Method of data mining in medical applications

• US 20110218815A1
• Filed: 05/12/2011
• Published: 09/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bruce Reiner
• Original Assignee: Bruce Reiner
• Inventors: Reiner, Bruce
• Granted Patent: US 8,249,892 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/70 for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of creating databases for data mining in medical applications. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to providing a data-driven objective reimbursement model incorporating performance and quality measures, tied to patient, exam, context, and provider-specific variables. In another embodiment, the present invention creates standardized databases where context, patient, provider, and technology specific variables are used to create an objective quantitative measure of exam complexity, which can be correlated with performance times and outcomes measures for iterative refinement. In another embodiment, through the combined analysis of examination complexity, interpretation accuracy, and interpretation times, specific to each individual radiologist, external pacers are created which can be customized to a radiologist'"'"'s individual needs and preferences. The derived data is used to identify best practice patterns and end-user performance, which can be used by radiologists for individualized education and training.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of measuring examination complexity in a medical application, comprising:

recording a plurality of data elements into a database of a computer system, said data elements including a profile of a patient, a profile of a medical institution at which said patient was examined, imaging examinations performed on said patient, an examination profile of said patient, and an acquisition device used to perform said imaging examinations, into a database of a computer system;

performing a computerized retrospective analysis of past performance measures and clinical outcomes by a service provider using data recorded in said database;

performing a computerized measure of examination complexity as part of a quality program, and based on said plurality of data elements and said past performance measures and clinical outcomes of said service provider recorded in said database; and

providing an incentive to said service provider to review said computerized measure of examination complexity and said computerized retrospective analysis, to determine whether at least one of education or training is required.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said computerized retrospective analysis is continuously updated.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said quality program is instituted to reflect differences in service provider community, education, training, experience, supporting technology, institutional profile, and geography.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing feedback on a display of said computer system to said service provider based upon clinical outcomes, and efficiency measures.