Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

Provided is an improved information processing system, information processing method, and program relating to medical drugs or substitutes for medical drugs. [Solution] In an information processing system in which a server device, a government terminal, and a client device transmit and receive various information to and from each other via a network, the processor of the server device includes a specific control unit and a display control unit. The specific control unit acquires drug price information regarding the amount required to obtain a prescription drug and prescription drug substitute information regarding prescription drug substitutes expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the prescription drug. The display control unit displays fluctuation information. The fluctuation information is information indicating the amount that changes when purchasing a prescription drug substitute indicated in the prescription drug substitute information compared to obtaining the prescription drug, and is calculated from the drug price information.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] According to one aspect of the prior art, "an online counseling system and an online counseling method are disclosed, which provide medication counseling for patients regarding OTC drugs by connecting a patient terminal for patients receiving online counseling and an expert terminal for experts including at least a pharmacist in a manner that allows real-time communication, and which has a means for providing food counseling regarding supplements, etc., and acquires the patient's health checkup data and performs the medication counseling and food counseling by referring to the acquired patient's health checkup data" (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-102848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for improved technology for prescription drugs or substitutes for prescription drugs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising a specific control unit and a display control unit, wherein the specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to medical drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug, and the display control unit displays fluctuation information, wherein the fluctuation information is information indicating the amount that changes when purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when the medical drug is acquired, and which indicates the amount calculated from the pharmaceutical price information.

[0006] The present disclosure provides improved technology for medical drugs or medical drug substitutes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a business model according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a government terminal 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a client device 4. [Figure 6] 2 is an example of a block diagram showing functions realized by a processor 21 of the server device 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a block diagram showing functions realized by a processor 31 of a government terminal 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is an example of a block diagram showing functions realized by a processor 41 of a client device 4. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence diagram according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen 6. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a government database DB1. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a medicine notebook database DB2. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation screen 7. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase screen 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0009] A program for realizing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client device (so-called cloud computing).

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

[0011] In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

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

[0013] In this specification, "A based on B" means that B is an influential factor in determining A, but does not exclude the possibility that another element, C, is an influential factor in addition to B.

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

[0015] (Business model overview) The components and information processing executed in this specification are intended to explain an example of a business model shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a business model according to this embodiment. The subjects of each action in this business model include, but are not limited to, users, organizations that operate each service, and insurers. In the example of FIG. 1, the services include a My Number service, a tax service, a health management service, and an e-commerce service.

[0016] The user uses the My Number service, tax service, health management service, and e-commerce service. In Japan, where universal health insurance is provided to all citizens, the user may be enrolled in a medical insurance program of any insurer, but this is not a limitation. In this embodiment, the user operates a client device 4, which will be described later.

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

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

[0019] The health management service is a service for managing the activities and health status of a user, and is provided by the functioning of a server device 2, which will be described later.

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

[0021] Ethical drugs are drugs that are supplied for use by doctors or dentists or for use by them under prescription or instruction. Ethical drugs are covered by medical insurance, and medical expenses are used for prescription and dispensing.

[0022] A prescription drug substitute is something that a user can take or ingest in place of a prescription drug, and is expected to have the same or similar effects or efficacy as a prescription drug. A prescription drug substitute includes at least one of OTC drugs, quasi-drugs, and food.

[0023] In this specification, "effect or efficacy" refers to the expected prevention, alleviation, treatment or improvement of a specific symptom, chronic disease, acute disease or health risk due to the action of the active ingredient contained in a medical drug or a medical drug substitute.

[0024] OTC drugs are drugs that users can purchase without a prescription. OTC drugs are drugs that are available at pharmacies, drug stores, etc. OTC drugs may include the concept of over-the-counter drugs, which consist of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 drugs. In addition, the classification of OTC drugs is not limited to Class 1 to Class 3, and may include new classifications that emerge after the filing date of this specification. In addition, in this specification, OTC drugs do not necessarily include the concept of prescription-only drugs.

[0025] Quasi-drugs are products that contain active ingredients that are expected to have effects or efficacy approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare or other organizations, and are made for the purpose of prevention or hygiene.

[0026] Foods are expected to have a specific effect or efficacy when taken or ingested by a user. Foods include at least one of special dietary foods, health functional foods, and general foods.

[0027] Special purpose foods are foods that are permitted to be labeled with a special purpose claiming that they are suitable for maintaining or restoring the development or health of individuals who require medical or nutritional considerations (e.g., infants, pregnant women, nursing women, individuals with swallowing difficulties, and individuals with illnesses). The special purpose of a special purpose food is considered to be within the scope of "effects or efficacy" as defined in this specification. Special purpose foods include at least one of foods for individuals with illnesses, infant formula, powdered milk for pregnant and nursing women, foods for individuals with swallowing difficulties, and foods for specified health uses. Special purpose foods may also include concepts defined by voluntary laws such as the Health Promotion Act.

[0028] A food with health claims is a food that is labeled as suitable for a specific health use with permission from the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency, etc., and is required to have a certain level of scientific evidence, broadly targeting the ingredients of foods with food functions. The specific health use of a food with health claims is within the scope of "effects or efficacy" as defined in this specification. A food with health claims includes at least one of foods for specified health uses, foods with nutrient functions, and foods with functional claims. A food with health claims may also include foods that can claim functionality under any law.

[0029] General foods include health foods, but may not include other general foods. Health foods are non-medicinal substances that are taken orally and have effects or efficacy that are particularly useful for maintaining or improving health. Health foods include at least one of functional foods, nutritional supplements, dietary supplements, nutritionally fortified foods, nutritionally balanced foods, and supplements. General foods may be limited to tablets or capsules, such as so-called supplements, that contain active ingredients that are expected to have specific effects or efficacy. Note that functional foods, unlike health-claimed foods such as functional foods, may also be foods that cannot claim functionality.

[0030] An insurer is an entity that pays a user's medical expenses. The insurer of the medical insurance system to which a user belongs varies for each user. Insurers include, but are not limited to, health insurance societies, the National Health Insurance Association (Kenko Hoken), seamen's insurance, various mutual aid associations (national civil servant mutual aid, local civil servant mutual aid, private school teacher and staff mutual aid, etc.), local governments (national health insurance), and the Association of Medical Care for the Elderly. Insurers may include entities that newly emerge after the filing date of this specification.

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

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

[0033] Basic medical fees are a lump-sum assessment of the costs of basic medical procedures performed at the time of initial or follow-up consultations and at the time of hospitalization. Examples include initial consultation fees, follow-up consultation fees, basic hospitalization fees, basic hospitalization fee surcharges, and specific hospitalization fees.

[0034] Special medical fees are assessed by assigning individual points to special medical procedures that are not appropriate to pay in one lump sum as basic medical fees. Examples include medical management, home medical care, examinations, diagnostic imaging, medication, injections, rehabilitation, specialized psychiatric therapy, treatment, surgery, anesthesia, radiation therapy, and pathological diagnosis.

[0035] Dispensing technical fees are fees that are charged based on an evaluation of the pharmacy's functions or structure and the pharmacist's patient-related work. Dispensing technical fees include a basic dispensing fee and a drug preparation fee. The basic dispensing fee is a fee that is charged based on an evaluation of the pharmacy's management structure or dispensing structure. The drug preparation fee is a fee that is charged based on an evaluation of the pharmacist's patient-related work, such as preparing drugs, stocking drugs, and final drug inspections.

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

[0037] Drug fees are the prices of the medicines themselves and are calculated based on drug price standards, etc.

[0038] As an example of a business model, Figure 1 shows that it can be established by the user, each service, and the insurer acting as follows: (1) The user permits the exchange of information about the user between the My Number service and the health management service (corresponding to S5 in FIG. 9). (2) Insurers share medical expense information with health management services. (3) The My Number service shares the medical expense information with the health management service (corresponding to S9 to S10 in Figure 9). The medical expense information may be shared by at least one of the insurer and the My Number service. The health management service analyzes the user's medical expense information. The health management service also stores information on prescription drugs dispensed to the user as data in the user's medicine notebook. (4) The health management service displays alternatives to prescription drugs to the user (corresponding to S17 in FIG. 9). (5) The user performs an operation to purchase a substitute for a prescription drug (corresponding to S18 to S22 in FIG. 9). (6) The EC service performs processing to deliver the substitute for the prescription drug to the user (corresponding to S23 in FIG. 9). (7) The EC service sends the purchase information to the health management service, which stores the information about the purchased prescription drug substitutes as data in the medicine notebook (corresponding to S24 in Figure 9). (8) The health management service transmits to the insurer the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing substitutes for medical drugs. (9) The insurer awards points to the user based on the amount of medical expenses that have been reduced (corresponding to S25 in FIG. 9). (10) If the prescription drug substitute is an OTC drug, the health management service sends information about the OTC drug included in the purchase information to the tax service. The tax service collects information about the OTC drug and executes processing to enable the user to apply for a self-medication tax deduction when filing a tax return (corresponding to S27 to S28 in FIG. 9). Note that the OTC drug information may be sent from the health management service to the tax service via the My Number service, or may be sent from the health management service to the tax service without going through the My Number service.

[0039] In this specification, a medicine notebook refers to a means for recording and managing information about prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes that a user is taking or ingesting. In this embodiment, the medicine notebook is described as being recorded as data on an electronic medium. In addition to information about dispensed prescription drugs, the medicine notebook may also record information about purchased prescription drug substitutes. The medicine notebook records at least one of the following information: the acquisition date of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute; the name of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute; the name of the active ingredient; the content of the active ingredient; the effect or efficacy of the active ingredient; the dosage or use of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute; the number of days the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute is to be taken or ingested; details of the doctor; details of the medical institution; details of the pharmacist; details of the pharmacy; the shape of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute; the quantity of the prescription drug or prescription drug substitute; precautions; the next scheduled medical appointment; and medical instructions from the doctor or pharmacist. In addition, in this embodiment, it is described that information on medical drugs, OTC drugs, quasi-drugs, and food is recorded and managed in the medicine notebook, but information on medical drugs, OTC drugs, quasi-drugs, and supplements may also be recorded and managed, or information on medical drugs, OTC drugs, and quasi-drugs excluding food may also be recorded and managed.

[0040] Points are rights that can be used to receive benefits in accordance with their consumption. By consuming points, for example, it is possible to receive the provision of specific services or acquire specific products, electronic money, or gift certificates. The benefits received may vary depending on the amount of points consumed. Points are an example of a privilege.

[0041] The benefit is a benefit given to the user according to the amount of medical expenses saved. For example, the benefit may be the points given in the embodiment, or may be electronic money, cash, a discount on a product or service, or free provision of a product or service.

[0042] The self-medication tax system is a tax break available to those who purchase eligible medicines worth more than a certain amount during the year for themselves or their spouse or other relatives who share the same household. The specified amount is, for example, 12,000 yen, but may be changed due to legal amendments, etc.

[0043] (Configuration of Information Processing System 1) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of an information processing system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 includes a server device 2, a government terminal 3, and a client device 4. The server device 2, the government terminal 3, and the client device 4 can transmit and receive various information to and from each other via a network NW. Note that the server device 2, the government terminal 3, and the client device 4 are examples of information processing devices and are not limited to the present embodiment. The government terminal 3 and the client device 4 are each computers and may be configured as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like. Note that there are one or more server devices 2, one or more government terminals 3, and one or more client devices 4. Here, the system exemplified by the information processing system 1 is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, even a single server device 2, one or more government terminals 3, or one or more client devices 4 is included in the system exemplified by the information processing system 1.

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

[0045] The processor 21 processes and controls the overall operations related to the server device 2. The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 reads out a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 22 and executes processing based on the program, thereby realizing various functions related to the server device 2, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 9 described below. The processor 21 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented with multiple processors 21 for each function. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used.

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

[0047] The communication unit 23 is preferably a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc., but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as LTE / 3G / 4G / 5G, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, etc. as necessary. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of multiple communication means. In other words, the server device 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 23.

[0048] (Hardware configuration of government terminal 3) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the government terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the government terminal 3 has a processor 31, a memory unit 32, and a communication unit 33, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus inside the government terminal 3. The hardware of the government terminal 3 may be configured separately for the My Number service and the tax service. For the processor 31, memory unit 32, and communication unit 33 of the government terminal 3, please refer to the processor 21, memory unit 22, and communication unit 23 of the server device 2, respectively.

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

[0050] The input unit 44 may be included in the housing of the client device 4 or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 44 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the output unit 45. A touch panel allows the user to input tapping, swiping, and the like. Of course, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, or the like may be used instead of a touch panel. That is, the input unit 44 accepts input based on an operation performed by the user. The input is transferred as a command signal to the processor 41 via a communication bus, and the processor 41 can execute predetermined control or calculation as necessary. The input unit 44 may be configured by a sensor capable of acquiring a user's fingerprint. The input unit 44 may also include a camera.

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

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

[0053] The information transmitting / receiving unit 210 accepts, receives, or acquires various pieces of information via the network NW and the communication unit 23. The information transmitting / receiving unit 210 transmits various pieces of information via the communication unit 23 and the network NW.

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

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

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

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

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

[0059] The product delivery unit 216 executes a process for delivering a product to a user.

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

[0061] The management control unit 218 manages information linked to users that is used by the government terminal 3 when filing tax returns.

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

[0063] The information transmitting / receiving unit 310 accepts, receives, or acquires various pieces of information via the network NW and the communication unit 33. The information transmitting / receiving unit 310 transmits various pieces of information via the communication unit 33 and the network NW.

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

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

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

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

[0068] The information transmitting / receiving unit 410 accepts, receives, or acquires various pieces of information via the network NW and the communication unit 43. The information transmitting / receiving unit 410 transmits various pieces of information via the communication unit 43 and the network NW.

[0069] The input receiving unit 411 receives or acquires various information or instructions as the input unit 44 functions.

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

[0071] (Information processing performed by information processing system 1) Next, an example of information processing executed in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram according to this embodiment. Note that the information processing is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9, and any information processing may be omitted or the order may be changed. Also, in Fig. 9, for the sake of explanation, all information processing is shown as if it were a series of flows, but it is not necessary for all processing to be executed smoothly.

[0072] In this specification, various pieces of information transmitted and received via communication unit 23, communication unit 33, and communication unit 43 may be stored in memory unit 22, memory unit 32, and memory unit 42. In this case, the information is stored in a memory unit within the device having the communication unit that was used. For example, when communication unit 23 is used, the transmitted and received information is stored in memory unit 22.

[0073] In S1, the display control unit 412 of the client device 4 causes the output unit 45 to display a screen that allows the user to log in to the health management service. The input accepting unit 411 accepts login information and a request to log in by operating the input unit 44. Logging in can be performed by any method. Examples of methods for logging in include password authentication, which requires the user to enter an ID and passcode; single sign-on, which allows the user to automatically log in to multiple linked services; biometric authentication, which uses the user's physical characteristics, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris recognition; passcode authentication, which requires the user to enter a predetermined number of digits; and two-step authentication, which requires the user to enter a one-time password sent via SMS, email, or the like. When biometric authentication is used, the input unit 44 may include a sensor or a camera.

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

[0075] In S3, the user management unit 211 of the server device 2 executes authentication based on the login information. If the user authentication is successful, the user management unit 211 of the server device 2 permits login to the health management service.

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

[0077] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen 6. The management screen 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a health management service. The management screen 6 includes at least one of a first status area 60, a second status area 61, a third status area 62, a fourth status area 63, a fifth status area 64, and a link button 65.

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

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

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

[0081] The fourth status area 63 is an area that displays the discrepancy between the user's health age and actual age, and the medical expenses that the user is expected to pay this year compared with those of people of the same age.

[0082] The fifth status area 64 is an area in which the distribution of health ages of people of the same age as the user is displayed in a diagram such as a bar graph.

[0083] The link button 65 is a button for starting linkage between the health management service and the My Number service. In response to pressing of the link button 65, the information processing system 1 proceeds to the processing of S5.

[0084] In S5, the input receiving unit 411 of the client device 4 receives input from the user on the management screen 6 via the input unit 44 to permit collaboration between the server device 2 and the government terminal 3 (pressing the collaboration button 65 in the example of Figure 10).

[0085] In S6, the information transmitting / receiving unit 410 of the client device 4 transmits a notification that cooperation is permitted to the server device 2. The information transmitting / receiving unit 210 of the server device 2 receives the notification from the client device 4 that cooperation is permitted.

[0086] In S7, the user management unit 211 of the server device 2 manages the process of obtaining the user's medical expense information from the government terminal 3 so that it is repeated at any timing. That is, the information processing of S10 and S11, which will be described later, is repeated at any timing. Processing at any timing may be batch processing (several hours, one day, one week, etc.), real-time processing, near-real-time processing, on-demand processing, periodic processing (every day at 3:00 AM, etc.), etc.

[0087] In the examples of S1 to S7, the link between the health management service and the My Number service is initiated via the health management service, but the link may also be initiated via the My Number service.

[0088] In S8, the information transmitting and receiving unit 210 of the server device 2 transmits a request to start sharing the medical expense information linked to the user to the government terminal 3. The information transmitting and receiving unit 310 of the government terminal 3 receives the request to start sharing the medical expense information linked to the user from the server device 2.

[0089] In S9, the collaboration processing unit 311 of the government terminal 3 identifies the user who will access the medical expense information from the request to start sharing the medical expense information. The collaboration processing unit 311 references the medical expense information from the government database DB1 for the identified user.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of government database DB1. Government database DB1 stores medical expense information. The medical expense information is information that can be used to identify medical expenses. The medical expense information may include at least one of medical statement information DB10, dispensing statement information DB11, and electronic prescription information DB12. Information on each medical statement, dispensing statement, and electronic prescription may be recorded in association with each ethical drug obtained by the user.

[0091] The medical care statement information DB10 is information included in the medical care statement. The medical care statement information DB10 includes information indicating at least one of the following: medical treatment (e.g., “re-examination fee,” “prescription fee,” etc.), medical fees linked to the medical treatment (e.g., “73 points,” “60 points,” etc.), doctor (e.g., “Doctor Sato Hanako,” etc.), name of medical institution (e.g., “A Clinic,” etc.), contact information of the medical institution (e.g., “03-1234-5678”), address of the medical institution (e.g., “001-0001 Tokyo…”), and date the statement was issued (e.g., “May 20, 2024,” etc.).

[0092] Dispensing statement information DB11 is information included in the medical care statement. Dispensing statement information DB11 includes information indicating at least one of the dispensing act (e.g., "basic dispensing fee"), the dispensing fee linked to the dispensing act (e.g., "26 points"), the pharmacist (e.g., "Pharmacist Suzuki Taro"), the name of the pharmacy (e.g., "Pharmacy B"), the pharmacy's contact information (e.g., "03-8765-4321"), the pharmacy's address (e.g., "001-0002 Tokyo..."), and the statement issuance date (e.g., "May 20, 2024").

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

[0094] In S10, at the above-mentioned arbitrary timing, the information transmitting and receiving unit 310 of the government terminal 3 transmits the medical expense information in the government database DB1 to the server device 2. The information transmitting and receiving unit 210 of the server device 2 receives the medical expense information from the government terminal 3.

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

[0096] In S11, the specific control unit 215 of the server device 2 identifies dispensed prescription drugs from the acquired medical expense information. For example, the specific control unit 215 may identify dispensed prescription drugs from an electronic prescription included in the medical expense information. The specific control unit 215 may also identify dispensed prescription drugs from the medical procedure or dispensing procedure included in the medical expense information and its points. The specific control unit 215 may also identify regularly dispensed prescription drugs from information indicating the date and time included in the medical expense information.

[0097] In S12, the memory control unit 213 of the server device 2 stores medical expense information for the identified prescription drug in the medicine notebook database DB2. The memory control unit 213 stores at least one of the acquisition date information DB20, name information DB21, active ingredient information DB22, efficacy and effectiveness information DB23, dosage and administration information DB24, number of days information DB25, prescription entity information DB26, medicine provider entity information DB27, shape information DB28, quantity information DB29, and warning information DB30 for each user's prescription drug in the medicine notebook database DB2 shown in FIG. 12. The display control unit 212 may also display data included in the medicine notebook database DB2 on the output unit 45 in response to a command from the user. Furthermore, the display control unit 212 may refer to data included in the medicine notebook database DB2 in response to a command from a computer operated by a medical institution or a pharmacy. This allows the medicine notebook database DB2 to function as the user's medicine notebook.

[0098] FIG. 12 shows an example of the medicine notebook database DB2. The medicine notebook database DB2 functions like a medicine notebook by storing information on prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes acquired by each user for each user. The medicine notebook database DB2 may reside on the storage unit 22 of the server device 2 or on a computer separate from the server device 2. As shown in FIG. 12, the medicine notebook database DB2 may include at least one of acquisition date information DB20, name information DB21, active ingredient information DB22, efficacy information DB23, dosage and administration information DB24, number of days information DB25, prescription entity information DB26, drug provider information DB27, shape information DB28, quantity information DB29, and warning information DB30. The medicine notebook database DB2 may further include information indicating the next scheduled medical appointment and information indicating medical instructions from a doctor or pharmacist. In FIG. 12, the first and second rows correspond to an example where a prescription drug is purchased.

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

[0100] The name information DB21 is information indicating the names of prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes, and in the example of Fig. 12, "Fexofenadine Tablets 60 mg" is indicated as the product name. The names of prescription drugs or prescription drug substitutes include generic names or product names.

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

[0102] The effect and efficacy information DB 23 is information indicating the effect or efficacy of an active ingredient. In the example of Fig. 12, it is indicated that the active ingredient is effective against "allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and itching associated with skin diseases."

[0103] The dosage and administration information DB24 is information indicating dosage and administration. The dosage and administration is the method of use and amount when using a prescription drug or an OTC drug, and more specifically, for example, indicates at least one of the amount, timing, and number of times to take or ingest a prescription drug or prescription drug substitute. In the example of FIG. 12, the dosage and administration information DB24 indicates "twice a day, after breakfast and after dinner" as the timing and number of times. If the prescription drug substitute is a food, the dosage and administration may be a guideline amount for daily or single intake.

[0104] The number-of-days information DB25 is information indicating the number of days for which a prescription drug or a prescription drug substitute (7 days, 30 days, etc.) is to be taken or ingested.

[0105] The prescribing entity information DB26 is information that indicates at least one of the name, address or contact information of the medical institution that prescribed the medical drug and the name of the doctor in charge.In the example of Figure 12, the name of the clinic and the name of the doctor in charge are shown as "Clinic A (Doctor Sato Hanako)."

[0106] The drug provider information DB27 is information showing details of the entity that provided the drug. In the case of a medical drug, the drug provider information DB27 is information showing at least one of the name, address or contact information of the pharmacy that dispensed the drug and the name of the pharmacist in charge. In the example of Fig. 12, "Pharmacy B (Pharmacist Suzuki Taro)" is shown as the name of the pharmacy and the name of the pharmacist in charge.

[0107] The shape information DB 28 is information indicating the type of prescription drug or prescription drug substitute (tablet, capsule, syrup, etc.).

[0108] The quantity information DB29 is information indicating the quantity of a prescription drug or a prescription drug substitute, such as 60 tablets.

[0109] The caution information DB30 is information about precautions for use, such as "Caution is required when taking this drug together with stomach medicine" in the example of Fig. 12. The precautions for use may also include cautions about side effects, interactions with specific foods or other medicines, etc.

[0110] In S13, the calculation control unit 214 of the server device 2 acquires the basic medical fee and special medical fee associated with the prescription drug from the medical care statement included in the medical expense information. The calculation control unit 214 may acquire only the medical procedures required when the prescription drug is re-prescribed, for example, but not limited to, excluding tests, diagnostic imaging, and the like included in the special medical fee. Furthermore, if the basic medical fee includes an initial consultation fee, the calculation control unit 214 may calculate the re-consultation fee instead. Concurrently, the calculation control unit 214 acquires the dispensing technical fee, pharmaceutical management fee, and drug fee required for dispensing the prescription drug from the dispensing statement. If the dispensing statement includes information on multiple prescription drugs, the calculation control unit 214 may acquire the cost for each prescription drug. Furthermore, the calculation control unit 214 may acquire the cost for each prescription drug depending on factors that can affect the basic dispensing fee, such as the size of the pharmacy used (e.g., a hospital-based pharmacy, a major chain pharmacy), the region, whether the patient brings their own prescription notebook, whether the dispensing is outside of business hours, etc. This allows users to see how much their prescription drug treatments are costing them.

[0111] In S14, the calculation control unit 214 of the server device 2 calculates drug price information based on the acquired basic medical fee and special medical fee associated with the prescription drug, and the dispensing technical fee, pharmaceutical management fee, and drug fee required for dispensing the prescription drug. At this time, the calculation control unit 214 may calculate the prescription drug information based on the basic medical fee and special medical fee determined in S13 to be required if the prescription drug is re-prescribed. In other words, the drug price information is information regarding the amount required to obtain the prescription drug. This allows for a more appropriate calculation of the costs required to obtain the prescription drug.

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

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

[0114] In addition to the combination of a prescription drug and a supplement shown in Figure 12, other examples of combinations of prescription drugs and health foods that are expected to have similar effects or efficacy include a combination of a health food (supplement) containing equol and a hormone (prescription drug) containing estrogen or progesterone. For example, the inhibition of bone mineral density loss is expected to have similar effects or efficacy to the combination of equol and estrogen.

[0115] For example, the information on prescription drug substitutes includes information indicating specific prescription drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as prescription drugs. The identification control unit 215 identifies the information indicating the specific prescription drug substitutes by any method. The any method may be a method of referencing a database held by the company or another company, or a method of identifying the information via the Internet from an e-commerce site, drugstore website, or the like, and the number of pieces of prescription drug substitute information identified here may be any number.

[0116] For example, the information on the substitute for a medical drug includes information indicating the price of the substitute for a medical drug. The identification control unit 215 identifies the price of the substitute for a medical drug by any method. The any method is as described above.

[0117] In S16, the calculation control unit 214 of the server device 2 calculates fluctuation information based on the drug price information and the medical drug substitute information. The fluctuation information is information indicating the amount that changes when purchasing a medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to acquiring a medical drug, and is calculated from the drug price information. The fluctuation information may also be calculated using the same conditions for at least one of the usage or dosage and the number of days of administration or intake of the medical drug and the medical drug substitute. This allows the user to refer to the amount that changes when purchasing a medical drug substitute that is expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug. Furthermore, the user can make purchases while referring to this fluctuation amount. Furthermore, the user can compare acquiring a medical drug with purchasing a medical drug substitute under closer conditions. Two examples of fluctuation information are described below.

[0118] In the first example, the fluctuation information may be information indicating the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing a substitute for a medical drug compared to when a medical drug is purchased, or may be the medical expenses displayed in the reduction amount area 72 shown in Fig. 13. The amount of medical expenses that will not be spent is equal to the amount indicated by the drug price information.

[0119] In the second example, the fluctuation information may be information indicating the change in the amount borne by the user due to the purchase of a prescription drug substitute compared to when a prescription drug is purchased, or may be the amount displayed in the copayment area 73 shown in FIG. 13. That is, the information indicating the change in the amount borne by the user is calculated by multiplying the amount indicated by the drug price information by a coefficient for the user's copayment rate and subtracting the amount of the prescription drug substitute. This amount borne by the user can be either a positive or negative value.

[0120] In S17, the display control unit 212 of the server device 2 generates screen information for the presentation screen 7, including the fluctuation information. If a regularly prescribed prescription drug is identified in S11, screen information may be generated that prioritizes the presentation of prescription drug substitutes that can replace the prescription drug. The information transmission / reception unit 210 of the server device 2 transmits the screen information for the presentation screen 7 to the client device 4. The information transmission / reception unit 410 of the client device 4 receives the screen information for the presentation screen 7 from the server device 2. The display control unit 412 displays the presentation screen 7 on the output unit 45 based on the screen information. This allows the user to refer to the price fluctuations that may occur when purchasing prescription drug substitutes that are expected to have similar effects or efficacy to prescription drugs. Furthermore, the user can make purchases while referring to this price fluctuation. In addition, even users with little knowledge about medicines can be encouraged to purchase appropriate prescription drug substitutes. Furthermore, encouraging users to use prescription drug substitutes is expected to reduce the on-site burden on medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists. In addition, encouraging the use of alternatives to prescription drugs can reduce medical costs borne by insurers.

[0121] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the presentation screen 7. The presentation screen 7 is a screen showing the economic effect of switching from a prescription drug to a prescription drug substitute. The presentation screen 7 includes at least one of a prescription drug area 70, a prescription drug substitute area 71, a reduction amount area 72, a copayment amount area 73, and a purchase procedure button 74.

[0122] The prescription drug area 70 is an area that displays the names of prescription drugs that the user has taken and that can be substituted with prescription drug substitutes. In the example of Figure 13, the prescription drug area 70 displays Fexofenadine Tablets 60 mg as the name of the prescription drug.

[0123] The area 71 for substitutes for medical drugs is an area in which substitutes for medical drugs that can be substituted for the medical drugs taken by the user are displayed.

[0124] The savings area 72 displays the medical expenses that can be avoided by substituting a prescription drug for a prescription drug substitute. This allows the user to confirm how much medical expenses can be saved by purchasing a prescription drug substitute that is expected to have the same effects or efficacy as a prescription drug, before considering purchasing the prescription drug substitute. In the example of Figure 13, the savings area 72 displays a savings of 3,794 yen.

[0125] The copayment area 73 displays the change in the user's copayment amount when substituting a prescription drug for a prescription drug substitute. This allows the user to confirm how much their financial burden will change if they purchase a prescription drug substitute that is expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the prescription drug, before considering purchasing the prescription drug substitute. In the example of Figure 13, the copayment area 73 shows that a reduction of 328 yen can be achieved.

[0126] The purchase procedure button 74 is a button that transitions to the purchase screen 8 for purchasing a prescription drug substitute. The purchase procedure button 74 is an example of an object. In addition to a button, the object may be configured with an image or text with a link. This allows the user to refer to the amount that will change by purchasing a prescription drug substitute that is expected to have the same effects or efficacy as a prescription drug, and if they decide they want to purchase it, they can proceed directly to the purchase screen.

[0127] In addition, if multiple pieces of medical drug substitute information are identified in S15, there may be the same number of medical drug substitute areas 71, reduction amount areas 72, copayment areas 73, and purchase procedure buttons 74 as there are pieces of medical drug substitute information.

[0128] In S18, the input receiving unit 411 of the client device 4 receives the purchase procedure button 74 being pressed.

[0129] In S19, the information transmitting and receiving unit 410 of the client device 4 transmits to the server device 2 a notification that the pressing of the Checkout button 74 has been accepted. The information transmitting and receiving unit 210 of the server device 2 accepts from the client device 4 a notification that the pressing of the Checkout button 74 has been accepted.

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

[0131] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase screen 8. The purchase screen 8 is a screen on which the user can proceed to purchase a prescription drug substitute. The purchase screen 8 includes at least one of a product name area 80, an image area 81, a product information area 82, a price area 83, a points area 84, a quantity area 85, an add to cart button 86, a summary area 87, and a shipping information area 88. In the example of FIG. 14, an OTC drug of the second category is displayed as a prescription drug substitute.

[0132] The product name area 80 is an area where the name of the medical drug substitute is displayed. In addition to the name of the medical drug substitute, the product name area 80 may also display other information about the medical drug substitute, such as the number of medical drug substitutes included in the package.

[0133] The image area 81 is an area where an image including a prescription drug substitute as a subject is displayed.

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

[0135] The price area 83 is an area showing the price of the ethical drug substitute identified from the product name area 80, and in the example of FIG. 14, 964 yen is shown.

[0136] The point area 84 is an area showing the value of points given to the user for purchasing a prescription drug substitute, and in the example of FIG. 14, 8 points are shown.

[0137] The quantity area 85 is an area configured to allow the user to specify the number of ethical drug substitutes to be added to the cart, and in the example of FIG. 14, it is set to one.

[0138] The add to cart button 86 allows the user to add to the cart the quantity specified in the quantity area 85. The user can purchase the prescription drug substitutes in the quantity added to the cart.

[0139] The summary area 87 is an area where a summary of the prescription drug alternative is displayed. The summary may include information such as the effect or efficacy of the active ingredient, the amount to be taken or ingested at one time, the timing of taking or ingesting, the number of times to take or ingest in a day, the content amount, the manufacturer's name, etc. In the example of the OTC drug in FIG. 14, the summary includes information that the drug is effective against allergy symptoms and is expected to be effective throughout the day when taken at a rate of two tablets twice a day.

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

[0141] In addition, if the substitute for a prescription drug is a Category 1 drug, the EC service may include steps in which the user inputs information into a medical questionnaire and the pharmacist checks the medical questionnaire.

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

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

[0144] In S23, the product delivery unit 216 of the server device 2 performs processing to deliver the medical drug substitute to the user based on the purchase information. The product delivery unit 216, for example, secures stock of the medical drug substitute and generates instructions to deliver the medical drug substitute to the user's address within the period indicated in the shipping information area 88. The information transmitting and receiving unit 210 transmits the instructions to the factory, warehouse, and delivery organization of the medical drug substitute.

[0145] In S24, the memory control unit 213 of the server device 2 further stores the purchase information in the medicine notebook database DB2 that stores information on prescription drugs. That is, the memory control unit 213 stores at least one of the name information DB21, active ingredient information DB22, efficacy information DB23, dosage and administration information DB24, number of days information DB25, shape information DB28, quantity information DB29, and caution information DB30 for each prescription drug substitute purchased by each user in the medicine notebook database DB2 shown in FIG.

[0146] In FIG. 12 , the third row corresponds to an example of the purchase of an over-the-counter drug, the fourth row corresponds to an example of the purchase of a quasi-drug intestinal regulator, and the fifth row corresponds to an example of the purchase of a health food supplement. In the case of a prescription drug substitute, the acquisition date information DB20 may record the purchase date of the prescription drug substitute or the arrival date of the prescription drug substitute instead of the date the prescription drug was dispensed. The purchase date of the prescription drug substitute or the arrival date of the prescription drug substitute is information recorded in the e-commerce service. In the case of a prescription drug substitute, because a prescription drug is not prescribed, the prescribing entity information DB26 may not contain such information. In the case of a prescription drug substitute, the drug provider information DB27 may record information of the e-commerce website operator or the pharmaceutical, chemical, or food manufacturer that produces the prescription drug substitute, instead of the pharmacy and pharmacist information. In the example of FIG. 12 , "C Online" is shown as the e-commerce website operator. This allows prescription drugs and purchased substitutes for prescription drugs to be stored in the same way as a medicine notebook. Of the substitutes for prescription drugs, only information on OTC drugs may be recorded in the medicine notebook database DB2, or only information on OTC drugs and quasi-drugs may be recorded in the medicine notebook database DB2.

[0147] In S25, the granting control unit 217 of the server device 2 grants a benefit (points) to the user according to the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing the prescription drug substitute. For example, the granting control unit 217 may grant a benefit to the user when medical expenses are saved by a specific amount or more. Furthermore, for example, the granting control unit 217 may grant a benefit in proportion to the amount of saved medical expenses (10 points if saved by 1,000 yen, 30 points if saved by 3,000 yen). Points are one example of a benefit. In this way, the user is granted a benefit (points) according to the amount of saved medical expenses, which tends to increase the user's motivation to purchase prescription drug substitutes.

[0148] In executing S25, a special benefit may be granted in response to sending information indicating the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing substitutes for prescription drugs to a computer managed by the insurer. Also, a special benefit may be granted in response to receiving information indicating that the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing substitutes for prescription drugs has been confirmed from the computer managed by the insurer.

[0149] The information processing in S26 to S28 described next relates to OTC drugs among alternatives to prescription drugs.

[0150] In S26, the management control unit 218 of the server device 2 manages deduction information. The deduction information is information about OTC drugs purchased in a given year that is necessary for the user to apply for a deduction under the self-medication tax system. The deduction can be applied, for example, by attaching a self-medication tax system statement to the user's tax return. The deduction information may change due to the establishment of new related laws or amendments to related laws. For example, the deduction information includes at least one of the following: the purchase cost of the drug, the name of the purchased drug, the name of the pharmacy, drugstore, etc. where the drug was purchased, and other reference information (such as the amount reimbursed by insurance, etc.). This allows information required for applying for a deduction under the self-medication tax system for purchased OTC drugs to be managed and retrieved as needed. Furthermore, in order to apply for the self-medication tax system, the user needs to keep receipts for purchases from pharmacies, drugstores, etc., identify the products eligible for the deduction, and calculate the total amount. However, by managing the information about the OTC drugs purchased in a given year that is necessary for applying for a deduction under the self-medication tax system, the user can seamlessly apply for the self-medication tax system.

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

[0152] In S28, the tax processing unit 313 of the government terminal 3 creates detailed statement data for implementing the self-medication tax system based on the deduction information. The tax processing unit 313 also transmits or displays the detailed statement data in response to an instruction from the user. The tax processing unit 313 also causes the user to file a tax return by attaching the detailed statement.

[0153] The information processing of S25 to S28 does not necessarily have to be performed and may be omitted.

[0154] As described above, the present disclosure can provide improved technology for medical drugs or substitutes for medical drugs.

[0155] [others] With respect to the information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment, it may be a program that causes a computer to function as the processor 21 of the information processing system 1. It may also be an information processing method that the information processing system 1 executes.

[0156] In the embodiment, the medical drug substitutes that can replace prescription drugs are displayed via a health management service. However, in a modified example, the medical drug substitutes may be displayed by an e-commerce service without the health management service. In this case, the presentation screen 7 is provided by the e-commerce service. Furthermore, the management screen 6 may not be included, or may be provided by the e-commerce service as needed.

[0157] In the embodiment, a government terminal 3 appears, but in a modified example, it does not have to be a government terminal 3, and any entity that possesses medical expense information will suffice. In that case, the medical expense information may be acquired from a computer that replaces the government terminal 3. In a modified example, the computer having this function may be configured with the same hardware as the server device 2, in which case the information processing (S8, S10, S27) that takes place between the server device 2 and the government terminal 3 is omitted.

[0158] The server device 2 may be an on-premise type or a cloud type. As a cloud type server device 2, the above functions and processes may be provided in the form of, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service) or cloud computing.

[0159] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following manner.

[0160] (1) An information processing system comprising a specific control unit and a display control unit, wherein the specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and pharmaceutical substitute information relating to pharmaceutical substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug, and the display control unit displays fluctuation information, wherein the fluctuation information is information indicating the amount that changes by purchasing the pharmaceutical substitute indicated in the pharmaceutical substitute information compared to acquiring the medical drug, and is information indicating the amount calculated from the pharmaceutical price information.

[0161] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, the fluctuation information includes information indicating the amount of medical expenses that will be reduced by purchasing the medical drug substitute compared to when the medical drug is purchased, and information indicating the change in the amount that the user will have to pay.

[0162] (3) The information processing system described in (2) above further includes an award control unit, which awards a benefit to the user based on the amount of medical expenses saved by purchasing the substitute for the medical drug.

[0163] (4) In the information processing system described in (1) to (3) above, the display control unit displays an object that transitions to a purchase screen together with the variable information, and the purchase screen is a screen on which the procedure for purchasing the medical drug substitute can be carried out.

[0164] (5) The information processing system described in (1) to (4) above further includes a memory control unit, which stores, for each user, the name, name of the active ingredient, amount of the active ingredient, method of use or dosage, and effect or efficacy of each of the medical drugs and purchased medical drug substitutes.

[0165] (6) The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, further comprising a management control unit, The management control unit is an information processing system that manages information on OTC drugs included in the information on alternative medical drugs purchased in a given year, which is necessary for the user to apply for a deduction under the self-medication tax system.

[0166] (7) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6) above, which includes a calculation control unit, and which calculates the pharmaceutical price information based on the basic medical fee and special medical fee required for issuing a prescription for the medical drug, and the dispensing technical fee, pharmaceutical management fee, and drug fee required for dispensing the medical drug.

[0167] (8) In the information processing system described in (1) to (7) above, the fluctuation information is calculated under the same conditions for at least one of the usage or dosage and the number of days of taking or ingesting the medical drug and the medical drug substitute.

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

[0169] (10) A program for causing a computer to function as a functional part of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

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

[0171] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, they are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1: Information processing system 2: Server device 21: Processor 210: Information transmission and reception unit 211: User Management Department 212: Display control unit 213: Memory control unit 214: Calculation control unit 215: Specific control section 216:Product Delivery Department 217: Addition control unit 218: Management and Control Unit 22: Storage section 23: Communications Department 3: Government terminal 31: Processor 310: Information transmission and reception unit 311: Collaboration processing unit 312: Memory control unit 313: Tax Department 32: Storage section 33: Communications Department 4: Client device 41: Processor 410: Information transmission and reception unit 411: Input reception unit 412: Display control unit 42: Storage section 43: Communications Department 44: Input section 45: Output section 6: Management screen 60: First status area 61: Second status area 62: Third status area 63: 4th status area 64: 5th status area 65: Link button 7: Presentation screen 70: Prescription drugs 71: Alternatives to prescription drugs 72:Reduction area 73: Self-pay area 74: Purchase procedure button 8: Purchase screen 80:Product name area 81: Image area 82:Product information area 83: Price range 84: Point area 85: Quantity area 86: Add to Cart button 87 :Summary area 88: Shipping information area DB1: Government Database DB10:Medical statement information DB11: Dispensing details information DB12: Electronic prescription information DB2: Medicine notebook database DB20: Acquisition date information DB21: Name information DB22: Active ingredient information DB23: Efficacy and efficacy information DB24: Usage and dosage information DB25: Number of days information DB26: Prescription entity information DB27: Drug provider information DB28: Shape information DB29:Quantity information DB30: Caution Information NW: Network

Claims

1. An information processing system, A specific control unit and a display control unit are provided, The specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire the pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical substitute information relating to pharmaceutical substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the pharmaceutical, The prescription drug substitute does not require a prescription; the display control unit displays variable information, The fluctuation information is information indicating the amount that will fluctuate by purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when the medical drug is acquired, and is information indicating the amount calculated from the medical drug price information. Information processing system.

2. An information processing system, A specific control unit and a display control unit are provided, The specific control unit acquires pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire the pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical substitute information relating to pharmaceutical substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the pharmaceutical, the display control unit displays an object that transitions to a purchase screen together with the variable information, The fluctuation information is information indicating the amount that will fluctuate by purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when the medical drug is acquired, and is information indicating the amount calculated from the medical drug price information. the purchase screen is a screen on which a procedure for purchasing the prescription drug substitute can be carried out; Information processing system.

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, The fluctuation information includes information indicating the amount of medical expenses that will be reduced by purchasing the substitute for the medical drug compared to when the medical drug is purchased, and information indicating a change in the amount that the user will have to pay. Information processing system.

4. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, Further provided is an application control unit, the granting control unit grants a benefit to the user according to the amount of medical expenses saved by the purchase of the ethical drug substitute; Information processing system.

5. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, Further comprising a storage control unit, The storage control unit stores, for each user, the name, the name of the active ingredient, the amount of the active ingredient, the method of use or dosage, and the effect or efficacy of each of the prescription drug and the purchased prescription drug substitute. Information processing system.

6. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, Further comprising a management control unit, The management control unit manages information on OTC drugs included in the information on alternative prescription drugs purchased in a certain year, which information is necessary for the user to receive a deduction under the self-medication tax system. Information processing system.

7. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, A calculation control unit is provided, The calculation control unit calculates the pharmaceutical price information based on the basic medical fee and special medical fee required for issuing the prescription for the pharmaceutical, and the dispensing technical fee, pharmaceutical management fee, and pharmaceutical fee required for dispensing the pharmaceutical. Information processing system.

8. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, The fluctuation information is calculated under the same conditions for at least one of the method of use or dosage and the number of days of taking or ingesting the medical drug and the medical drug substitute. Information processing system.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing system, a specific control step of acquiring pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to medical drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug; wherein the substitute for a medical drug does not require a prescription, a display control step of displaying fluctuation information indicating the amount that will change by purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when the medical drug is acquired, and the amount calculated from the medical drug price information; An information processing method comprising:

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing system, a specific control step of acquiring pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to medical drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug; an information processing method comprising: a display control step of displaying an object that transitions to a purchase screen, which is a screen where procedures for purchasing the medical drug substitute can be carried out, together with variable information indicating the amount that changes when purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when acquiring the medical drug, and which indicates the amount calculated from the drug price information.

11. A program, a specific control step of acquiring pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to medical drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug; wherein the substitute for a medical drug does not require a prescription, A program for causing an information processing system to execute the following steps: a display control step for displaying variable information indicating the amount that changes when purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when the medical drug is actually obtained, and the amount calculated from the drug price information.

12. A program, a specific control step of acquiring pharmaceutical price information relating to the amount required to acquire a medical drug and medical drug substitute information relating to medical drug substitutes that are expected to have the same effects or efficacy as the medical drug; A program for causing an information processing system to execute the following steps: a display control step of displaying an object that transitions to a purchase screen where procedures for purchasing the medical drug substitute can be carried out, along with variable information indicating the amount that changes when purchasing the medical drug substitute indicated in the medical drug substitute information compared to when acquiring the medical drug, and which is calculated from the drug price information.

Images