Barcoded Service Requests for Pharmacy Workflow Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for engaging patients in cost-effective health behaviors to manage rising healthcare costs have been ineffective due to non-compliance from pharmacists, as they often require workflows outside typical pharmacy practices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for barcoded service requests and responses in healthcare transactions, allowing for the identification and documentation of services provided by pharmacists, including counseling, through a barcoded service request system that integrates with pharmacy workflows, enabling efficient communication and billing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacists are utilized to counsel patients to achieve quality health outcomes, then patient engagement and health outcomes improve, but compliance by pharmacists remains minimal due to workflows being outside typical pharmacy practices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines service request generation, barcode assignment, and documentation capabilities directly into the pharmacy's existing workflow system. The service request is generated automatically when a prescription is processed, and the barcode is printed on the prescription label, merging multiple functions into the existing pharmacy operation flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode serves multiple functions: it uniquely identifies the service request, links to prescription claim information in the database, enables documentation of services provided, and facilitates billing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and processes.
2Loss of information
If service requests are delivered to pharmacies for documentation, then patient services are documented, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming without automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating the service request and printing the barcode on the prescription label before the pharmacist even sees the prescription. This eliminates the need for manual service request creation and ensures the documentation system is ready in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the documentation process to be completed through simple barcode scanning and automatic data retrieval. The pharmacist or staff member simply needs to scan the barcode, and the system automatically retrieves and documents the service information without requiring manual data entry or complex navigation.
3Productivity
If manual processes are used for service requests and documentation, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency of pharmacy operations decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode acts as an intermediary element that connects the physical prescription to the digital service request and documentation system. This simple intermediary enables automated data retrieval and documentation without requiring complex interfaces or manual data entry processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the prescription claim information and stores it in association with the barcode in the database. This copying mechanism enables quick retrieval and documentation of service information without requiring access to the original prescription system, simplifying the documentation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for supporting barcoded service requests and responses. The systems, methods, and apparatuses can support receiving, from a pharmacy computer, a claim request that identifies at least a patient and a prescribed product; determining, based upon the claim request, that a service request is available, the service request indicating an opportunity for one or more services to be provided by the pharmacy to the patient; storing claim information in association with a bar code, the claim information including information from the claim request, the bar code associated with the service request; automatically directing a delivery of the service request to the pharmacy, the service request including the bar code; and receiving a response to the service request, wherein the response includes the bar code, where the bar code is utilized, at least in part, to obtain at least a portion of the claim information for documentation of the one or more provided services.