METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

• US 20150058041A1
• Filed: 04/03/2013
• Published: 02/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MedicaSafe, Inc.
• Original Assignee: MedicaSafe, Inc.
• Inventors: Ervin, Matthew James
• Granted Patent: US 10,223,504 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/60 using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0084 for multiple medicaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0418 with electronic history memory
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 70/40 relating to drugs, e.g. their side effects or intended usage

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for medication therapy management programs. One embodiment of the invention includes a comprehensive, technology-enhanced pharmacy system for patients following a complex medication to regimen comprising a treatment database, communications interface, and a personal medication cartridge configured to store medication and configured based on a treatment optimization algorithm. Another embodiment of the invention includes a medication administration apparatus comprising computer processing hardware, a user interface, an interface for receiving a personal medication cartridge including medication dose packets labeled with computer-readable identification or an RFID mechanism, a medication ejection mechanism, and a medication dispensing sensor. The medication administration apparatus utilizes medication dose packets and prescription information and identifies individual dose packets using computer-readable information or an RFID mechanism. The medication administration apparatus determines the location and prescription schedule for each dose packet within the medication administration apparatus and provides an indication when a dosing event is scheduled.

Claims

1. A medication administration system comprising:

a processor and a memory, the memory arranged to store a treatment optimization algorithm and a treatment database configured to retain at least one of medication information, prescription information and patient information;

at least one communications interface module;

operative to communicate with at least one of physicians, pharmacists or patients; and

a personal medication cartridge configured to store medication and configured based on the treatment optimization algorithm.

2. The medication administration system of claim 1, wherein the treatment database includes at least one of data collected from the patient, data input by a physician, data input by a pharmacist, and data collected by monitoring patient usage.

3. The medication administration system of claim 1, wherein the treatment optimization algorithm is configured to calculate a patient medication regime based on data input from the patient.

4. The medication administration system of claim 1, further comprising a medication dispensing device adapted to interface with the personal medication cartridge.

5. The medication administration system of claim 1, wherein the personal medication cartridge includes computer-readable identification information or an RFID identifying mechanism.

6. The medication administration system of claim 1, further comprising a treatment incentive program configured to incentivize treatment adherence, including at least one of patient education materials, pharmacy interviews, and product discounts.

7. The medication administration system of claim 1, wherein the communications interface is configured to provide information to at least one of a physician, pharmacist, patient and treatment database.

8. The medication administration system of claim 1, further comprising a disease management module configured to assess clinical symptoms and provide patient information.

9. A medication administration apparatus comprising:

computer processing hardware;

a user interface;

an interface for receiving a personal medication cartridge including medication dose packets labeled with computer-readable identification or an RFID mechanism;

a medication ejection mechanism; and

a medication dispensing sensor.

10. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the computer processing hardware further comprises a CPU, memory, a keypad and wireless communication hardware.

11. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the computer-readable information or the RFID mechanism is configured to identify the correct medication dose packet for dispensing.

12. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to communicate with a remote database.

13. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to record patient data locally or remotely.

14. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically dispense the correct medication dose packet at the proper time based on information stored locally or remotely.

15. The medication administration apparatus of claim 14, wherein when the apparatus determines the proper time to dispense a particular dose packet, the personal medical cartridge is moved to a correct position to dispense the correct medication dose packet.

16. The medication administration apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured to recalculate an appropriate treatment if the patient fails to properly administer medication.

17. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to track medication dispensing activity.

18. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide dosage reminders to the patient.

19. The medication administration apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a display configured to display information about the medication dispensed.

20. A method of administering a medication therapy program comprising:

utilizing a medication administration apparatus with prescription information and medication dose packets;

identifying individual dose packets using computer-readable information or an RFID mechanism;

determining the location and prescription schedule of each dose packet within the medication administration apparatus;

locating the correct dose packet to dispense; and

dispensing the correct dose packet.

21. The method of administering a medication therapy program of claim 20, further comprising providing an indication that a dosing event is scheduled and waiting for a patient to request dispensing of a dose packet.

22. The method of administering a medication therapy program of claim 20, further comprising recalculating dosing event information based on a patient'"'"'s deviation from a predetermined dosing schedule.

23. The method of administering a medication therapy program of claim 20, further comprising providing visual or audio prompts to the patient to guide proper medication administration.

24. The method of administering a medication therapy program of claim 20, further comprising communicating treatment reports to at least one of a physician, pharmacist and patient.