 and executes the same process as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the second issuance unit 101b is selected based on selection condition 3 (S352: NO), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S305 and executes the issuance process by the second issuance unit 101b, i.e., the process for issuing a prescription on paper.

[0177] 12(a) and 12(b) is also performed in the fourth embodiment. In this case, in step S331 of FIG. 12(a), it is determined whether the second issuing unit 101b is selected based on selection condition 3 and a prescription is issued.

[0178] In addition, in embodiment 4, the processes of Figures 4(a), (b), Figure 6, and Figures 7(a), (b) in embodiment 1 are executed in the same manner. Also in embodiment 4, as in embodiment 2, the function of the information registration unit may be provided to the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10.

[0179] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be achieved by the functions of the first issuing unit 101a, the second issuing unit 101b, and the selection executing unit 101c.

[0180] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13(b), in addition to the selection condition 1, the selection condition 3 is included, so that the effect of the selection condition 3 can be further enhanced.

[0181] That is, since selection condition 3 accepts the setting of the condition for whether a prescription will be issued by the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b, the administrator of the facility where the payment terminal 10 (prescription management device) is installed can arbitrarily set selection condition 3 to determine whether the first issuing unit 101a or the second issuing unit 101b will be used, depending on the user's situation, the facility's operational status, etc. For example, if the administrator determines that elderly users are more likely to have problems with the issuance of medicines via electronic prescriptions, the administrator can set selection condition 3 so that prescriptions for users over a certain age are issued by the second issuing unit 101b. This allows for smoother prescription issuance at the facility.

[0182] 13(b), a process based on selection condition 2 may be added. In this case, selection condition 2 may be set, for example, before selection condition 3, and if step S322 of selection condition 2 is YES, the process may proceed to selection condition 3. This may further enhance the effect of selection condition 2. Selection conditions other than selection conditions 1 to 3 may also be used.

[0183] <Example of change> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above are possible for the embodiments of the present invention.

[0184] For example, the arrangement of the first issuing unit, the second issuing unit, the selection execution unit, and the information registration unit is not limited to the arrangements shown in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, if the prescription processing system 2 includes another processing device together with the medical system 20 and the settlement terminal 10, any or all of the first issuing unit, the second issuing unit, the selection execution unit, and the information registration unit may be arranged in this processing device.

[0185] In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the medical system 20 and the payment terminal 10 are connected via a LAN, and the prescription processing system 2 is configured within the medical institution. However, in cases where both management of medical information and payment of medical expenses are performed by a single payment terminal installed at the counter, such as in small hospitals or clinics, this payment terminal may perform the processing of the first issuing unit, second issuing unit, selection execution unit, and information registration unit. In this case, this payment terminal has the same configuration as the payment terminal 10 of FIG. 8, and stores the prescription management information of FIG. 3(b) in the memory unit 102. This payment terminal then performs the processing performed by the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10, as well as the processing performed by the control unit 201 of the medical system 20.

[0186] In addition, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the first issuing unit 101a prints the management information (access code, confirmation number) on a paper medium and issues it to the patient, but the method of issuing the management information is not limited to this. For example, the management information may be stored on a writable medium owned by the patient, such as a My Number card. Alternatively, the necessary information may be acquired by the patient's mobile terminal using data transmission or a QR code (registered trademark). The prescription issued by the processing of the second issuing unit 101b may also be issued to the patient in a form other than a paper medium.

[0187] 11(a) and 11(b), the configurations of the reception screen 300 and the notification screen 310 are not necessarily limited to those shown in Fig. 11(a) and (b), and other configurations may be used. The contents of the message may also be changed as appropriate. A voice message may be output together with the screen.

[0188] 3(a) is managed by server 30, but if payment at payment terminal 10 is also possible, whether or not payment has been made may also be managed by server 30. This allows pharmacy terminal 40 to check whether or not the patient has already paid for the medicine when accessing server 30, thereby facilitating the smooth delivery of medicines at the dispensing pharmacy.

[0189] Furthermore, the selection conditions for selecting either the first delivering unit 101a or the second delivering unit 101b are not limited to the selection conditions 1 to 3 shown in the first to fourth embodiments, and other selection conditions may be used.

[0190] FIG. 14(a) is a flowchart showing the prescription issuing process when selection condition 4 is used.

[0191] When the settlement process is completed (S301: YES), the control unit 101 (selection execution unit 101c) of the settlement terminal 10 determines whether or not it is possible to obtain management information (access code, confirmation number) for the medical treatment to be settled (S361). Conditions for this determination to be NO include, for example, an abnormality in the communication unit 110 of the settlement terminal 10, or the medical system 20 having notified the settlement terminal 10 in advance that management information for the medical treatment does not exist in the prescription management information of the medical system 20. The latter notification is made, for example, at the timing when medical fee information is sent from the medical system 20 to the settlement terminal 10 at the time of settlement of the medical fee.

[0192] If the determination in step S361 is YES, the control unit 101 issues the prescription via the first issuing unit 101a (S304). On the other hand, if the determination in step S361 is NO, the control unit 101 issues the prescription via the second issuing unit 101b (S305). This control also allows users such as patients to receive their prescriptions smoothly and quickly. In this case, any one of selection conditions 1 to 3 or a combination thereof may be added as a further selection condition.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, when an electronic prescription is issued by the first issuing unit 101a, a prescription copy is not issued from the settlement terminal 10, but in this case, a prescription copy may also be issued from the settlement terminal. In this case, a condition for whether or not to issue a copy may be set in the settlement terminal 10, and the issuance or non-issuance of a copy may be switched based on this condition.

[0194] FIG. 14(b) is a flowchart showing the process of issuing a prescription copy in this case.

[0195] When the control unit 101 of the payment terminal 10 issues an electronic prescription using the first issuing unit 101a (S371: YES), it acquires necessary information from the medical-business system 20 as needed and determines whether the issuance conditions for issuing a prescription copy are met (S372). If the issuance conditions are met (S373: YES), the control unit 101 acquires prescription information from the medical-business system 20 and causes the printing unit 108 to output a prescription copy (S374). On the other hand, if the issuance conditions are not met (S373: NO), the control unit 101 ends the process without issuing a copy.

[0196] The issuance conditions in step S372 in Figure 14(b) may be, for example, conditions based on the patient's age. For example, the issuance conditions may include a condition that a prescription receipt is issued if the patient's age is equal to or greater than a threshold, and that a prescription receipt is not issued if the patient's age is less than the threshold. This allows elderly people who are unfamiliar with handling electronic prescriptions to be issued prescription copies, preventing them from forgetting to pick up their prescriptions.

[0197] The conditions for issuing a prescription copy may also be set based on the type of medication being dispensed. For example, the conditions for issuing a prescription copy may include a condition that a prescription copy is issued if the medication prescribed to the patient has been changed from the medication prescribed in the previous medical examination, and a condition that a prescription copy is not issued in other cases. This allows the patient to check the changed medication on the copy when the medication being dispensed has been changed.

[0198] Alternatively, the conditions for issuing a copy may be set by an administrator. For example, the issuing conditions may be a condition as to whether or not the administrator issues a copy for all prescriptions. This allows, for example, a medical institution that places importance on going paperless to omit issuing a copy, and a medical institution that places importance on providing information to patients to issue a copy.

[0199] When a copy is issued in step S374 in Figure 14(b), the copy may be issued separately from the sheet on which management information (access code, confirmation number), prescription ID, etc. are printed, or the sheet may be omitted and further information such as management information (access code, confirmation number), prescription ID, etc. may be printed on the copy.

[0200] Furthermore, the configurations of the settlement terminal 10 and the medical system 20 are not limited to those of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, and can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, the operation display units 106 and 203 are used to input and display information, but the display unit consisting of a display or the like and the operation unit consisting of a mouse, keypad, or the like may be arranged separately.

[0201] Furthermore, the prescription processing device for issuing a prescription does not necessarily have to be the settlement terminal 10, and may be, for example, a device dedicated to issuing prescriptions that does not have a settlement function. In this case, for example, a user such as a patient may have the device read information from a patient registration card in order to issue a prescription, and the processing downstream of step S301 in Figures 5, 10, and 13(b) may be executed. Furthermore, this device may perform the same processing as that performed by the control unit 101 of the settlement terminal 10 in the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments.

[0202] Furthermore, the first issuing unit, the second issuing unit, the selection execution unit, and the information registration unit do not necessarily have to be realized by program functions, and may each be individually configured by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0203] In addition, in the above embodiments 1 to 4, a program for issuing an electronic prescription is installed on the pharmacy terminal 40, but the issuance of an electronic prescription may also be performed on the pharmacy terminal 40 using a so-called web application that does not require installation.

[0204] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 2. Prescription Processing System 10 Payment terminal 20 Medical System 30 servers 50 External communication network 101a 1st Delivery Department 101b 2nd Delivery Department 101c Selection Execution Department 101d, 201a Information Registration Department

Claims

1. a first issuing unit that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user; a second issuing unit that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user in a form other than the electronic prescription; a selection execution unit that determines whether the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit is to be used to issue a prescription based on a predetermined selection condition; The selection execution unit executes a process of accepting from a user whether the prescription will be issued by the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit, The prescription processing device, wherein the selection condition includes a condition that delivery is performed by an delivery unit selected by a user from the first delivery unit and the second delivery unit.

2. The selection condition includes a condition that delivery by the first delivery unit is first performed, and that delivery by the second delivery unit is switched to delivery by the second delivery unit when delivery by the first delivery unit fails. The prescription processing device of claim 1 .

3. The prescription processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection execution unit executes a process of receiving settings of the selection conditions from an administrator, and selects either the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit based on the received selection conditions.

4. A first issuing unit that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user; a second issuing unit that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user in a form other than the electronic prescription; a selection execution unit that selectively executes either the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit to issue a prescription; and an information registration unit that executes a process to transmit electronic prescription information related to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit to a server that manages electronic prescriptions, based on the selection execution unit issuing the prescription by the second issuing unit. The information registration unit also performs processing to send additional information to the server to prevent the server from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit.

5. The prescription processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the selection execution unit determines whether the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit is to be used to issue the prescription based on a predetermined selection condition.

6. The selection condition includes a condition that delivery by the first delivery unit is first performed, and that delivery by the second delivery unit is switched to delivery by the second delivery unit when delivery by the first delivery unit fails. The prescription processing device of claim 5 .

7. The selection execution unit executes a process of accepting from a user whether the prescription will be issued by the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit, The prescription processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the selection condition includes a condition that delivery is performed by an delivery unit selected by a user from the first delivery unit and the second delivery unit.

8. 8. The prescription processing device according to claim 5, wherein the selection execution unit executes a process of receiving settings of the selection conditions from an administrator, and selects either the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit based on the received selection conditions.

9. A prescription processing system capable of communicating with a server that manages electronic prescription information via an external communication network, a first issuing unit that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user; a second issuing unit that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user in a form other than the electronic prescription; a selection execution unit that determines whether the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit is to be used to issue a prescription based on a predetermined selection condition; The selection execution unit executes a process of accepting from a user whether the prescription will be issued by the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit, A prescription processing system, wherein the selection conditions include a condition that delivery is performed by an delivery unit selected by a user from the first delivery unit and the second delivery unit.

10. The selection condition includes a condition that delivery by the first delivery unit is first performed, and that delivery by the second delivery unit is switched to delivery by the second delivery unit when delivery by the first delivery unit fails. The prescription processing system of claim 9.

11. 11. The prescription processing system according to claim 9, wherein the selection execution unit executes a process of receiving settings of the selection conditions from an administrator, and selects either the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit based on the received selection conditions.

12. A prescription processing system capable of communicating with a server that manages electronic prescription information via an external communication network, a first issuing unit that performs processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user; a second issuing unit that performs processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user in a form other than the electronic prescription; a selection execution unit that selectively executes either the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit to issue a prescription; An information registration unit that transmits electronic prescription information related to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit to a server that manages electronic prescriptions based on the selection execution unit issuing the prescription by the second issuing unit, A prescription processing system in which, in the process of sending information related to the prescription to the server, the information registration unit also performs a process of sending additional information to the server to prevent the server from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuing unit.

13. The prescription processing system according to claim 12, wherein the selection execution unit determines whether the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit is to be used to deliver the prescription based on a predetermined selection condition.

14. The selection condition includes a condition that delivery by the first delivery unit is first performed, and that delivery by the second delivery unit is switched to delivery by the second delivery unit when delivery by the first delivery unit fails.

14. The prescription processing system of claim 13.

15. The selection execution unit executes a process of accepting from a user whether the prescription will be issued by the first issuing unit or the second issuing unit, The prescription processing system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the selection condition includes a condition that delivery is performed by an delivery unit selected by a user from the first delivery unit and the second delivery unit.

16. 16. The prescription processing system according to claim 13, wherein the selection execution unit executes a process of receiving settings of the selection conditions from an administrator, and selects either the first delivery unit or the second delivery unit based on the received selection conditions.

17. A prescription processing method for automatically issuing a prescription to a user, comprising: a first issuing step of performing processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user; a second issuing step of performing processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to the user in a form other than the electronic prescription; a selection execution step of determining whether the first delivering step or the second delivering step will be used to deliver the prescription based on a predetermined selection condition, In the selection execution step, a process is executed to receive from a user whether the prescription is to be issued through the first issuing step or the second issuing step, A prescription processing method, wherein the selection condition includes a condition that delivery is performed by a delivery process selected by a user from the first delivery process and the second delivery process.

18. A prescription processing method for automatically issuing a prescription to a user, comprising: a first issuing step of performing processing to issue an electronic prescription corresponding to medical treatment to a user; a second issuing step of performing processing to issue a prescription corresponding to medical treatment to the user in a form other than the electronic prescription; a selection execution step of selectively executing either the first delivery step or the second delivery step to deliver a prescription; and an information registration step of executing a process for transmitting electronic prescription information related to the prescription issued by the second issuing step to a server that manages electronic prescriptions, based on the issuance of the prescription by the second issuing step in the selection execution step, A prescription processing method in which the information registration process also performs a process to send additional information to the server to prevent the server from issuing an electronic prescription corresponding to the prescription issued by the second issuance process.

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