Pharmaceutical compound business methodology and software

• US 20070255595A1
• Filed: 06/21/2007
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert Nickell
• Original Assignee: Robert Nickell
• Inventors: Nickell, Robert
• Application Number:
  US11/820,960
• Publication Number:
  US 20070255595A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers

Abstract

A method for compounding pharmaceuticals, which includes placing an order for compounded pharmaceuticals, scheduling a date for the compounding, scheduling a location for the compounding, ordering the necessary chemicals required, providing the requested formulations, providing the actual compounding of the pharmaceuticals, and providing necessary equipment and staff for the compounding. A computer software program that facilitates the interaction between parties in a pharmaceutical compounding relationship. A portable pharmaceutical compounding lab that may be used in the method for compounding pharmaceuticals.

Claims

1. A method for compounding pharmaceuticals, the method comprising the following steps:

a) receiving an order from a licensed physician for at least one compounded pharmaceutical;

b) scheduling a date for the compounding to occur;

c) scheduling a location for the compounding to occur;

d) arranging for chemicals required for the compounding of the pharmaceuticals to be provided on the scheduled date and at the scheduled location;

e) providing necessary equipment and staff on the scheduled date at the scheduled location for the compounding;

f) compounding the pharmaceuticals under the licensure of the physician

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the order in step (a) is placed via the submission of an email to a service provider.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the order in step (a) is placed via the submission of a form to a service provider by facsimile machine.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the order in step (a) is placed via a telephone call to a service provider.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the order in step (a) is placed via data entry within a computer software program over a global network.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the computer software program provides a listing of all currently available compounds.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the computer software program provides a pre-populated form of previously ordered compounds.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the computer software program allows for the creation of new compounds based on active ingredient proportions.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the computer software program allows for the maintenance of a pre-set minimum inventory level.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding date is scheduled in step (b) via a telephone call to a service provider.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding date is scheduled in step (b) via a computer software program over a global network.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding date scheduled in step (b) is a recurring appointment.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding location scheduled in step (c) is in a portable compounding lab set up within the physician'"'"'s office.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding location scheduled in step (c) is in a permanent compounding lab set up within the physician'"'"'s office.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding location scheduled in step (c) is in a mobile compounding lab set up near the physician'"'"'s office.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the compounding location scheduled in step (c) is in a permanent compounding lab away from the physician'"'"'s office and the physician is transported to the permanent compounding lab for the duration of the compounding in step (f).

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the chemicals are ordered in step (d) by a service provider based upon the active ingredients in the compounds ordered in step (a).

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the chemicals in step (d) are ordered and delivered to the scheduled compounding location of the scheduled compounding date.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the staff in step (e) includes at least one compounding technician and at least one pharmacist.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising the following steps:

g) dispensing the compounded pharmaceuticals to a patient requiring the same;

h) sending claim information to a medical management company.

21. A computer software program that facilitates the interaction between contracting parties in a pharmaceutical compounding relationship when compounding is provided on site comprising the functionality of;

a) receiving an order from a licensed physician for at least one compounded pharmaceutical;

b) scheduling a date for the compounding to occur;

c) scheduling a location for the compounding to occur;

d) arranging for chemicals required for the compounding of the pharmaceuticals to be provided on the scheduled date and at the scheduled location;

e) providing necessary equipment and staff on the scheduled date at the scheduled location for the compounding;

22. The computer software program of claim 21, wherein the parties include at least two parties selected from the group consisting of a physician'"'"'s office, a compounding consultant service provider, a pharmacy chemical house, and a medical management company.

23. The computer software program of claim 22, wherein the parties interact through the computer software program over a global network.

24. The computer software program of claim 23, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to place an order for compounded pharmaceuticals from a service provider.

25. The computer software program of claim 23, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to schedule a date for compounding pharmaceuticals with a service provider.

26. The computer software program of claim 23, wherein the computer software program enables a service provider to order controlled chemicals from a pharmacy.

27. The computer software program of claim 23, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to submit billing information to a medical management company.

28. The computer software program of claim 23, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to receive billing information from a medical management company.

29. The computer software program of claim 21, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to maintain inventory of previously compounded pharmaceuticals.

30. The computer software program of claim 21, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to view reports related to compounded pharmaceuticals.

31. The computer software program of claim 21, wherein the computer software program enables a physician'"'"'s office to print reports related to compounded pharmaceuticals.

32. A portable pharmaceutical compounding lab comprising:

temporary walls;

modular flooring;

at least one air purifier;

at least one powder hood;

at least one small powder HEPA filter;

at least one mixer;

at least one scale;

an ointment mill;

a filling machine;

a heat unit;

a stir unit;

and a pH modulator.

33. The compounding lab of claim 32, wherein the temporary walls are constructed from a vinyl.

34. The compounding lab of claim 32, wherein the mixers comprise at least one large scale mixer and at least one small scale mixer.

35. The compounding lab of claim 32, wherein the scales comprise at least one large scale and at least one small electronic scale.

36. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising at least one printer connected to the scales.

37. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising glassware and stainless equipment.

38. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising modular cabinets.

39. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising 220V electrical wiring.

40. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising a ventilation system.

41. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising capsule machines.

42. The compounding lab of claim 32 further comprising inactive ingredients for pharmaceutical compounds.