System and Method for Verifying and Assembling a Multiple Prescription Package

• US 20100228562A1
• Filed: 01/29/2010
• Published: 09/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
• Original Assignee: Edge Technologies, Inc
• Inventors: Luciano, Larry, Baker, Leslie, Luciano, Robert A. JR.
• Granted Patent: US 8,931,241 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0069 Trays for holding or distributing medicines display trays A47F3/14; serving trays A47G23/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0084 for multiple medicaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0454 for dispensing of multiple drugs
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 5/103 for packaging pills or tablets
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2577/2083 in container flange
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/36 one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages , the recess or recesses being preformed B65D73/0057, B65D73/0092 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/527 Tear-lines for separating a package into individual packages B65D1/30, B65D21/0206, B65D75/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/5888 Tear-lines for removing successive sections of a package for separating package into individual packages B65D75/527
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers

Abstract

A method for verifying a multiple prescription order having a plurality of different medications is described. The method comprises receiving a prescription order that includes a first medication that is different from a second medication. Additionally, the prescription order indicates that the first medication and second medication are to be taken at regular intervals. After entering the prescription order into a graphical user interface, the method verifies the entered prescription order by comparing the entered prescription order to the multiple prescription order. Multiple prescription packages are generated that combines the first medication and second medication in the same package that are intended to be taken at the prescribed interval. Each multiple prescription package is then inspected, and a verification process is initiated that confirms that the first medication and second medication are within each multiple prescription package. The multiple prescription packages are then placed into a container that is sealed.

Claims

1. A method for verifying a multiple prescription order having a plurality of different medications, said method comprising:

receiving a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient, the prescription order comprising a plurality of medications having a first medication that is different from a second medication, wherein the first medication and second medication are configured to be taken at regular intervals;

entering the prescription order into a graphical user interface;

verifying the entered prescription order by comparing the entered prescription order to the multiple prescription order;

generating a plurality of preliminary packages that combines the first medication and second medication in the same package, which is taken at the prescribed interval;

inspecting each preliminary package to verify that the first medication and second medication are within the preliminary package; and

placing the preliminary packages into a container that is sealed.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising labeling the container to indicate a particular time interval for consuming the medications within the preliminary package.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising associating a package insert within the container wherein the package insert is associated with the multiple prescription order.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises counting the number of tablets in each preliminary package.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises verifying the color and shape of each tablet in each preliminary package.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises verifying the tablet ID.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises verifying the concentration of medication in each tablet.

8. A method for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications, said method comprising:

receiving a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient, the prescription order comprising a plurality of medications having a first medication that is different from a second medication, wherein the first medication and second medication are configured to be taken at regular intervals;

entering the prescription order into a graphical user interface;

verifying the entered prescription order;

communicating the prescription order to a filling system configured to produce a plurality of preliminary packages that comprises the first medication and second medication;

inspecting each preliminary package to verify that the first medication and second medication are within the preliminary package; and

placing the preliminary packages into a container that is sealed.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises counting the number of tablets in each preliminary package.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises verifying the color and shape of each tablet in each preliminary package.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises verifying the tablet ID.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said inspecting of each preliminary package further comprises verifying the concentration of medication in each tablet.

13. The method of claim 8 further comprising labeling the container to indicate a particular time interval for consuming the medications.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising associating a package insert within the container.

15-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A system for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications, comprising:

a graphical user interface configured to receive a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient, the prescription order comprising a plurality of medications having a first medication that is different from a second medication, wherein the first medication and second medication are configured to be taken at regular intervals;

a filling system communicatively coupled to the graphical user interface configured to produce a plurality of preliminary packages that comprise the first medication and the second medication, the preliminary packages configured to permit a visual inspection of the contents thereof;

a sealable container configured to receive at least one of the plurality of preliminary packages.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the number of medications in each preliminary package are counted.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the color and shape of each medication in each preliminary package is verified.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein a tablet ID is verified.

25. The system of claim 23, further comprising a verification the includes checking the markings on each medication.

26. The system of claim 21 further comprising a label indicating a particular time interval for consuming the medications.

27. The system of claim 26 further comprising associating a package insert within the container.