Patent ID: 6021392
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: A61J,G06Q,G16H

Abstract:
A system for drug distribution comprising:a package containing at least one drug, said package further including information thereon relative to said drug;a computer at a health care provider, said computer adapted for storing said drug information and maintaining drug counts;an automated drug dispensing machine at a location at the health care provider, said automated drug dispensing machine in electronic communication with said computer;one or more drug information collection units adapted to obtain drug information from said package, said drug information collection units adapted to communicate the drug information to said computer;whereas said system, including said computer, said automated drug dispensing machine, and said drug information collection units, records drugs received by said health care provider, records drugs dispensed to patients at said health care provider, and records an ongoing inventory of drugs stored at said health care provider;wherein said automated drug dispensing machine comprises a cabinet including a plurality of drawers with pockets wherein each pocket holds a particular type of drug and wherein said cabinet electronically controls access to each of said drawers.