Inventors:
John Amrien - Salem NJ, US
Paul Amrien - Long Beach CA, US
Martin Smith - Newport Beach CA, US
Pine Blossom Harvey - Newport Beach CA, US
International Classification:
G06F 19/00, G06Q 50/00, G06K 19/00
Abstract:
Methods and systems for rapidly and conveniently creating prescriptions through the use of portable digital assistants (PDAs) and bar code scanning technology are provided. Prescriptions are created using a form-based approach in which prescribing options are presented to the prescriber for selection. The system allows entry of medication and patient ID by scanning bar codes. A bar code is generated for each prescription and is used to access the prescription information in a database. The bar code and prescription information can be printed on a ticket, which can be presented at a pharmacy when the prescription is picked up. The use of bar codes allows several levels of checking to ensure that the correct medication is dispensed and that the prescription is valid. Prescription information is transmitted between prescribers and pharmacies via a central site at which prescription information is stored. In a preferred embodiment of the invention communication occurs over the Internet, and the creation and transmission of prescriptions are coordinated by a World Wide Web service which sends Web pages to PDAs to present and gather prescription information.