Automatic prescription drug dispenser
First Claim
1. A method for dispensing prescribed medications, comprising:
- a prescribing medical service provider prescribing a medication for a patient;
entering data about the prescription into a data input device that relays the data to a medication dispensing machine;
the dispensing machine scanning and verifying a barcode on an unlabeled container of medication;
the dispensing machine automatically packaging the medication for the patient by labelling the container of the medication with patient-specific information, andthe dispensing machine scanning and verifying the label on the labeled container of medication before dispensing the labeled container.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the doctor to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the prescriber, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. Also described are various embodiments of apparatus and method of the invention useful in pharmacy settings as for example found in drug stores or “big box” retailers or other such settings. Other methods include providing a remote dispenser in virtually any location.
131 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for dispensing prescribed medications, comprising:
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a prescribing medical service provider prescribing a medication for a patient; entering data about the prescription into a data input device that relays the data to a medication dispensing machine; the dispensing machine scanning and verifying a barcode on an unlabeled container of medication; the dispensing machine automatically packaging the medication for the patient by labelling the container of the medication with patient-specific information, and the dispensing machine scanning and verifying the label on the labeled container of medication before dispensing the labeled container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for dispensing prescribed medications, comprising:
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a prescribing medical service provider prescribing a medication for a patient; entering data about the prescription into a data input device that relays the data to a medication dispensing machine; a patient entering information into the dispensing machine; in response to the patient entering information, the dispensing machine scanning and verifying a barcode on an unlabeled container of medication; after scanning and verifying the barcode on the unlabeled container, the dispensing machine labelling the container of the medication with patient-specific information, and after the dispensing machine has labeled the container, the dispensing machine scanning and verifying the label on the labeled container of medication before dispensing the labeled container, wherein the dispensing of the labeled container is directly to the patient without the intervention of a pharmacist or a pharmacist technician.
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Specification