Augmentation system for documentation

• US 7,447,988 B2
• Filed: 05/09/2001
• Issued: 11/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gary E. Ross
• Original Assignee: Gary E. Ross
• Inventors: Ross, Gary E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hong; Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hillery; Nathan
• Application Number:
  US09/852,447
• Publication Number:
  US 20010042080A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,736 Days
• Field of Search: 715/530, 715/531, 715/532
• US Class Current: 715/221
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided a documentation system including an augmenting mechanism that elicits more accurate conclusions through the analysis of entered information and predetermined criteria. The present invention also provides for a method of documentation based upon the augmenting mechanism and a method of augmenting to calculate more accurate conclusions based upon all entered information and related predetermined criteria. Additionally, the present invention includes a software program for operating the documentation system and method for the operation of the augmenting mechanism. The present invention provides for a computerized documentation entry system for determining more accurate conclusions including a software program having an augmenting mechanism and a graphic user interface for displaying, accessing and interacting with users of the documentation system. Preferably, the present invention is directed towards a system, software program, and method for accurately and completely determining payment reimbursement in the health care field.

Claims

1. A clinician documentation method for use with an electronic processing device to better support and define a medical diagnosis as needed for appropriate DRG (Diagnosis Related Group) assignment comprising the steps of:

navigating through an information prompting form relevant to a patient encounter and inputting patient data therein;

displaying previously entered information and corresponding conclusions;

selecting the desired information and corresponding conclusions to be augmented;

providing at least one of alternative conclusions and criteria not previously input to be inputted;

choosing at least one of the previously entered information, corresponding conclusions, alternative conclusions, and criteria not previously input;

calculating accurate conclusions based upon all entered information and related predetermined criteria;

repeating said navigating, displaying, selecting, providing, choosing, and calculating steps for at least a second information prompting form;

recording and saving the calculated conclusions;

summarizing all entered data; and

providing an appropriate DRG assignment for the patient.