Medical product dispensing systems and methods
First Claim
1. A method for distributing a restricted distribution medical product, comprising:
- storing an electronic self-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on a controller connected to an interactive computer controlled device, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the restricted distribution medical product and (2) information provided by a potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not starting treatment;
completing by the potential purchaser through the device, an electronic self-selection process according to the electronic self-selection algorithm, for a first purchase of the restricted distribution medical product;
generating, by the controller, based on the completed electronic self-selection process, a transaction record for the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the potential purchaser and a licensed practitioner, for the first purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product;
storing an electronic de-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not continuing treatment;
unsuccessfully performing by the potential purchaser through the device, an electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product; and
denying by the controller based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the potential purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the potential purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems for transferring restricted distribution medical products to an over-the-counter general sales environment are provided. Methods and systems of dispensing non-prescription, behind-the-counter medical products from a vending machine in a general sales location are also provided. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for dispensing a medical product from a vending machine in a general sales location based, at least in part, on biometric data collected from the purchaser and, in some instances, based on self-selection and/or de-selection criteria, is provided. Further, methods and systems of switching prescription medical products to non-prescription, over-the-counter medical products are provided.
130 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method for distributing a restricted distribution medical product, comprising:
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storing an electronic self-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on a controller connected to an interactive computer controlled device, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the restricted distribution medical product and (2) information provided by a potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not starting treatment; completing by the potential purchaser through the device, an electronic self-selection process according to the electronic self-selection algorithm, for a first purchase of the restricted distribution medical product; generating, by the controller, based on the completed electronic self-selection process, a transaction record for the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the potential purchaser and a licensed practitioner, for the first purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; storing an electronic de-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not continuing treatment; unsuccessfully performing by the potential purchaser through the device, an electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product; and denying by the controller based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the potential purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the potential purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for distributing a restricted distribution medical product, comprising:
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storing an electronic self-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on a controller of an interactive device, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the restricted distribution medical product and (2) information provided by a purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting, that outweighs the risk of not starting, treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; completing by a purchaser of the restricted distribution medical product to access and complete, via a telephone operatively connected to the interactive device, the electronic self-selection algorithm for a first purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product; generating, by the controller, based on the completed electronic self-selection process, a transaction record for the restricted distribution medical product without interaction between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, for the first purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; storing an electronic de-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on the controller, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit, that outweighs the risk, to continue treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; unsuccessfully performing by the purchaser through the device, an electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; and denying by the controller based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without intervention between purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the purchaser fails to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for dispensing a restricted distribution medical product, comprising:
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identifying a restricted distribution medical product having a restricted distribution status; placing a vending machine in a general sales location, the vending machine having a person-machine-interface device in communication with a controller; storing a supply of the restricted distribution medical product in the vending machine; storing an electronic self-selection process related to the restricted distribution medical product on the controller, wherein the electronic self-selection includes an algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the restricted distribution medical product and (2) information provided by a purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting, that outweighs the risks associated with not starting, treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; controlling the vending machine, via the controller, to dispense a first sales unit of the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner when the purchaser successfully completes the electronic self-selection process for an initial purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; controlling the vending machine, via the controller, not to dispense the first sales unit of the restricted distribution medical product when the purchaser does not successfully completes the electronic self-selection process; storing an electronic de-selection process including an algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on the controller, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue, that outweighs the risks associated with not continuing, treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; unsuccessfully performing by the purchaser through the vending machine, an electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; and denying by the controller based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without intervention between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process.
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29. A method of dispensing a restricted distribution medical product from a vending machine in a general sales location, comprising:
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accepting a purchase request at the vending machine from a purchaser for a restricted distribution medical product; accessing a dispensing process of the vending machine for the restricted distribution medical product, wherein the dispensing process stores an electronic self-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product, and requires the purchaser to input an answer to each of a plurality of questions, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the restricted distribution medical product and (2) information provided by the purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and biometric data being representative of one or more physiological conditions of the purchaser, and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting, that outweighs the risks associated with not starting, treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; dispensing the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner based, at least in part, on the biometric data and answers input by the purchaser; accessing a second or subsequent dispensing process of the vending machine for the restricted distribution medical product, wherein the dispensing process stores an electronic de-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on the controller, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue, that outweighs the risks associated with not continuing, treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; unsuccessfully performing through the vending machine, an electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; and denying by the vending machine based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without intervention between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process.
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30. A method of switching a prescription medical product to a non-prescription, restricted distribution medical product and dispensing same, comprising:
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selecting a medical product having a prescription status; developing a set of initial dispensing criteria for the medical product, the set of initial dispensing criteria being sufficient so that a responsible regulatory agency approves a change in status of the medical product to a non-prescription status for restricted distribution; developing a set of product specific and purchaser specific self-selection questions based on the set of initial dispensing criteria; arranging the set of self-selection questions into an electronic self-selection process having an electronic self-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on a controller of a vending machine, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the medical product and (2) information provided by a purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting, that outweighs the risks associated with not starting, treatment with the medical product; controlling the vending machine, via the controller, to dispense a first sales unit of the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when a purchaser successfully completes the electronic self-selection process and not to dispense the first sales unit of the restricted distribution medical product when the purchaser does not successfully completes the electronic self-selection process; arranging the set of de-selection questions into an electronic de-selection process having a de-selection algorithm related to the restricted distribution medical product on the controller, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue, that outweighs the risks associated with not continuing, treatment with the restricted distribution medical product; unsuccessfully performing through the vending machine, an electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; and denying by the vending machine based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without intervention between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process.
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31. A restricted distribution medical product dispensing system, comprising:
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a vending machine defining a storage space, the storage space being configured to receive one or more restricted distribution medical products and one or more unrestricted distribution medical products therein; one or more person-machine-interface devices; a controller in communication with the vending machine and the one or more interface devices; the controller configured to store an electronic self-selection process for each of the restricted distribution medical products in the storage space, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the medical product and (2) information provided by a potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not starting treatment, wherein the controller is configured, upon selection of the restricted distribution medical product by the potential purchaser via the one or more interface devices, to determine whether the selection of the particular restricted distribution medical product is a first request or a second or subsequent request for the restricted distribution medical product, wherein the controller is configured to require the potential purchaser to complete the electronic self-selection process for the first request, wherein the controller is configured to dispense the restricted distribution medical product without interaction between the potential purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the potential purchaser successfully completes the electronic self-selection process, and wherein the controller is configured not to dispense the restricted distribution medical product should the potential purchaser not successfully complete the electronic self-selection process; the controller configured to store an electronic de-selection algorithm for each of the restricted distribution medical products in the storage space, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the restricted distribution medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not continuing treatment; the controller configured to receive input of an unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process according to the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; and the controller, based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection process, configured to deny the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without intervention between the potential purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the potential purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process.
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32. A method of switching a behind-the-counter medical product to non-prescription, restricted distribution medical product and the dispensing of same, comprising:
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selecting a medical product having a behind-the-counter status; developing a set of initial dispensing criteria for the medical product, the set of initial dispensing criteria being sufficient so that a responsible regulatory agency approves a change in status of the medical product to nonprescription status for restricted distribution; developing a set of self-selection questions based on the set of initial dispensing criteria; arranging the set of self-selection questions into an electronic self-selection algorithm on a controller connected to a machine interface device of a vending machine, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm evaluates (1) information identified by a governmental agency and included on the label of the restricted distribution medical product and (2) information provided by a purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition including areas of critical interest related to the purchaser'"'"'s medical history and signs and symptoms of the condition to be treated and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not starting treatment; controlling the vending machine, via the controller, to dispense a first sales unit of the restricted distribution medical product, without interaction between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when a purchaser successfully completes the electronic self-selection process; controlling the vending machine, via the controller, not to dispense the first sales unit of the restricted distribution medical product should the purchaser not successfully complete the electronic self-selection process; storing an electronic de-selection algorithm on the controller for the restricted distribution medical product, wherein the electronic de-selection algorithm evaluates (1) updated information provided by the purchaser relating to the purchaser'"'"'s medical condition updated to the present including different areas of critical interest from that of the electronic self-selection algorithm and (2) past use of the medical product and, based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit to continue treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risks associated with not continuing treatment; unsuccessfully performing through the controller, the electronic de-selection algorithm, for a second or subsequent purchase request for the restricted distribution medical product; and denying by the controller based on the unsuccessfully performed electronic de-selection algorithm, the second or subsequent purchase request of the restricted distribution medical product, without intervention between the purchaser and a licensed practitioner, when the purchaser failed to successfully complete the electronic de-selection process.
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Specification