Method and system for consolidating and distributing information
First Claim
1. An integrated health care system, comprising:
- at least one central host computer system for maintaining, consolidating, and distributing information generated by any component of said system;
at least one of a remote, single provider, or networked provider terminal in communication with said central host computer;
at least one individual information device for accessing said system; and
a common data dictionary;
wherein said service recipient'"'"'s health care data records are stored on any of said central host computer, said terminal, or said individual information device;
wherein said central host computer, said terminal, and said portable individual information device are electronically linked as a network, to permit information distribution to various locations on said network, and wherein said common data dictionary facilitates said information distribution among said various locations by standardizing system database elements; and
wherein open standards are used for hardware, software, and firmware components of said system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system are provided for consolidating and distributing information. Implementation of system functionalities for both restricted local and unrestricted system-wide uses are permitted. Open standards for hardware, software and firmware components and standardized medical codes, definitions and formats are supported. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides an integrated health care system. The invention can also be used to allow secure access to Social Security, annuity, retirement account, and benefit information, allowing individuals a unified view of their benefit and payment status. A centralized host maintains, consolidates, and redistributes information generated at all networked locations. Information is electronically transferred among the system components to link an individual'"'"'s local records to those stored remotely. The individual information device, centralized host computer, and any other computers or networks linked to the system can therefore be automatically updated. An individual information device stores a service recipient'"'"'s insurance information, a emergency records and critical health care histories. This information is accessed by the system for use in managing any aspect of the service recipient'"'"'s health care. Portable terminals can be used to access the system. A portable terminal can also be used independently from the system to perform health care functions. Unrestricted system-wide, or restricted local uses are supported. Insurance coverage for services and treatments can be determined and the information transmitted directly from the carrier(s) to the service recipient and service provider(s). Supported features include service authorization, messaging, diagnostic services, coverage determination, billing, and electronic payment.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. An integrated health care system, comprising:
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at least one central host computer system for maintaining, consolidating, and distributing information generated by any component of said system;
at least one of a remote, single provider, or networked provider terminal in communication with said central host computer;
at least one individual information device for accessing said system; and
a common data dictionary;
wherein said service recipient'"'"'s health care data records are stored on any of said central host computer, said terminal, or said individual information device;
wherein said central host computer, said terminal, and said portable individual information device are electronically linked as a network, to permit information distribution to various locations on said network, and wherein said common data dictionary facilitates said information distribution among said various locations by standardizing system database elements; and
wherein open standards are used for hardware, software, and firmware components of said system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An integrated health care system, implemented using any of the Internet or a local area network, the system comprising:
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at least one central host computer system for maintaining, consolidating, and distributing information generated by any component of said system;
at least one of a remote, single provider, or networked provider terminal in communication with said central host computer;
a portable terminal in communication with said central host computer, wherein said portable terminal is operable to communicate with said entire system or any portion of said system, or is operable independently from said system;
at least one portable integrated circuit card for accessing said system, wherein said portable individual information device stores any of an individual service recipient'"'"'s insurance information, emergency records, and health care history;
a card reader, linked to said remote, single provider, or networked provider terminal, for accessing information stored on said individual information device, and for transmitting information among said individual information device and any of said components of said system;
a messaging module for providing messaging services to a component of said system; and
a common data dictionary;
wherein said service recipient'"'"'s health care data records are stored on any of said central host computer, said terminal, or said portable individual information device;
wherein said central host computer, said terminal, and said portable individual information device are electronically linked as a network, to permit information distribution to various locations on said network, and wherein said common data dictionary facilitates said information distribution among said various locations by standardizing system database elements;
wherein open standards are used for hardware, software, and firmware components of said system. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method for consolidating information in an integrated health care system implemented using any of the Internet or a local area network, the method comprising the steps of:
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maintaining, consolidating, and distributing information generated by any component of said system with at least one central host computer system for;
providing at least one of a remote, single provider, or networked provider terminal in communication with said central host computer;
providing a common data dictionary;
providing a portable terminal in communication with said central host computer, wherein said portable terminal is operable to communicate with said entire system or any portion of said system, or is operable independently from said system;
providing at least one portable integrated circuit card for accessing said system, wherein said portable individual information device stores any of an individual service recipient'"'"'s insurance information, emergency records, and health care history;
linking a card reader to said remote, single provider, or networked provider terminal, for accessing information stored on said individual information device, and for transmitting information among said individual information device and any of said components of said system;
providing messaging services to a component of said system;
wherein said service recipient'"'"'s health care data records are stored on any of said central host computer, said terminal, or said portable individual information device;
wherein said central host computer, said terminal, and said portable individual information device are electronically linked as a network, to permit information distribution to various locations on said network, and wherein said common data dictionary facilitates said information distribution among said various locations by standardizing system database elements;
wherein open standards are used for hardware, software, and firmware components of said system. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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37. The method of claim 37, wherein said common data dictionary comprises:
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field definitions; and
acceptable codes or values organized in acceptable values tables to provide a uniform healthcare vocabulary;
wherein said codes ensure data integrity throughout a data value chain and ensure the data'"'"'s universal consistency. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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Specification